Stillwater MN Passport Guide: First-Time, Renewal, Facilities

Getting a Passport in Stillwater, MN

Stillwater, in Washington County, Minnesota, draws residents who travel internationally via the nearby Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), just 30-40 minutes south. Demand spikes in spring/summer for vacations, winter for escapes, and around school calendars due to the University of Minnesota's influence. Unexpected needs like family emergencies or job relocations add pressure. Local acceptance facilities book up quickly—plan ahead to sidestep delays from photo issues, missing docs, or peak-season backlogs. This guide details first-time, renewal, and replacement processes with Stillwater-focused tips, checklists, and pitfalls.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Pick the right path upfront to prevent wasted trips or mail returns. Use the State Department's Passport Application Wizard for confirmation.[1]

• First-Time (DS-11): Never had a passport, last one issued before age 16, over 15 years old, damaged, or name changed without docs. Requires in-person visit.[1]

• Renewal (DS-82): Valid passport issued at 16+, less than 15 years old, undamaged. Mail it—no in-person needed. Stillwater locals often err by showing up with DS-11.[1]

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged (Replacement): Report online first; use DS-82 if eligible, otherwise DS-11.[1]

• Corrections/Name Changes: DS-5504 by mail if passport valid or expired <1 year; else DS-11.[1]

• Minors Under 16: Always DS-11 in person with both parents/guardians (or notarized consent).[1]

Decision Tip: If mailing your old passport works, renew—saves time. Otherwise, DS-11 at a facility.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only—no scans or copies for core proofs. Pitfall: Short-form birth certificates or hospital "footprints" get rejected; get long-form.

d. | | Minors Extra | DS-3053 consent if one parent absent; both IDs.[1] | N/A. |

Minnesota birth certificates: Order from MN Dept. of Health Vital Records—1-2 weeks processing.[4] Pay fees separately: check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" (application), facility (execution).

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% of local rejections stem from photos. Must be: 2x2", recent color, white/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8" tall, neutral expression, even light—no smiles, shadows, glasses (medical exception ok), hats (religious only), or filters.[2]

Local Options: Walgreens (5901 Stillwater Blvd N) or CVS in Stillwater—$15-17, quick service.[5] Pharmacies validate specs on-site.

Pro Tip: Use State Dept. Photo Tool for digital check before printing. Home prints fail on sizing/quality.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Stillwater

All listed require appointments—no walk-ins to ensure smooth processing. Book via phone or USPS Locator; slots vanish in peaks (Mar-Jun, Nov-Dec).[1] Facilities witness your signature, review docs, take oath, collect fees, seal, and forward to State Dept.—no on-site issuance. Expect 20-45 min; arrive early with organized folder.

• Stillwater Post Office (1111 S 4th St, Stillwater, MN 55082): Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, by appointment. (651) 439-2036.[6]

• Washington County Service Center (14900 61st St N, Stillwater, MN 55082): Clerk handles DS-11; call (651) 430-6001 for appts/hours.[7]

Nearby (10-15 min drive):

• Oak Park Heights Post Office (5720 Nova Rd, Oak Park Heights, MN 55043). Call USPS locator.[6]

Twin Cities (20-40 min to MSP area): St. Paul main PO or county offices—more slots but traffic-heavy.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or Child Passport

1. Prep Form: Fill DS-11 at pptform.state.gov—print unsigned.[1]
2. Collect Docs: Citizenship original + photocopy ID; minors add consent.[1]
3. Photo: Get validated 2x2".[2]
4. Fees Ready: Two checks; optional expedited trackable envelope (+$21.36).[3]
5. Book Appt: Call 4-6 weeks ahead; confirm requirements.
6. Attend: Agent verifies, you sign/oath; get receipt. Track at passportstatus.state.gov.[1]
7. Monitor: Routine 6-8 wks; status up

dates after 1 wk.

What to Expect: Busy mornings; agent double-checks originals (return later).

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewal or Replacement by Mail

1. Verify Eligibility: Old passport qualifies? Use wizard.[1]
2. Fill DS-82: Online/print; tape old passport shut.[1]
3. Add Photo/Fees: 2x2" stapled; money order to "U.S. Dept of State."
4. Mail: Routine/Expedited: Natl Passport Processing Ctr, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[1]
5. Track: After 7-10 days online.[1]

Pitfall: Don't mail DS-11—returns delay 4+ wks.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks total (mail in/out).[1]
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).[1]
• Urgent (Travel <14 days): Regional agency (Chicago, ~4 hrs drive); life/death emergencies only.[1]

MN peaks (MSP's 500k+ intl departures/yr) cause surges—apply 9-13 wks early. No guarantees; check current times.[1] Airlines enforce 6-mo validity.

Special Considerations for Minnesota Residents

• Minors: Dual parental presence or DS-3053 notarized (Washington County libraries/courts offer notaries).[1]
• Students: Coordinate J-1/USTA visas with UMN intl office.
• Birth Certs: Pre-1900 from county recorder; post via state.[4]
• Urgent: Verify airline 72-hr policy; no local expedites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Renewal at Stillwater PO? No—mail DS-82 if eligible; PO does DS-11 only.[1]

Birth cert in Washington County? MN Vital Records; county for old records.[4]

No appt slots? Nearby USPS/counties; book 4-6 wks early—no walk-ins.[6]

Expedited <2 wks guaranteed? No, 2-3 wks avg; agencies for <14 days.[1]

Photo rejected? Glare/shadows common—retake, use tool.[2]

Expired passport for travel? No intl; U.S. carriers need valid.[1]

Child fees? $100 + $35; 5-yr validity.[3]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[3] U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[4] [Minnesota Department of Health - Vital Records](https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vit

alrecords/)
[5] USPS - Passport Photo Locations
[6] USPS Location Finder
[7] Washington County, MN - Services