Oakdale MN Passport Guide: DS-11/DS-82 Forms, Post Office, Photos

Getting a Passport in Oakdale, MN

Oakdale, in Washington County, Minnesota, offers convenient access to passport acceptance facilities for residents traveling internationally—whether for business to Canada and Europe, summer tourism, winter escapes, student exchanges, or family emergencies. High demand during spring break, summer vacations, and holidays often fills appointments weeks ahead. Common pitfalls include photo rejections from Minnesota's variable lighting (shadows or glare), incomplete minor applications, and confusion between new applications (DS-11) and renewals (DS-82). This guide provides step-by-step details based on U.S. Department of State guidelines to streamline your process [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose the right form to avoid delays—Minnesota applicants often default to in-person new applications when mail-in renewals suffice.

• First-Time or Ineligible for Renewal (DS-11): Never had a passport, child under 16, previous passport issued before age 16 or over 15 years ago, damaged, or name change without documentation. Requires in-person appearance.
• Renewal (DS-82): Previous passport issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, and in current name (or prove change). Mail-in—no appointment needed, saving time for busy Oakdale professionals.
• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report via DS-64 (free, online/mail), then DS-11 or DS-82 based on eligibility.
• Child (under 16): Always DS-11 with both parents/guardians or notarized consent.
• Corrections/Name Changes: DS-5504 if under 1 year old; otherwise DS-82/DS-11.

Use the State Department's wizard at travel.state.gov/passport-help if unsure [2]. Tip: Check your old passport's issue date—many Minnesotans with 10+ year expirations must use DS-11.

Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Prepare fully to prevent rescheduling, especially for minors in high-volume Washington County. Common mistake: Using hospital birth certificates (invalid) [1].

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy): Minnesota birth certificate from health.state.mn.us or Washington County Vital Records (14900 61st St N, Stillwater—not for passports) [3][4]; Naturalization Certificate; prior passport.
2. Proof of Identity (original + photocopy): MN driver's license (REAL ID preferred), passport card, military ID. Secondary if names mismatch (e.g., Social Security card).
3. One 2x2-inch Photo: Taken within 6 months (details below) [1].
4. Form: DS-1

1 (unsigned until appointment) or DS-82 (signed) from travel.state.gov [1]. 5. Minors Under 16: Both parents' presence/IDs or DS-3053 notarized consent; parental proof. 6. Photocopies: Front/back of originals on plain paper. 7. Fees: See costs below.

MN tip: Rush birth certificates via VitalChek (2-4 weeks standard) [3]. Verify no shadows—local lighting issues reject 25%+ photos.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Pitfalls

Poor photos cause most rejections in Minnesota facilities. Specs [1]:

• 2x2 inches (head 1-1 3/8 inches).
• White/cream background, neutral face, eyes open, even lighting.
• No glasses (medical exception only), hats, uniforms, glare, shadows, or filters.

Oakdale options:

• CVS/Walgreens (e.g., 3700 Geneva Ave N): $15-17, preview available [5].
• Oakdale Post Office: Often on-site.
• AAA branches (member benefit).

Validate at travel.state.gov [2]. Pro tip: Use indoor natural light; avoid MN winter glare or summer sun.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Oakdale and Nearby

Oakdale's main facility is the Oakdale Post Office, popular for local families and business travelers. Book appointments via usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport&addressZip=55128—required, as walk-ins are rejected during peaks [6].

Static list of key spots (verify hours/acceptance online, as they change):

• Oakdale Post Office: 4287 Geneva Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128. Google Maps | Call 651-770-0429 [6].
• Lake Elmo Post Office (~5 miles): 801 Wedglake Blvd N, Lake Elmo, MN. Google Maps [6].
• Woodbury USPS (~7 miles): Search usps.com for exact [6].

Washington County Clerk (vital records only, no passports) [4]. Expect 15-30 minutes if prepared: Staff verify docs, administer oath, collect fees. Bring check/money order—no cards. Busiest: Mondays, mid-day, peak seasons (spring/summer/winter). Book early mornings mid-week; students apply 3-6 months ahead [1].

Application Process: Step-by-Step Checklist

For DS-11 (in-person):

1. Complete DS-11 online at travel.state.gov (print single-sided, unsigned) [1].

2. Book via usps.com (arrive 15 min early) [6].

3. Fees (separate payments):

   Applicant Type	Application Fee (State Dept Check)	Execution Fee (Facility)	Expedite
   Adult Book	$130

                          | $35                      | +$60    |
   

   | Adult Card | $30 | $35 | +$60 | | Child Book/Card | $100/$15 | $35 | +$60 |

4. At appointment: Present docs, sign DS-11, surrender old passport.

5. Track after 7-10 days at travel.state.gov/passportstatus [2].

6. Receive: Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60 + $21.36 return shipping).

DS-82 renewals: Mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1]. Common mistake: Signing DS-11 early (voids it).

Urgent (<14 days): Call 1-877-487-2778 for agencies (proof required, no local same-day) [1].

Processing Times and Expediting: Realistic Expectations

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). MN peaks (20%+ summer surge) add delays—apply 4-6 months early [1][7]. Track weekly [2]. No guarantees for urgents.

Special Cases for Minnesotans

• Minors: Both parents or DS-3053; vital for student trips [1].
• Name Changes: Decree + court order [1].
• Lost/Stolen: DS-64 first [1].
• Birth Certs: VitalChek rush ($60+) [3].
• Cards: Cheaper for Canada/Mexico land/sea.

Costs Breakdown

Photos: $15. Birth cert: $20-30 [3]. Shipping: $21.36 expedite. Exact payment only—no change [6].

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Oakdale? No; urgents need <14-day proof at agencies [1].
Routine vs. Expedited? 6-8 vs. 2-3 weeks (+$60); peaks delay both [1].
Oakdale Post Office Appointment? Yes, online only [6].
Expired 16+ years? DS-11 new [1].
Divorced Parents/Minor? Notarized DS-3053 or court order [1].
MN Birth Cert? health.state.mn.us or county [3][4].
Track? travel.state.gov after 7-10 days [2].
Passport Card for Europe? No, air needs book [1].

Sources

[1] Passports
[2] Passport Help & Services
[3] Minnesota Vital Records
[4] Washington County Vital Records
[5] USPS Passport Services
[6] USPS Location Finder
[7] [Passport Statistics](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-

Times

In Oakdale, MN, most public services follow standard business hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with closures on major holidays like Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Year's Day.

Practical clarity: Hours can vary by service type—administrative tasks often end earlier than public access windows. Use online calendars or recorded lines for real-time confirmation, as weather, events, or maintenance may cause short-notice changes.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Assuming uniform hours across all services; some extend to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, while others close at noon on Fridays.
• Showing up on county-observed holidays without checking—Oakdale aligns with Washington County schedules.
• Forgetting to account for lunch breaks (typically 12:00–1:00 p.m.), when walk-ins may be limited.

Decision guidance:

• Urgent needs: Visit early Tuesday–Thursday (8:00–10:00 a.m.) for shorter waits.
• Flexible scheduling: Opt for mid-week if possible; Mondays and Fridays see higher volumes.
• No weekend rush: Rare Saturday hours exist for select services—verify in advance to avoid wasted trips.
• If lines form, prioritize online appointments where available to secure a slot.