Missouri U.S. Passport Services Hub

This hub provides comprehensive guidance on obtaining a U.S. passport in Missouri. Managed by the U.S. Department of State, passport services are available statewide through a network of authorized acceptance facilities. Whether applying for the first time, renewing, or replacing a lost passport, Missouri residents can access routine, expedited, and emergency options. All applications begin at an acceptance facility, which verifies identity and citizenship documents before forwarding them to a passport agency for processing.

Passports are essential for international travel and serve as primary proof of U.S. citizenship abroad. Missouri's system emphasizes accessibility, with facilities in urban centers like St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as rural counties. Plan ahead, as processing times do not include mailing transit. Always check the official travel.state.gov website for the latest forms, fees, and requirements, as they can change.

This state overview covers general procedures, timelines, and best practices. For location-specific details, consult the linked city guides.

Eligibility and Application Basics

U.S. passports are available to citizens and non-citizen nationals. Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization.
• Minors under 16, requiring both parents' consent.
• Those needing replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged passports.

First-time applicants must apply in person at an acceptance facility. Renewals can often be done by mail if the current passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were at least 16 at issuance, and it is undamaged/not reported lost.

Required documents (originals or certified copies):

• Completed DS-11 (first-time/minor) or DS-82 (renewal) form.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate).
• Proof of identity (driver's license, military ID).
• Passport photo (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months).
• Parental consent for minors (DS-3053 form if one parent absent).

Photocopies of documents on plain white paper are required for most submissions. Facilities do not provide photos or photocopies—prepare these in advance.

Fees (as of current guidelines; verify on travel.state.gov):

Execution fees are paid to the facility (cash, check, or card where accepted). Application fees go to the State Department (check or money order).

How Acceptance Facilities Work Statewide

Missouri operates over 150 passport acceptance facilities, ensuring coverage in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. These are not passport agencies—they cannot issue passports on-site. Instead, they:

1. Review and witness your application.
2. Administer the oath of citizenship.
3. Collect fees and forward materials to a regional passport agency (typically in Chicago or New Orleans).

Types of facilities:

• Post Offices: Most common (e.g., USPS locations in Jefferson City, Springfield). Many require appointments via usps.com.
• County Clerk Offices: Handle probate and vital records; common in rural areas like Boone or Greene Counties.
• Public Libraries: Select locations (e.g., Mid-Continent Public Library branches).
• Municipal Offices: City halls in places like Columbia or Joplin.
• Universities: Some campuses (e.g., University of Missouri system).
• Clerk of Court Offices: Federal and state courthouses.

Statewide operations:

• Appointments: Required at 90% of facilities. Book online via the facility's website or by phone. Walk-ins are rare and not guaranteed—call ahead.
• Hours: Typically weekdays 9 AM–4 PM; some Saturdays. Rural facilities may have limited hours (e.g., 1–2 days/week).
• Capacity: Urban facilities (St. Louis, Kansas City) process higher volumes; rural ones prioritize locals.
• Accessibility: ADA-compliant; translation services available upon request. Military personnel use dedicated facilities at bases like Fort Leonard Wood.
• Processing flow:
  1. Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents.
  2. Staff verifies documents (no originals returned until passport arrives).
  3. Pay fees; receive receipt with tracking number.
  4. Materials mailed to agency (1–5 days).

Facilities do not track status post-submission—use the State Department's online tracker. If denied, you'll receive a letter explaining why (e.g., incomplete citizenship proof).

For a full list, search "passport acceptance facility" on iafdb.travel.state.gov.

Routine vs. Expedited Timelines

Missouri applicants should plan 8–11 weeks total for routine service (including mailing). Timelines start after the acceptance facility mails your application.

Routine Processing:

• Timeline: 4–6 weeks processing + 2–5 weeks mailing = 6–11 weeks total.
• Best for: Non-urgent travel 3+ months away.
• Cost: Standard fees only.
• Statewide notes: Rural mail delays can add 1 week; urban areas faster via priority mail.

Expedited Processing:

• Timeline: 2–3 weeks processing + mailing = 3–5 weeks total.
• How to request: Check "expedited" box on form; pay $60 fee at acceptance facility.
• Cost: +$60.
• When to choose: Travel within 2 months.
• Statewide availability: All facilities offer it; Chicago agency handles most Midwest rush jobs.

Life-or-Death Emergency:

• Within 72 hours for international travel due to death/urgent medical.
• Apply at a regional agency (Chicago: 312-341-0200) with proof (death certificate).
• No extra fee beyond expedited.

1-2 Day Delivery:

• Optional for passport book ($21.36 + overnight return envelope).
• Not available for cards or at agencies.

Tracking and Status:

• Online at travel.state.gov with application locator number.
• Call 1-877-487-2778 (automated) or live agents weekdays.
• Missouri average: Matches national (90% routine under 6 weeks).

Avoid facilities promising "same-day" service—none exist outside agencies for emergencies.

Common Mistakes and Planning Tips

Avoid delays with proactive preparation. Common pitfalls cost applicants weeks and extra fees.

Top Mistakes:

• Incomplete documents: Missing photocopies or expired ID (e.g., license >10 years old). Solution: Use the DS-11 checklist on travel.state.gov.
• Wrong form: Using DS-82 for first-time (must be DS-11 in person).
• Photo errors: Wrong size, glare, uniforms/jewelry. Use CVS/Walgreens ($15); no selfies.
• Name discrepancies: Birth certificate vs. ID mismatch. Bring marriage/divorce decrees.
• Payment issues: Facilities reject cards sometimes; bring check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State."
• No appointment: Turning away 50% of walk-ins.
• Minors without consent: Both parents or court order needed; notarized DS-3053 for absent parent.
• Assuming renewal eligibility: If passport >15 years old or issued <16, apply in person.

Planning Checklist (6–8 weeks ahead):

1. Week 1: Gather documents, get photo, print forms (black ink, no staples).
2. Week 2: Confirm eligibility; book appointment (urban slots fill fast).
3. Week 3+: Track travel dates; add buffer for holidays (Memorial Day slows processing).
4. At facility: Arrive prepared; ask for mailing confirmation.
5. Post-submission: Track weekly; request expedited if delayed.

Rural planning: Facilities fewer; drive times 1+ hour (e.g., Nodaway County to Maryville PO). Budget gas/time.

Fee refunds: Rare; only for agency errors.

Fees and Payment Details

Detailed fees above. Notes:

• Execution fee non-refundable.
• Pay application to "U.S. Department of State"; execution to facility.
• Minors: Same process, higher scrutiny.
• Cards: Dual book/card cheaper long-term (cards valid only Western Hemisphere).

Renewals and Replacements

By Mail (DS-82): Eligible Missourians mail to National Passport Processing Center (Philadelphia). Include old passport. Timeline: Same as routine.

• Not eligible? In-person DS-11. Lost/Stolen: Report online; DS-64 + DS-11/DS-82. Extra form DS-64.

Emergency and Regional Agency Access

Nearest agencies:

• Chicago Passport Agency (500 miles from KC; appointment only).
• New Orleans (for southern MO).

Drive/fly for life-or-death only.

How City Guides Differ from the State Overview

This hub offers statewide standardization: Uniform processes, timelines, and tips applicable everywhere in Missouri. It prioritizes efficiency for quick reference.

City guides (e.g., St. Louis Guide, Kansas City Guide) provide hyper-local details:

• Exact addresses, hours, parking.
• Facility quirks (e.g., KC main PO walk-ins vs. STL appointment-only).
• Volume/peak times (conventions slow urban spots).
• Nearby photo/print services.
• Public transit directions.
• User reviews/contact numbers.

State overview = "What/When/How generally." City guides = "Where exactly/Now."

Use state for planning, city for execution.

How to Use the City Guides in Missouri

1. Select your nearest city/county from the navigation menu.
2. Scan for your county's top 3 facilities.
3. Click to book appointment or call.
4. Cross-reference with state timelines/fees.
5. Update via comments if hours change.

Guides link back here for forms/tips.

Additional Resources and FAQs

FAQs:

• How long valid? 10 years adult, 5 years minor.
• Travel without? No—land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean needs other proof.
• Name change? Bring legal docs.
• COVID impacts? None currently; masks per facility.

Contacts:

• National Passport Info: 1-877-487-2778.
• Missouri Sec. of State (birth certs): 573-751-6387.
• Track: travel.state.gov.

State-Specific Notes: Missouri vital records digitized; order birth certs online ($15). High demand near Branson/Springfield tourist seasons.

Prepare thoroughly—your passport awaits reliable travel. Verify all via official sources.

(This guide aligns with U.S. Department of State standards as of last update. Check travel.state.gov for changes.)