Obtaining a Passport in Aberdeen, MS: Forms, Facilities & Tips

Obtaining a Passport in Aberdeen, Mississippi

Residents of Aberdeen in Monroe County often apply for passports for international trips like family vacations to Europe or the Gulf Coast, student exchanges at nearby Itawamba Community College or Mississippi University for Women, business travel to Mexico, or urgent family emergencies abroad. Seasonal peaks in spring break, summer, and winter holidays strain local facilities, leading to long appointment waits. This guide uses U.S. Department of State guidelines to help avoid pitfalls like photo rejections, unsigned forms, or choosing the wrong application type.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Select the right form and process upfront to avoid delays. Use this table for quick decisions:

Download forms from travel.state.gov. Common mistake: Using DS-82 for non-renewals, which gets returned.

First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Apply in person at a local facility like Aberdeen-area post offices or clerks. Do not sign DS-11 until the agent instructs you.

Required Documents:

• Proof of citizenship: Original birth certificate (certified, long form preferred), naturalization certificate, or prior passport (order MS vital records).
• Valid photo ID: MS driver's license or equivalent + photocopy.
• One 2x2-inch color photo (specs below).
• Fees: $130 adult book/$100 child application (check to "U.S. Department of State") + $35 execution (to facility). Total adult: $165. Expedite +$60.
• Minors: Both parents or notarized DS-3053 consent + proof of relationship.

What to Expect: Agent verifies docs, administers oath, seals application. No on-site issuance. Book via facility phone/site; Aberdeen slots fill fast in peaks.

Timelines: Routine 4-6 weeks processing + mailing (total 6-8 weeks); expedite 2-3 weeks (+$60). Add 2-4 weeks in MS peaks. Track at passportstatus.state.gov.

Pitfalls: Signed form early, poor photos (25% rejections), missing photocopies. Confirm facility accepts minors.

Passport Renewal (DS-82)

Mail if eligible. Local facilities do not accept renewals—send to National Passport Center.

Gather:

• Old passport.
• New photo.
• $130 adult/$100 child fee (check to "U.S. Department of State"); +$60 expedite.

Timelines: Same as above. Track after 5-7 days.

Pitfalls: Expired >15 years (use DS-11), damaged passport, no photo. Aberdeen travelers often rush summer renewals—start 9 months early.

Other Cases

• Lost/Stolen: Submit DS-64 + replacement form. Urgent: Nearest agency in Atlanta (4+ hour drive, proof required).
• Minors: DS-11 in person; both parents or DS-3053 (notarized at banks/UPS). Avoid unnotarized forms.
• Corrections: DS-5504 (free, mail) if <1 year.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25% of issues stem from photos. Specs per State Department:

• 2x2 inches; head 1-1⅜ inches.
• White background, neutral expression, even light, no glasses/hats/selfies. Local spots: Aberdeen pharmacies, USPS, UPS. Cost ~$15; call to confirm.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Aberdeen, MS

No local passport agency (urgent only). Use these for DS-11 apps; book appointments early via phone/site, as Monroe County peaks cause 1-2 month waits. Verify hours/fees/links at USPS locator, facility search, or Monroe County site.

• Aberdeen Post Office: 215 S Meridian St, Aberdeen, MS 39730. (662) 369-7881. Appointments Mon-Fri; photos available. Book/verify.
• Monroe County Circuit Clerk: 201 W Commerce St, Aberdeen, MS 39730. (662) 369-8141. Business hours; call for slots. Contact.
• Nearby (20-40 miles):

  Facility	Address	Phone	Notes
  Amory Post Office	201 2nd Ave N, Amory, MS 38821	(662) 256-2691	USPS link
  Tupelo Main Post Office	414 S Broadway St, Tupelo, MS 38801	(662) 841-2001	High volume; book early USPS link

Expect 15-30 min reviews; arrive early with all docs. No walk-ins typically.

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

1. Fill (don't sign) DS-11; gather originals + photocopies, photo, fees.
2. Book appointment 4-6 weeks ahead.
3. Arrive 15 min early; sign/oath on-site.
4. Pay: State fee first, then execution.
5. Get receipt/tracking; monitor status.

Step-by-Step Checklist for DS-82 Renewal (Mail)

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. Fill/sign DS-82; add old passport, photo, fee(s).
3. Mail Priority (tracked) to address on form.
4. Track after 5-7 days.

Special Considerations for Aberdeen and Mississippi Travelers

Students at Itawamba CC or MUW often need minor passports for exchanges—get notarized consent early. Business trips to Canada/Mexico suit cheaper passport cards ($30 adult first-time). Post-holiday rushes spike demand; use Tupelo for flexibility. Birth certificates: MS Health Dept or county clerk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long for a passport from Aberdeen? 4-6 weeks routine + mailing; 2-3 expedite. Track here; peaks add time.

Walk-ins or same-day? No; appointments only. Emergencies: Atlanta agency.

Birth certificate? Certified from MS Vital Records or Monroe clerk.

Expired 16+ years? DS-11 in person.

One parent absent for minor? Notarized DS-3053 + ID proof.

Aberdeen USPS photos? Yes; verify specs/cost by phone.

Urgent <14 days? Expedite + itinerary; agency for life/death.

Passport card? For land/sea to Canada/Mexico; same process, lower fee.

Final Tips

Verify all at travel.state.gov. Buffer 2 weeks for peaks; start 3+ months early. Not official advice—call facilities.

Sources

• [1] Passports
• [2] Get Fast
• [3] MS Vital Records
• [4] Photos
• [5] Facility Locator
• [6] USPS Finder
• [7] Monroe County
• [8] Status Check