Getting a Passport in D'Iberville, MS: Facilities, Steps & Fees

Getting a Passport in D'Iberville, MS

D'Iberville, located in Harrison County along Mississippi's Gulf Coast, sees steady demand for passports due to frequent international travel. Residents often travel for business to nearby ports or tourism hotspots like Mexico and the Caribbean, with peaks during spring and summer vacations, winter breaks, and student exchange programs through local colleges such as Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Last-minute trips for family emergencies or urgent business add pressure, especially amid hurricane season disruptions. High demand at acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments, so planning ahead is essential. This guide covers everything from determining your service type to application steps, drawing on official U.S. Department of State guidelines [1].

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Needs

Before gathering documents, identify if you need a first-time passport, renewal, replacement for a lost/stolen/damaged book, or correction for errors. Using the wrong form or process can cause delays or rejections.

• First-Time Applicants: Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16. This requires an in-person application at an acceptance facility. Minors under 16 always use DS-11 [2].

• Renewals: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were over 16 at issuance, and it's undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or it's a minor's passport. Check eligibility carefully; if unsure, use DS-11 in person to avoid rejection [3].

• Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports: Report it immediately via Form DS-64 (online or mail). Then apply for a replacement using DS-82 if eligible to renew, or DS-11 for first-time/replacement scenarios. Damaged means unusable (e.g., water damage affecting data); minor wear doesn't qualify [4].

• Corrections (Name Change, Errors): Use Form DS-5504 within one year of issuance at no extra fee. After one year, treat as replacement [5].

For urgent travel within 14 days, life-or-death emergencies abroad, or official government travel, contact the National Passport Information Center for special processing [6]. Note: Expedited service (2-3 weeks) differs from urgent service; confusion here is common and can waste time.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in D'Iberville and Harrison County

D'Iberville residents apply in person for DS-11 at designated facilities. Appointments are often required and book quickly during peak seasons (spring/summer, winter breaks). Check availability early via the official locator [7].

Key local options:

• D'Iberville Station Post Office: 10499 Auto Mall Pkwy, D'Iberville, MS 39540. Offers passport photos and accepts applications by appointment. Call (228) 392-2868 or use USPS online scheduling [8].
• Harrison County Chancery Clerk Offices: Nearest in Gulfport (2500 14th St, Suite 304, Gulfport, MS 39501) or Biloxi (140 Lameuse St, Biloxi, MS 39530). Both handle DS-11; Biloxi is closer for D'Iberville. Appointments via county website or phone [9].
• Other Nearby: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston Campus (if serving as facility—verify via locator) or USPS in Biloxi. For photos, Walmart or CVS in D'Iberville may offer compliant service, but confirm specs.

Search https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ for real-time hours, fees, and slots. High demand means weekends/holidays fill fast; arrive 15 minutes early with all documents.

Required Documents and Step-by-Step Checklist

Gather originals—no photocopies unless specified. Incomplete applications, especially for minors (missing parental IDs), are a top rejection reason.

General Checklist for All Applicants

Use this step-by-step for first-time or in-person applications:

1. Complete Form DS-11: Fill online (not signed until in person) or download/print. Black ink only [2].
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (MS issues via Vital Records), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. MS birth certificates ordered from https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,0,109,html [10]. Photocopy front/back.
3. Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Photocopy.
4. Passport Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo, taken within 6 months. See photo section below [11].
5. Fees: See payment section.
6. Parental Awareness/Authorization (Minors Only): Both parents/guardians present or notarized consent [12].
7. Book Itinerary (Urgent Only): For travel within 14 days [6].

Renewal by Mail Checklist (DS-82 Eligible)

1. Complete DS-82.
2. Include old passport.
3. Photo.
4. Fees via check/money order.
5. Mail to address on form [3].

Submit photocopies on plain white paper (8.5x11), single-sided. MS residents: Order birth certificates early—processing takes 1-4 weeks [10].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections due to shadows, glare, wrong dimensions, or headwear issues. Specs [11]:

• 2x2 inches (51x51mm).
• Color, white/cream/off-white background.
• Head 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
• Neutral expression, eyes open, full face view.
• No glasses (unless medically necessary), uniforms, hats (except religious/medical).
• Taken within 6 months.

Local options: USPS at D'Iberville Post Office ($15-16), Walgreens/CVS, or AAA. Selfies/digital uploads rejected. Digital photos must match exactly when printed.

Fees and Payment Methods

Fees unchanged as of 2023; verify current [13]:

• Book (Adult): $130 application + $35 execution (facility) + $30 optional expedited.
• Card (Adult): $30 application + $35 execution.
• Minor (under 16): $100/$35 book/card + $35 execution.
• Expedite: +$60.
• 1-2 Day Urgent: +$21.36 + overnight fees [6].

Pay execution fee by check/cash/money order/card (varies by facility). Application fee by check/money order to U.S. Department of State. No personal checks for expedited.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent (14 days or less): Call 1-877-487-2778 for appointment at regional agency (e.g., New Orleans, 5-6 hour drive) [14]. No hard guarantees—peaks (spring/summer, Dec-Jan) add 2-4 weeks. Track status online [15]. Avoid last-minute reliance; apply 3-6 months early for seasonal travel.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Minors under 16:

• Both parents/guardians must appear with IDs/child's birth certificate.
• Or one parent + notarized Form DS-3053 from absent parent.
• Photos tricky—ensure no glare on young faces [12].

Student exchanges: Apply early for group processing. Business urgent: Expedite with employer letter.

Step-by-Step Application Process at a Facility

1. Book Appointment: Online/phone 4-6 weeks ahead.
2. Prepare Packet: Forms, docs, photos, fees in order.
3. Arrive Early: 15 mins; masks if required.
4. Sign Forms: DS-11 signed in front of agent.
5. Pay Fees: Separate payments.
6. Get Receipt: Track with number.
7. Wait: Passport mailed 6-8 weeks (or track).

For mail renewals: Use USPS Priority ($21.36+ tracking).

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around D'Iberville

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and other services. These facilities do not process passports themselves; instead, they verify your identity, review your completed forms, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerks' offices, and municipal buildings. In and around D'Iberville, such facilities are typically found in local post offices, government administrative centers, and community hubs within the city, as well as nearby areas like Biloxi, Gulfport, and other spots along the Gulf Coast. Travelers should verify current authorization through the official State Department website or resources before visiting, as designations can change.

When visiting an acceptance facility, expect a straightforward but thorough process. Arrive with a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your needs), two passport photos meeting exact specifications, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment for application and execution fees—often separated into checks or money orders for each. The agent will administer an oath, witness your signature, and seal your application in an official envelope. Processing times vary from standard (6-8 weeks) to expedited options, but facilities cannot guarantee issuance or provide status updates. Minors under 16 require both parents' presence or notarized consent. Allow 15-30 minutes per appointment, though walk-ins may take longer.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like spring break, summer vacations, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) tend to be especially crowded as people start their week or fit visits into lunch breaks. To plan effectively, research facilities in advance for appointment availability—many now offer online booking to reduce wait times. Aim for early mornings, late afternoons, or less busy weekdays like Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Always double-check requirements and bring extras of all documents to avoid rescheduling. Patience is key, as lines can form unexpectedly, but preparation ensures a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How far in advance should I apply for a passport in D'Iberville?
Apply 3-6 months before travel, especially during Mississippi's peak seasons. Routine processing is 6-8 weeks, longer in spring/summer [14].

Can I renew my passport at the D'Iberville Post Office?
No—renewals (DS-82) go by mail if eligible. Post office handles DS-11 only [3].

What if my travel is in 10 days?
For urgent travel ≤14 days, call 1-877-487-2778 for life/death or agency appointment. Expedite alone insufficient [6].

My photo was rejected—what now?
Common issues: glare/shadows. Retake immediately at compliant vendor; facilities won't accept non-spec photos [11].

Do I need my birth certificate if renewing?
No for DS-82, but yes for DS-11. MS records from Vital Records if lost [10].

How do I report a lost passport?
Submit DS-64 online/mail immediately, then replace [4].

Can I get a passport photo at the acceptance facility?
Yes, D'Iberville USPS offers on-site ($15), but book ahead [8].

What if I'm a minor traveling with one parent?
Need DS-3053 notarized from other parent + their ID copy [12].

Additional Tips for Harrison County Residents

Monitor hurricane season (June-Nov) for facility closures. Gulf Coast business travelers: Verify passport validity 6 months for some countries. Students: Campus international offices assist with docs.

Track everything online [15]. Questions? Call National Passport Info Center 1-877-487-2778 (Mon-Fri 8am-10pm ET).

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2]Apply in Person (DS-11)
[3]Renew by Mail (DS-82)
[4]Lost or Stolen Passport (DS-64)
[5]Corrections (DS-5504)
[6]Urgent Travel
[7]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[8]USPS Passport Services
[9]Harrison County Chancery Clerk
[10]Mississippi State Department of Health - Vital Records
[11]Passport Photo Requirements
[12]Children Under 16
[13]Passport Fees
[14]Processing Times
[15]Track Your Application