Getting a Passport in Kearney, MO: Your Complete Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Kearney, MO
Getting a Passport in Kearney, MO: Your Complete Guide

Getting a Passport in Kearney, MO: Your Complete Guide

Kearney, Missouri, in Clay County just north of Kansas City, offers easy access to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) for international travel—whether business to Europe, family trips to Mexico, or study abroad. Demand peaks during spring break (March-April), summer vacations (June-August), and holidays (November-December), with facilities booking up weeks ahead. Plan 8-10 weeks early to avoid delays from traffic on rural roads or KC commutes (20-45 minutes). Common errors include poor passport photos from vending machines, missing minor consent forms, or confusing renewal eligibility. This guide follows U.S. Department of State guidelines—always check travel.state.gov for updates like fees or processing times.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use this decision tree to choose DS-11 (new passport, in-person) or DS-82 (adult renewal by mail). Missteps here cause most rejections, like attempting mail renewal for a damaged passport or a minor.

Situation Eligible for DS-82 Mail Renewal? Use DS-11 In-Person? Key Notes & Common Mistakes
First-time (adult/child) No Yes Original birth certificate required (photocopies rejected). Mistake: Delaying certified copy from MO vital records.
Issued <16 years old or >15 years ago No Yes Check issue date on photo page. Mistake: Relying solely on expired passport as ID—bring driver's license.
Lost/stolen/damaged/name or gender change No Yes Report via DS-64 online first. Damaged = unreadable data page. Mistake: Omitting declaration, triggering fraud checks.
Issued ≥16 years old, <15 years ago, undamaged, in possession, no changes Yes No Same name/gender ($130 vs. $165 in-person). Mistake: Mailing during urgent needs—opt for in-person expedite.
Minor <16 No Yes Both parents or notarized DS-3053. Mistake: Single parent arrival causes weeks-long delays.
Urgent travel (<6 weeks) or life/death emergency Sometimes (expedite mail) Preferred +$60 expedite fee; <14 days needs agency call (1-877-487-2778). Mistake: No post-submission tracking.

Quick Check: Review old passport's back cover for issue date. Use pptform.state.gov wizard. Routine: 6-8 weeks; expedite: 2-3 weeks (+$60); urgent: 1 week (+$219 + agency travel). Kearney tip: Add buffer for peak-season Clay County backlogs and d

rives.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Kearney, MO

No passport agency in Kearney (agencies handle only proven <14-day urgents, like Kansas City's). Use nearby post offices, county clerks, or libraries for DS-11, minors, and replacements. Search iafdb.travel.state.gov by ZIP 64060 for hours, availability, and bookings—appointments mandatory 2-4 weeks ahead; walk-ins typically denied.

Direct Booking Tools:

Key Options (Confirm Services/Availability by Phone or Site):

  • Kearney Post Office (100 W Washington St, Kearney, MO 64048): (816) 903-3701; usps.com/locationfinder.
  • Liberty Post Office (~10 miles south, 1350 W College St, Liberty, MO 64068): Larger volume, photos available; book via USPS link.
  • Clay County Clerk's Office (1 Court St, Liberty, MO 64068): claycountymo.gov/government/county-clerk for appointments.
  • Others: Excelsior Springs Post Office; Kansas City Passport Agency (~30-45 min, emergencies: 1-877-487-2778).

What to Expect (15-30 Min Visit): Arrive 15 min early with organized docs (ID first). Agent administers oath, reviews originals/photocopies, seals envelope—no passport same-day. Pay separate fees (check/money order to State Dept; execution to facility). Photos often on-site ($15). Best: Weekdays 9am-3pm, avoid Mondays/Fridays. Backup plan essential for lines; Kearney drives add traffic risk.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals + single-sided photocopies on plain paper. Order MO birth certificates early via health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords (delays in peaks).

DS-11 (In-Person):

  1. Unsigned DS-11 (travel.state.gov).
  2. Citizenship proof (birth/naturalization cert original + copy).
  3. Photo ID (MO license) + copy.
  4. 2x2" photo.

DS-82 (Mail): Old passport, photo, form/fees. Minors: Parents' IDs or DS-3053 (notarized <90 days at Kearney banks/UPS) + child's docs. Changes: Marriage/court orders.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% rejected for specs: 2x2", color print <6 months old, white background, 1-1⅜" head, neutral face, no glasses/hats (medical/religious exceptions documented). MO lighting issues common—avoid DIY.

Local Pros: CVS/Walgreens/UPS in Kearney/Liberty ($15-20). Verify: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photo

s.html.

Fees and Payment

Fees fluctuate—check latest at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html. Two payments: Application (check to "U.S. Dept of State"); execution ($35 cash/check, some cards).

Service Application Fee Expedite (+$60) Execution Fee
Adult Book (New/Renewal) $130 Yes $35
Adult Card $30 N/A $35
Minor Book (<16) $100 Yes $35
Minor Card $15 N/A $35

Adult book total: ~$165 + photo. No refunds; separate payments.

Step-by-Step Checklist for All Applications

Prep (2+ Weeks Ahead):

  • Select form via decision table.
  • Secure birth cert (health.mo.gov).
  • Obtain compliant photo.
  • Fill form (DS-11 unsigned).
  • Prepare fees (two checks/money orders).
  • Schedule appointment; save confirmation.

In-Person Day:

  • Arrive early, docs sequenced.
  • Follow agent review/oath.
  • Sign DS-11 on cue only.
  • Pay precisely; get receipt/tracking #.
  • Photograph submission.

Post-Submission/Mail:

  • Mail DS-82 Priority (old passport enclosed).
  • Track at passportstatus.state.gov.

Minors: DS-3053 + absent parent ID copy. Avoid: Poor photos, no copies, pre-signed forms, traffic delays.

Processing Times and Expediting

Service Routine Expedited (+$60) Urgent (<14 Days)
All 6-8 weeks 2-3 weeks Agency appt (1-877-487-2778) +$219

Track after 1 week. +$21.36 return shipping optional. Kearney peaks: Apply 9+ weeks early.

Urgent Travel Tips for Kearney Residents

KC agency (~30 min) serves <14-day needs with proof/itinerary. Call 1-877-487-2778 (Mon-Fri 8am-10pm ET); no walk-ins. DS-64 for lost/stolen first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day passport in Kearney? No; minimum 2-3 weeks expedited. Agencies for urgents only.

DS-11 or DS-82? DS-11 for new/minors/lost; DS-82 for eligible adult renewals <15 years.

School trip for child? 6+ weeks; both parents/DS-3053 required.

Renew at post office? Mail DS-82; they assist photos/mailing.

Photo rejected? Retake at Liberty CVS/USPS; mind glare.

Lost abroad? DS-64 then embassy DS-11.

County clerk photos? Varies—prefer post offices.

Vital records delays? Common spring/summer—order online now.

Sources

[1] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] https://travel

.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/apply-in-person.html
[3] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
[4] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/lost-stolen.html
[5] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html
[6] https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
[7] https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm
[8] https://www.claycountymo.gov/government/county-clerk
[9] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/agencies.html
[10] https://health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords/
[11] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[12] https://photo.walgreens.com/store/passport-photos
[13] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
[14] https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Passport-Acceptance-Facility-Payment-Options
[15] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
[16] https://passportstatus.state.gov/

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