Ballwin MO Passport Guide: DS-11 vs DS-82, Fees, Local Spots

Getting a Passport in Ballwin, Missouri

Ballwin residents in St. Louis County often need passports for trips from St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), including business travel, European vacations, Caribbean cruises, or escapes to Florida. Demand peaks March-August for summer travel and student programs at Washington University or Saint Louis University, plus December holidays—leading to 2-4 week waits at local post offices. Missouri's seasonal surges exacerbate issues like photo rejections (25%+ rate), incomplete minor consents, or form errors, delaying processing by 4-6 weeks. This guide uses U.S. Department of State data to help you decide DS-11 (in-person) vs. DS-82 (mail), avoid pitfalls, and navigate local options—verify travel.state.gov for updates, as routine times can stretch to 10+ weeks in peaks.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Start with the State Department Passport Wizard to select DS-11 or DS-82—wrong choice triggers full redo (adds 4-6 weeks). Key factors: first-time/minor status, passport age/condition, name changes.

Decision Table: DS-11 vs. DS-82

*If eligible, damaged passports still need DS-11 despite DS-64 filing.

Routine processing: 4-6 weeks (check passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days). Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks. Urgent (14 days travel, proof required): Passport agency appointment only (call 1-877-487-2778).

Ballwin Tips: Use USPS Passport Locator or State Dept Locator—filter by ZIP 63021; book via linked scheduler (peaks book 4 weeks out). Arrive 15 min early with originals, photocopies, separated fees. Expect 20-45 min: agent verifies ID, witnesses oath, seals envelope.

**Top Pitfalls**:

Signing DS-11 early (voids form).

• Photocopies for citizenship proof (originals only; returned post-verification).
• Non-compliant photos (use State Photo Tool).
• Assuming walk-ins (rarely available).

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals + photocopies (front/back, 8.5x11, legible). Agent returns originals.

Universal Requirements:

• Citizenship: Certified U.S. birth certificate (full form, not abstract/souvenir), naturalization cert, or old passport. Ballwin/St. Louis births: Order certified copy from Missouri Vital Records (Jefferson City; 2-4 weeks standard, +$15 expedited) or St. Louis County Recorder (314-615-4981).
• ID: Missouri driver's license (REAL ID ideal), passport card, military ID—must match application name exactly.
• Photo: One 2x2" color (6 months recent, white background, 1-1⅜" head size, no glasses/selfies).
• Forms: DS-11 (unsigned until agent), DS-82 (signed).

Minors <16: Both parents/guardians or notarized DS-3053 + court docs if sole custody. Child present with ID/relationship proof.

What to Expect: Agent cross-checks docs (5-10 min), administers oath, collects fees—rejections rare if prepped.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25%+ apps fail here. Specs: 2x2", color, even lighting, neutral expression, white/off-white background, head 1-1⅜" from chin to crown. Glasses only for medical (letter required); no uniforms/hats.

Check with State Photo Tool before submitting.

Local Ballwin Options (confirm services):

• CVS Pharmacy (15409 Manchester Rd).
• Walgreens (710 Hilltown Village Center Dr).
• Avoid facilities for photos—many lack service; pros charge $15-20.

DIY tip: Use template + natural light, but measure precisely—shadows/glare doom apps.

Fees (as of late 2024; verify travel.state.gov)

              | $35                      | Card $15, Expedited $60, Overnight $21.36 |

| Replacement (Lost/Stolen) | Varies (base above) | Varies | DS-64 free |

Execution: Check/money order (facility); application separate. No personal checks for app fee.

Where to Apply in Ballwin and Nearby

No agencies in Ballwin (no expedited/same-day); acceptance facilities handle DS-11 witness/DS-82 drop-off, forward to National Passport Center (4-6 weeks).

Book via USPS Appointment Tool or locator—search ZIP 63021, click location for direct booking/phone.

Key Facilities (phone ahead; Mon-Fri typical):

• Ballwin Post Office (1420 Kehrs Mill Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021; 636-256-4084).
• Manchester Post Office (395 Woods Mill Rd, Manchester, MO 63011).
• Ellisville Post Office (1343 Kehrs Mill Rd, Ellisville, MO 63021).
• St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds (41 S Central Ave, Clayton, MO 63105; 314-615-4981; rod.stlouiscountymo.gov/passports).

Pro Tips: Weekday mornings shortest lines (avoid Mondays/noon). Bring extras: 2 photos, duplicate copies. For 14-day urgents (plane ticket + death cert proof): Nearest agencies—Chicago or Kansas City (book at travel.state.gov/passport-agencies).

Interactive Map.

Processing Times and Tracking

• Routine: 4-6 weeks (mail from facility ~1 week).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60, blue envelope).
• Urgent: Agencies (14 days travel) or life/death (3 days); +delivery fees.

STL-area peaks add 1-2 weeks. Track free at passportstatus.state.gov (need app control # from receipt).

Step-by-Step Checklist: First-Time/In-Person/Minors/Replacements (DS-11)

1. Run Wizard → Print DS-11 (unsigned); file DS-64 if lost.
2. Secure birth cert (health.mo.gov).
3. Get photo + verify with tool.
4. Prep ID, photocopies, separated fees/checks.
5. Book appointment (USPS/State links).
6. Arrive early: Agent signs/witnesses.
7. Track 7-10 days post-submit.

Minors Extra: DS-3053 notarized; both parents.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Renewals (DS-82 Mail)

1. Confirm eligibility (old passport in hand, <15 years).
2. New photo + old passport.
3. Complete/sign DS-82; add name docs if changed.
4. Fees/che

ck to "U.S. Department of State"; photocopies. 5. Mail to form address (USPS Priority recommended). 6. Track online.

Common Pitfalls and Fixes

Local: St. Louis County Recorder faster for births; STL traffic adds 20-30 min to Clayton.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Ballwin?
No—facilities forward apps (4-6 weeks min). Agencies for proven urgents only.

Renewing a child's passport?
Under 16: Always DS-11 in-person.

Expedited for non-emergency?
Yes (+$60, anywhere); urgent agencies need 14-day proof.

Missouri birth cert where?
Certified from health.mo.gov or county recorder.

Ballwin PO walk-in?
Rare; book at tools.usps.com.

Lost passport abroad?
U.S. embassy for emergency; DS-64/DS-11 on return.

Passport card OK for flights?
No—land/sea only (Canada/Mexico/Caribbean).

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/need-passport
[2] travel.state.gov/apply-in-person
[3] travel.state.gov/renew
[4] travel.state.gov/lost-stolen
[5] travel.state.gov/citizenship-evidence
[6] health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords
[7] dor.mo.gov/real-id
[8] travel.state.gov/photos
[9] usps.com/international/passports
[10] rod.stlouiscountymo.gov/passports
[11] iafdb.travel.state.gov
[12] travel.state.gov/passport-agencies
[13] travel.state.gov/get-fast
[14] passportstatus.state.gov