Getting a Passport in Concord, MO: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a Passport in Concord, MO

Residents of Concord, Missouri, in St. Louis County, often need passports for flights from nearby St. Louis Lambert International Airport to Europe, Latin America, or family visits abroad. Demand peaks in spring/summer for vacations and winter for holidays or student exchanges. Last-minute needs arise from emergencies or job opportunities, but facilities book up fast—plan 4-6 weeks ahead to avoid delays. Common pitfalls include ineligible renewals forcing in-person trips, rejected photos from poor sizing/lighting, and missing minor consents. This guide uses U.S. Department of State data to streamline your process [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose DS-11 (in-person) or DS-82 (mail renewal) based on eligibility—many Missourians default to in-person unnecessarily.

• DS-11 (First-Time, Minors, Most Replacements): Use if no prior passport, previous one issued before age 16, over 15 years old, damaged, lost/stolen, or name changed without docs. Requires in-person oath at a facility [1].

• DS-82 (Renewal by Mail): Eligible if passport issued at 16+, undamaged, within 15 years, and in current name. Faster/cheaper for qualifiers—skip the facility line [1].

• Lost/Stolen: Report via DS-64 online first, then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11 [1].

Use the State Department's wizard for confirmation [2]. Minors under 16 always need DS-11 with both parents.

Required Documents and Forms

Bring originals only—photocopies of ID/citizenship required separately. St. Louis County rejections spike from incomplete minor apps or mismatched names.

All Applicants:

• U.S. citizenship proof: Original birth certificate (certified, raised seal), naturalization cert, or old passport.
• Photo ID: Driver's license (matching citizenship name exactly), military ID.
• Photocopies: Front/back of ID and citizenship on white paper.
• One 2x2-inch photo (specs below).
• Forms: DS-11/DS-82/DS-64 [1].
• Fees: Two separate checks/money orders—application to State Dept., execution ($35) to facility. Adult book: $130; minor: $100. Expedited +$60 [1].

Minors:

• Both parents/guardians present or DS-3053 notarized consent + ID copy from absent one.
• Parents' IDs and relationship proof (birth cert) [1].

Name Changes: Court order, marriage/divorce decree [1].

Download from travel.state.gov; don't sign DS-11 early. Order Missouri birth certs via health.mo.gov if lost [3].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Reject

ions

40% of rejections stem from photos. Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral face, white/off-white background, no glasses (unless medical note), within 6 months, no edits [5].

Tips for Success:

• Professional spots near Concord: Walmart/CVS/UPS in Oakville/Mehlville—$15-17.
• Home pitfalls: Glare, shadows, smiles, head tilt.
• Tool: State Dept. validation app [5].

Where to Apply Near Concord, MO

No agency in Concord—use acceptance facilities for DS-11. Renewals (DS-82) go by mail. Book via usps.com or iafdb.travel.state.gov; spots fill in peak seasons. Expect 15-45 min visits: Staff reviews docs, oaths you, collects fees (check only), forwards app. Bring extras; no cash often. Minors need both parents [1][6].

Verified Nearby Facilities (5-10 miles, St. Louis/Jefferson Counties):

• Oakville Station (USPS): 6880 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63129. Photos available; call 314-416-4477.
• Mehlville Station (USPS): 2410 Union Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125. First-time/renewals; 314-892-0646.
• Arnold Main Post Office: 1212 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO 63010. High volume; 636-464-7801 [4].

Urgent (Trip in 14 Days): St. Louis Passport Agency (111 N 7th St, St. Louis, MO 63101). Appointment-only via 1-877-487-2778 with flight proof [1].

Mail DS-82 to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Routine: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60, prepaid return label) [1].

Step-by-Step Checklist

Preparation:

1. Run wizard [2]; decide DS-11/DS-82.
2. Gather originals + photocopies; get compliant photo [5].
3. Fill forms (unsigned DS-11); minors prep DS-3053.
4. Fees: Two checks [1].
5. Book facility [6].

Submission Day:

1. Arrive 15 min early, weekdays (avoid Mondays/noon).
2. Staff verifies; oath taken.
3. Track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov [8].

Post-Submission:

1. Routine/expedited delivery in envelope.
2. Issues: 1-877-487-2778 [1].

Expedited and Urgent Services

Expedited ($60): Mail add-on for 2-3 weeks—ideal for 1-2 month trips. No guarantees in peaks [1].

Urgent (<14 Days or 28 Days + Visa): Agency only; prove itinerary. Lambert flights to Mexico/Europe common qualifiers [1].

Special Considerations for Missouri Residents

Lambert Airport's international routes drive demand. Students: Extra consents for exchanges. Vital records from Jefferson City [3]. No MO passport offices—federal/USPS only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Renewal at post

office?** Nearby like Oakville accepts DS-82 drop-offs if eligible [1][4].

Timeline guarantees? No; 6-8/2-3 weeks averages, longer peaks [1].

Absent parent for minor? DS-3053 notarized + ID copy [1].

Photo rejection fix? New compliant one; check tool [5].

Lost abroad? Embassy emergency doc; DS-64 on return [1].

Appointment needed? Yes, book online [4][6].

Expedited for business? Mail option; agency for ultra-urgent [1].

Final Tips for Success

Start early for St. Louis peaks. Verify via wizard [2]. Common errors: Signing DS-11 early, one photo only, mismatched names. Travel confidently from Concord.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Passport Application Wizard
[3] Missouri Vital Records
[4] USPS Passport Services
[5] Passport Photo Requirements
[6] Acceptance Facility Search
[7] St. Louis County Government
[8] Check Application Status