Pine Island, MN Passport Guide: Forms, Fees, Local Facilities

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Pine Island, MN
Pine Island, MN Passport Guide: Forms, Fees, Local Facilities

Getting a Passport in Pine Island, Minnesota

Pine Island, in Goodhue County, offers access to passport services via the local post office and nearby facilities in Zumbrota and Red Wing. Demand peaks in spring/summer for vacations and winter breaks, plus student exchanges—plan ahead to avoid delays. Processing: routine 6-8 weeks (add buffer during peaks), expedited 2-3 weeks ($60+ extra), urgent (within 14 days) only at agencies like Minneapolis (proof of travel required; call 1-877-487-2778). Use this guide, based on U.S. Department of State rules, to choose services, avoid errors like wrong forms or bad photos, and track progress.[1]

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Use this table to match your situation and avoid application errors. For Pine Island, MN residents, note that mail-in renewals save a trip (ideal for rural areas), but in-person requires a passport acceptance facility—plan for 30-60 minute drives to nearby options via USPS locator (tools.usps.com/find-location.htm). Always verify eligibility first to prevent delays.

Situation Form Method Key Requirements Practical Notes
First-time applicant, child <16, expired >15 yrs, major name change >1 yr (e.g., marriage/divorce not recently updated) DS-11 In-person at facility Original citizenship proof (birth cert/long-form preferred; hospital short-form often rejected), valid photo ID (driver's license ok), 2x2 photos (recent, neutral background), fees; child signs if able, adult signs on-site only Bring photocopies of all docs; photos from CVS/Walgreens common—avoid selfies/home prints (glare/rejection risk). Expect 10-15 min interview.
Eligible renewal (issued <15 yrs ago when ≥16, adult 10-yr passport, submitted from outside US ok if criteria met) DS-82 Mail to address on form Old passport, new photo, check/money order; no ID/proof needed if passport undamaged Simplest/cheapest; track mail both ways. Ineligible? See DS-11. MN processing: 6-8 wks routine, 2-3 wks expedited (+$60).
Lost/stolen (valid/undamaged passport reported) DS-82 + DS-64 Mail DS-64 report (online printable), old passport if recovered, photo, fee DS-64 optional but speeds replacement; police report helps if stolen (not required). Mail securely.
Damaged/expired & lost (unusable passport) DS-11 In-person Full proofs like first-time: citizenship, ID, photos; explain damage "Damaged" = water marks, tears, etc.—inspect passport first. No salvage? Treat as new app.
Child <16 (renewal or new) DS-11 In-person Both parents/guardians present or notarized DS-3053 consent from absent one; child's ID if any; proofs for all Notary at bank/post office (~$5); DS-3053 must match names exactly. Common for MN farm families—plan dual parent visit.

Decision Guidance:

  1. Have a valid passport? Check issue date/age at time—yes → DS-82 row. No/major change → DS-11.
  2. Minor involved? Always DS-11 in-person.
  3. Lost/damaged? Prioritize DS-64/DS-11 if urgent.
    Use official wizard for confirmation: https://pptform.state.gov/. Print exact forms from travel.state.gov.

Common Mistakes & Fixes:

  • Using DS-82 for first-timers/minors/name changes → instant rejection, 4-6 wk return (fix: switch to DS-11).
  • Wrong photo (wrong size/old/smiling) → 30% rejection rate; use pro service.
  • Incomplete child consent → delays; get DS-3053 notarized ahead.
  • Mailing without tracking → lost apps; use USPS Priority with insurance.
    Pro tip: Apply 4-6 months before travel; MN summer rush adds 1-2 wks.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

  1. Fill DS-11 online (https://pptform.state.gov/); don't sign yet. Black ink.[2]
  2. Citizenship: Original certified birth cert (Goodhue County Recorder or MN Vital Records) + photocopy.[6]
  3. ID: Driver's license + photocopy front/back.[1]
  4. Two 2x2 photos (specs below).[7]
  5. Minors: Both parents, DS-3053 if absent, relationship proof.[5]
  6. Fees: $130/$100 app fee (check to State Dept.), $35 execution (to facility).[8]
  7. Book facility (details below); arrive early, sign on-site, get receipt.
  8. Track after 7-10 days: https://passportstatus.state.gov.[1]

Expect 15-45 min: Agent verifies docs, oaths you, seals app. No on-site passports.

Checklist for Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

  1. Confirm eligibility.[3]
  2. Fill/sign DS-82 (https://pptform.state.gov/).[3]
  3. Include old passport (top), one photo, $130 check.[8]
  4. Mail Priority USPS to Natl Passport Processing Ctr, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia PA 19190-0155.[1]
  5. Track mailing + status site.

MN winters can slow mail—add tracking/expedite.

Passport Photos: Avoiding Rejections

20-30% apps rejected for photos.[7] Must: 2x2", head 1-1⅜" tall, white background, neutral face, no shadows/glasses/selfies. Template: https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/passports/Photos/4x6-Photo-Template.pdf. Local: CVS/Walgreens (Zumbrota/Red Wing), USPS ($15)—they guarantee compliance.[7][11]

Fees and Payment Details

Service Application Fee (to State Dept, check/money order) Execution Fee (to facility) Expedite Fee (add for 2-3 week processing) Overnight Return Shipping
Adult Passport Book $130 $35 (in-person only; no mail-in) $60 $21.36
Child Passport Book (<16, valid 5 years) $100 $35 $60 $21.36
Passport Card Only (land/sea to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean; domestic flights) $30 (first-time) / $50 (renewal) $35 $60 N/A

Key Guidance for Pine Island, MN Area:

  • Always use two separate payments: Application fee to "U.S. Department of State" (check or money order—no cash/cards); execution fee to the facility (check, cash, or card where accepted).
  • Common mistakes to avoid: Bringing one check (will delay you), assuming all facilities take cards (many MN post offices prefer cash/check for execution), forgetting photo requirements (2x2" color photo needed), or applying for card only if planning air international travel (cards won't work).
  • Decision tips: Choose book for most international trips (visa pages needed); card for budget-friendly Canada/Mexico drives/ferries. Expedite if travel <6 weeks away (call State Dept first to confirm eligibility). Child passports require both parents' presence or notarized consent. Call local acceptance facilities ahead to verify hours, payment options, appointments, and walk-in policies—many in rural MN areas like Pine Island require them.
  • Fees are federal standards; no local surcharges expected, but verify current rates via official sources as they can change.

Local Application Tips for Pine Island Residents

Birth certs: Order certified from Goodhue County Recorder (https://www.co.goodhue.mn.us/199/Recorder) or MN Vital Records (https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords)—rush 1-2 days.[6][10] Peaks (summer/holidays): Book 4-6 weeks early; Mondays/midday busiest. Students: Check St. Olaf group sessions (45 min). Common pitfalls: No photocopies, hospital birth certs (not certified), expired ID. For urgent: Prove itinerary at agency—no local option.

Expedited Decision Tree:

  • 8 wks needed: Standard.

  • 3-8 wks: Expedite at facility/mail.
  • <14 days: Agency appt + travel proof (avoid if possible—peaks prioritize emergencies).

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Pine Island

State-authorized sites (post offices/county offices) handle DS-11; check real-time via Passport Acceptance Facility Locator (enter ZIP 55963 for Pine Island results).[9]

  • Pine Island Post Office: 106 4th St SE, Pine Island, MN. Phone: 507-356-4521. Call/book ahead—limited slots.[9] Google Maps
  • Zumbrota Post Office: 10-15 min drive. Google Maps Locator
  • Red Wing Post Office: 20-25 min drive. Google Maps
  • Goodhue County Recorder: 509 W 5th St, Red Wing (20-25 min)—birth certs too. Google Maps.[10]

Tips: Appointments preferred; arrive with all docs. Walk-ins rare in peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew at Pine Island Post Office? No—DS-82 mails; they do DS-11.[3][9]

Summer timelines in MN? 6-8 wks routine +2-4 peak buffer.[1]

Child's absent parent? Notarized DS-3053 + their ID copy.[5]

Lost passport quick fix? DS-64 report + DS-82/11; expedite/urgent as needed.[4]

Passport card for air travel? No—land/sea Canada/Mexico only.[1]

Goodhue birth cert? County Recorder or MN Health—certified originals.[6][10]

Track immediately? Wait 7-10 days for receipt #.[1]

Appointments required? Most yes—locator/call confirms.[9]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Passport Forms
[3] Renew by Mail
[4] Lost/Stolen Passports
[5] Children Under 16
[6] Minnesota Vital Records
[7] Passport Photo Requirements
[8] Passport Fees
[9] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[10] Goodhue County Recorder
[11] USPS Passports

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations