Passport Application in Windom, MN: Local Facilities, Forms, Fees

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Windom, MN
Passport Application in Windom, MN: Local Facilities, Forms, Fees

Getting a Passport in Windom, Minnesota

Windom residents in Cottonwood County, Minnesota, frequently apply for passports for international business, family trips to Europe or Mexico, study abroad, or exchange programs. Demand peaks in spring/summer for tourism and winter for warmer escapes or emergencies, straining local facilities. Common pitfalls—photo rejections (wrong size/lighting), signing DS-11 early, incomplete minor forms, or renewal ineligibility—delay 30-40% of apps. Plan 8-10 weeks ahead per U.S. Department of State guidelines (1).

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use this decision guide to pick DS-11 (in-person new/child) vs. DS-82 (mail renewal):

Situation Form In-Person? Key Eligibility/Notes
First-time or issued <16 years ago DS-11 Yes Both parents for minors under 16 (2)
Renewal: Issued ≥16 years old, <15 years ago, undamaged/U.S. address DS-82 No (mail) Common mistake: Old child passports ineligible—treat as new (3)
Lost/stolen/damaged DS-64 report + DS-11/82 Varies +$60 fee (4)
Name/gender change or add pages DS-82 (if eligible) No Proof required (marriage cert, court order) (5)
Child under 16 DS-11 Yes Consent if one parent absent (6)

Urgent (<14 days): In-person + itinerary; life-or-death (<3 days): Agency only. Minnesota peaks add delays—book early (1).

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Windom

No local passport agency (nearest: Minneapolis, ~3 hours). Use these Cottonwood County-area spots for DS-11; book via phone/USPS locator (7). $35 execution fee applies (+ State fees by check/money order).

  • Windom Post Office
    147 8th St, Windom, MN 56101
    (507) 831-3502
    Google Maps
    Appointments for first-time/minors/replacements.

Cottonwood County Recorder's Office
409 East Edwards Street, Windom, MN 56101
(507) 831-6207 (8)
Google Maps
DS-11 processing; also issues birth certificates.

Nearby (30-45 min drive):

  • Jackson Post Office: 200 S Hwy 71, Jackson, MN 56143 (507-847-2540) Google Maps
  • Worthington Post Office: 1121 4th Ave, Worthington, MN 56187 (507-372-2441) Google Maps

What to Expect: 15-30 min visit—agent verifies ID/docs, administers oath, you sign DS-11. Bring organized folder; kids need both parents.
Busy Times & Tips: Peaks (spring/summer/holidays) fill slots 4-6 weeks out. Avoid Mondays/noon; try early mornings/Tues-Thurs. Confirm services by phone.

Gather Required Documents and Proof of Citizenship

  1. Citizenship Proof: Original/certified birth certificate (Cottonwood Recorder or MN Vital Records (9)), naturalization cert, or old passport + color photocopy (1).
  2. ID: MN driver's license (name match required) + photocopy.
  3. Minors: Parents' IDs, DS-3053 consent if needed (6).
  4. Urgent: Itinerary.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Minnesota apps reject often on photos. Strict specs (10):

  • 2x2", head 1-1⅜" high.
  • White background, even light, no shadows/glare/hats (religious OK), recent/neutral.
    Local: Windom Walmart/CVS/Walgreens ($15-17). Avoid selfies—print fails specs.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications

  1. Fill DS-11 (black ink, don't sign yet) (2).
  2. Gather: Docs + copies, 2 photos, fees (State Dept payable separate).
  3. Book appt 4-6 weeks early.
  4. Attend: Present, sign before agent, pay.
  5. Track online (11).

Common Mistakes: Signing early, wrong book/card box, cash for State fees, mismatched names.
Timelines: Routine 6-8 weeks (+2-4 peaks); expedi

ted 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent: Call 1-877-487-2778.

Renewals: Mail Process for Eligible Applicants

DS-82 if qualified: Old passport + photo + $130 fee to National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (3). No execution fee. Ineligible? Use DS-11 locally.

Special Considerations for Minors and Urgent Travel

Minors: High local volume from exchanges—both parents or notarized DS-3053. No renewals under 16 (6).
Urgent: Winter spikes common; expedited ≠ same-day. Minneapolis agency for <14 days (proof req'd) (1).

Fees Summary Table

Service Application Fee Execution Fee Expedite 1-2 Day Urgent
Adult Book $130 $35 +$60 +$60 + travel
Adult Card $30 $35 +$60 N/A
Child Book $100 $35 +$60 +$60 + travel
Renewal (Mail) $130 $0 +$60 N/A (1)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Windom? No; agencies for urgent only (1).
3-week travel? Expedite + buffer (1).
Lost abroad? Embassy, then DS-64/new (4).
MN extra ID? No, DL OK (1).
Passport card for flights? No, land/sea only (12).
Photo reject? New app, new photos (10).
Child passport at 15? Reapply DS-11 (3).
Fast birth cert? Cottonwood Recorder or MN rush (9).

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of State - Passports
  2. U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
  3. [U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/p

assports/have-passport/renew.html)
4. U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen
5. U.S. Department of State - Change/Correct
6. U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
7. USPS Passport Locations
8. Cottonwood County Government
9. MN Department of Health - Vital Records
10. U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
11. U.S. Department of State - Application Status
12. U.S. Department of State - Passport Card

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