Getting a Passport in Fulton, MS: Facilities, Forms, Fees & Tips

Getting a Passport in Fulton, MS

Fulton residents in Itawamba County frequently apply for passports due to international business travel from local manufacturing sectors, student exchange programs at nearby universities like Itawamba Community College or the University of Mississippi, and family trips during peak seasons like spring break, summer vacations, and holidays. High demand strains local facilities, so plan 4-6 weeks ahead to secure appointments and avoid delays from issues like rejected photos (glare/shadows), incomplete minor forms, or DS-82 renewal ineligibility. This guide follows U.S. State Department guidelines, with local tips to streamline your process.[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose the right path to save time and avoid rejections—common mistake: using DS-11 (in-person new application) when DS-82 (mail renewal) qualifies, forcing unnecessary facility visits.

Use the State Department's wizard: https://pptform.state.gov/. For unclear cases, call 1-877-487-2778.[1]

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Fulton, MS

No passport agency in Fulton—use these Itawamba County-area acceptance facilities for routine apps (they verify docs, collect fees, seal, and forward to processing centers). Always call ahead to verify services, hours, and appointments, as details change; high spring/summer demand fills slots quickly.[3]

• Itawamba County Circuit Clerk's Office (Fulton): 201 S Main St, Fu

lton, MS 38843. Phone: (662) 862-4301. Handles first-time, minors, renewals. Book by phone; peaks in travel seasons.[4]

• USPS Fulton Post Office: 206 W Solomon St, Fulton, MS 38843. Offers photos and apps. Schedule: usps.com (search "Fulton MS passport").[5]
• Nearby options (20-30 miles): Tupelo Main Post Office or Itawamba Community College-area sites for students.

Search live availability: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. Expect 30-60 min visits: oath, doc review, sealing. Walk-ins rare; bring all docs organized. For urgent (≤14 days travel), try New Orleans Passport Agency after local exhaustion (appointment/proof needed).[3][6]

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only—no photocopies for citizenship proof. Mississippi births: Get certified full copy (not short-form) from https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,896,144,html (2-4 weeks).[7]

See table in "Determine Which Service" above for tailored lists. Download: travel.state.gov. Fill online, print; do not sign DS-11 pre-visit. Common pitfalls: Missing parental consent for minors, expired ID, or non-compliant photos (25% rejections).[1]

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Strict rules cause most returns: 2x2", color, <6 months old, 1-1⅜" head height, white/off-white background, even lighting, neutral face, no glasses/selfies.[8]

Local tips: USPS Fulton or Walgreens Tupelo ($15-17). Pro quality beats home setups.

Checklist:

• Exactly 2x2".
• Head: 1-1⅜" chin-to-top.
• Plain white/off-white background.
• No shadows/glare; even light.
• Everyday clothes; no hats/uniforms.
• <6 months old.[8]

Validate: https://tsg.photocenter.com/passport/.[8]

Fees and Payment

State Dept. fees + $35 execution (facility). Pay app fee by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution separate (cash/check on-site).[9]

Add $21.36 1-2 day return shipping optional.[1]

Processing Times and Expedited Service

• Routine: 6-8 weeks total (current).[1]
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 at facility).[1]
• Urgent ≤14 days: Agency appt. (proof needed); life/death emergencies prioritized. Private rush post-submission: 2-3 days.[6]

Peaks (spring/summer/holidays) add 1-2 weeks—don't wait. Track after 7-10 days: ht

tps://passportstatus.state.gov/.[1]

Step-by-Step Checklist for Routine First-Time or Minor Applications

1. Run pptform.state.gov wizard.[1]
2. Collect: Citizenship proof, ID + copy, 2 photos, unsigned DS-11.[1]
3. Book: Call (662) 862-4301 or usps.com; 4-6 weeks early.[4][5]
4. Prep forms/fees: Two checks + cash for $35.
5. Arrive: Early, organized folder. Expect oath, review (ask questions), sealing.
6. Minors extra: Both parents/IDs or DS-3053 notarized/court order.[1]
7. Track: Week 2 onward.[1]
8. Receive: Mailed; notify if >8 weeks.

Common mistakes: Signed DS-11 early, short-form birth cert, one parent only.

Special Considerations for Mississippi Residents

Itawamba students/business travelers: Apply 3+ months pre-departure amid seasonal rushes. Renewals: Double-check DS-82 eligibility to skip facilities. Lost abroad? U.S. embassy temporary; replace home.[1][2]

Frequently Asked Questions

Child passport without other parent? Both present or DS-3053 notarized/court order.[1]
Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited: 2-3 weeks/$60 anytime. Urgent: ≤14 days/agency/proof.[6]
Itawamba birth cert? Certified from MS Dept. of Health; clerks give non-certified only.[7]
Old passport as ID? Yes, if <15 years expired/undamaged + copy.[1]
Peak season tips? Book early; try Tupelo if full. Mid-week AM best.[3]
Validity? 10 years adults, 5 minors.[1]
USPS appt? Yes, usps.com.[5]
Track when? After 7-10 days.[1]

Sources

[1] Passports
[2] Renew
[3] Facility Search
[4] Itawamba Circuit Clerk (Phone-verify services)
[5] USPS Fulton
[6] Agencies
[7] MS Vital Records
[8] Photos
[9] Fees