How to Get a Passport in Stacy, MN: Local Facilities & Tips

Getting a Passport in Stacy, MN

Stacy residents in Chisago County have convenient access to MSP airport for international flights—just 45-60 minutes away—but expect high demand from Twin Cities business travelers, UMN students, and seasonal tourists (peak spring/summer for Europe/Asia trips, fall/winter for Mexico/Caribbean escapes). This strains Chisago County and nearby facilities, leading to limited appointment slots during March-June and October-December. Common pitfalls include DIY photo rejections (wrong size, poor lighting, or busy backgrounds—use a professional service like a pharmacy kiosk for 2x2" specs on white background), incomplete minor applications (forgetting both parents' signatures or ID), and showing up without originals of birth certificates or citizenship proof.

Routine processing takes 6-8 weeks from submission (mail or in-person); expedited is 2-3 weeks with an extra $60 fee (add $21.36 for 1-2 day delivery if needed). For urgent travel under 4 weeks, consider expedited options early. Always plan 4-6 months ahead for peace of mind, and check travel.state.gov for the latest forms, fees (adult book $130 + $35 fee; child $100 + $35), and name change rules—requirements shift frequently.

Quick Decision Guide:

• Travel >6 months away? Routine service.
• 3-6 months? Start now, consider expedited.
• Under 3 months? Expedite immediately; life-or-death emergencies get priority (call 1-877-487-2778).

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Pick based on your situation to dodge rejections and delays—first-timers and minors can't mail it in.

Decision Guide:

• First-time adult (or lost/stolen/damaged): In-person only at a passport acceptance facility (post office, county clerk, library, or courthouse). Bring completed DS-11 (unsigned), photo, proof of citizenship (original birth cert + photo ID), and fees. Book appointments early via usps.com or county sites.
• Renewal (adult book <15 years old, issued at age 16+): Eligible to mail DS-82 to the National Passport Center if your name/ID matches—saves a trip but no expedited in-person option.
• Child under 16: Always in-person with DS-11; both parents/guardians must attend or provide notarized consent (DS-3053) + their IDs. Common mistake: Only one parent shows up.
• Urgent/name change/major errors: In-person with evidence; private expedite services for same-week if desperate (research fees/reviews).

Pro Tips to Avoid Rejections:

• Download/print forms from travel.state.gov—fill legibly, no erasures.
• Photos: Taken within 6 months, no selfies/glasses/selfies.
• Track status online after submission.
• Chisago County locals: Factor in 20-40 minute drives to facilities; call ahead for minor wait times vs. post office lines.

First-Time Passport

New applicants or those whose last passport was issued before age 16 must use DS-11 in person at an acceptance facility. Common error: Attempting mail for first-timers.

Decision Tree:

• Never had a passport? → DS-11, in person.
• Child passport expired (issued <16)? → DS-11, in person.
• Eligible for mail? → DS-82 (see below).

Stacy Tips: Book early—rural spots fill fast. Gather: certified birth certificate (long-form for MN births), photo ID, 2x2" photo (pro from CVS/Forest Lake; DIY often fails glare test). Kids: Both parents or DS-3053 consent.

Renewal

DS-82 by mail if: 16+, passport issued <15 years ago, undamaged/in possession. Skip facilities; faster (4-6 weeks). Mistake: Unnecessary in-person trips.

Replacement

Lost/stolen/damaged: DS-64 report + DS-11 (in person if ineligible for DS-82).

Download unsigned forms at travel.state.gov/forms. Sign only before agent.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Stacy, MN

Stacy has no city hall service; use these verified nearby spots (Chisago County focus). Call for appointments, hours, and passport confirmation—slots scarce in peaks. Last verified: October 2023; check USPS locator or State Dept locator for updates.

• Stacy Post Office (16450 260th St, Stacy, MN 55079): Primary local option. Phone: (651) 462-4912. Walk-ins limited; book ahead. Maps.
• Chisago City Clerk (520 Main St, Chisago City, MN 55013; ~10 mi): County weekdays. Phone: Confirm via county (651-213-8500). Maps.
• Rush City Post Office (325 S Fulton St, Rush City, MN 55069; ~15 mi): Appointments needed. Phone: (320) 358-4451 (standard PO line). Maps.
• Chisago County Auditor-Treasurer (6368 Lake Blvd E, Chisago City, MN 55013; ~10 mi): Some docs; verify passports. Phone: (651) 213-8500. Maps.

If booked, try Forest Lake/Cambridge POs (20-30 min). MSP overflow common. Arrive 15 min early with docs/fees. Expect 20-30 min: Review, oath, seal (no same-day passport). Bring check for State Dept ($130 adult book), cash/check for $35 execution. Expedited on-site (+$60). Avoid peaks (Mon mid-day, summer/holidays).

View facilities on map

Required Documents Checklist

Originals required (photocopy extras). Chisago births: Long-form from Recorder (651-213-8550) or MN Vital Records.

1. Form: DS-11/DS-82 (unsigned).
2. Citizenship: Birth cert/naturalization/prior passport + copy.
3. ID: MN DL + copy (name change: Marriage cert).
4. Photo: 2x2" compliant.
5. Fees: See table.
6. Minors: Both parents/DS-3053 + IDs.
7. Book appt; submit in-person.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25%+ rejections from poor specs: 2x2", 1-1⅜" head, white background, no glare/shadows/glasses (recent 6 mo). MN indoor light tricky—use Walgreens/Forest Lake ($15). Check photo tool.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• Urgent: <14 days, Chicago agency appt only ($219+, itinerary/life-or-death proof).

MN peaks (spring break, summer, holidays) add 20% delays; UMN/business rushes common. Track after 7-10 days at travel.state.gov. Renewals by mail: 4-6 weeks.

Special Cases for Minnesotans

• Minors: Both parents essential; school breaks surge.
• Name changes: County marriage cert.
• Lost: DS-64 immediate.
• Business: Expedite standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Renew by mail from Stacy? Yes, DS-82 if eligible—no facility needed (forms).

Birth cert? Chisago Recorder (651-213-8550); long-form only.

Expedited vs urgent? Expedited: Anywhere, 2-3 weeks. Urgent: Agency, proof required (details).

Photo rejected? Pro redo; MN glare common (specs).

Stacy PO appt? Yes, call (651) 462-4912 (USPS).

Child during breaks? 8+ weeks; both parents.

Track status? Yes, post-7 days (tracker).

3-week vacation? Expedite risky in peaks.

Final Tips for Stacy Residents

Photocopy docs twice. Agents assist—stay organized. Chisago calls early. MSP flights await, but delays disrupt.

Sources

[1]: U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2]: Apply In Person
[3]: Forms
[4]: Facility Locator
[5]: USPS Passports
[6]: MN Vital Records
[7]: Photo Requirements