Grenada MS Passport Services: Applications, Renewals, Facilities

Passport Services in Grenada, MS

Grenada, Mississippi, residents often need passports for international business trips, Gulf Coast tourism to Mexico or the Caribbean, or family vacations during peak spring/summer and winter break seasons. Students from local colleges like Holmes Community College participate in exchange programs abroad, while urgent last-minute travel for family emergencies or sudden work opportunities adds pressure. High demand at acceptance facilities during these periods can lead to limited appointments, so planning ahead is key. This guide covers everything from first-time applications to renewals, drawing on official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate common pitfalls like photo rejections, form errors, and processing delays.[1]

Mississippi sees steady passport demand, with north-central areas like Grenada County experiencing spikes around holidays and school breaks. Avoid relying on last-minute processing during peaks—routine service takes 6-8 weeks, and even expedited options aren't guaranteed for travel within 14 days.[2]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to select the right form and process. Use this section to choose:

• First-Time Applicant: Never had a U.S. passport, or your previous one was issued before age 16 (or within the last 15 years for adults under 16). Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility.[1]

• Renewal: Eligible if your last passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were 16 or older when received, and it's undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing name.[1]

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Report it lost/stolen via Form DS-64 (free), then apply for a replacement. If abroad, use DS-64/DS-5504; stateside, treat as new or renewal based on prior passport details.[3]

• Name Change, Data Correction, or Additional Pages: For minor corrections, use DS-5504 (free, within 1 year of issuance). For name changes after 1 year or extra pages, use DS-82 or DS-11.[1]

• Child (Under 16) Passport: Always DS-11 in person; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent.[1]

Confusing renewal eligibility leads to rejected applications—check your old passport carefully. If unsure, use the State Department's online wizard.[4]

Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Prepare these in advance to avoid trips back home. Incomplete documentation, especially for minors, is a top rejection reason in Grenada County.

General Checklist for All Applicants

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy): U.S. birth certificate (raised seal, issued by city/county/state vital records—order from Mississippi State Department of Health if needed), naturalization certificate, or previous U.S. passport. Hospital birth records or affidavits don't qualify.[5][1]

2. Proof of Identity (original + photocopy): Valid driver's license, government ID, or military ID. Name must match citizenship proof exactly.[1]

3. Passport Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo on white background, taken within 6 months. No selfies—details below.[6]

4. Completed Form: DS-11 (first-time/minor/new), DS-82 (renewal), etc. Do not sign DS-11 until instructed.[1]

5. Fees: See Fees section. Payment varies by facility (check/money order for State Dept; cashier's check/personal check at some).[7]

Additional for Minors (Under 16)

6. Both Parents/Guardians' Presence or Consent: Form DS-3053 notarized if one absent; court order if sole custody. Divorce decrees naming non-traveling parent block issuance.[1]

7. Parental ID Proof: As above for each parent.

For Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

• Include old passport.
• Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[1]

Photocopy all docs on plain white 8.5x11 paper (front/back if multi-page). Grenada facilities reject apps without copies.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25% of rejections nationwide—shadows, glare, wrong size, or smiles disqualify.[6] Specs from the State Department:

• 2x2 inches (51x51mm), head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• White/cream/off-white background.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed.
• Even lighting, no glare/shadows on face/background.
• Color photo <6 months old; no uniforms/hats (except religious/medical).

Where to Get in Grenada:

• Grenada Post Office (311 N Main St) offers on-site photos ($15-20).[8]
• CVS Pharmacy (1130 S Dr MLK Jr Blvd) or Walgreens (1059 S Dr MLK Jr Blvd)—use their passport service.[9]
• Local photographers: Search "passport photos Grenada MS" via State locator.[10]

Pro tip: Take extras; facilities charge for retakes. MS humidity can cause glare—opt for indoor studios.

Where to Apply in Grenada, MS

Grenada has limited facilities—book appointments early via usps.com or iafdb.travel.state.gov, as slots fill during seasonal peaks.[10]

• Grenada Post Office: 311 N Main St, Grenada, MS 38901. Mon-Fri 9AM-3PM (call 662-226-5911). By appointment; handles DS-11/DS-82 execution.[8][10]

• Grenada County Circuit Clerk's Office: 260 S Main St, Grenada, MS 38901. Handles passports; call 662-226-2731 for hours/appointments. Good for locals with county ties.[11][10]

No passport agencies nearby—nearest regional agency is in Jackson (2+ hours away) for life/death emergencies only.[12] For urgent travel <14 days, use private expedite services post-submission (e.g., RushMyPassport), but no guarantees.[13]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Grenada

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for processing. These facilities do not issue passports on-site; instead, staff verify your identity, citizenship documents, photos, and application forms before forwarding everything to a regional passport agency. Expect a straightforward process: arrive with a completed DS-11 form (for first-time applicants) or DS-82 (for renewals), proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, two passport photos, and payment for fees. Applications are typically handled by appointment or on a walk-in basis, depending on the facility's policies—always confirm in advance via the official State Department website locator tool.

In and around Grenada, these facilities are conveniently situated in municipal buildings, post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices within the city and nearby towns. Rural areas may have fewer options, so residents often travel to central hubs in Grenada or adjacent counties for service. Surrounding locations extend to nearby cities, providing additional access points for those in outlying regions. This distribution ensures broad coverage across Grenada County and beyond, minimizing travel for most applicants. Whether you're applying for a new passport, renewal, or expedited service, these spots streamline the initial submission step.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities experience peak crowds during high travel seasons, such as summer vacation periods and holidays, when demand surges for international trips. Mondays often see backlogs from weekend submissions, while mid-day hours (around noon to 2 p.m.) tend to draw heavier foot traffic due to lunch breaks and shift changes. To navigate this cautiously, plan visits early in the week (Tuesdays through Thursdays) and opt for morning appointments when available. Arrive prepared with all documents organized to avoid delays, and use the online locator to check capacity hints or book slots. If urgency arises, consider expedited options through the mail or passport agencies, but always verify current conditions as volumes can fluctuate seasonally.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Fill Out Form: Online at travel.state.gov (print single-sided) or blank.[14] Do not sign DS-11.

2. Gather/Check Documents: Use checklists above. Order birth certs early—MS vital records take 1-4 weeks.[5]

3. Book Appointment: Call/email facility. Arrive 15 min early.

4. At Facility:

   • Present docs.
   • Sign form in front of agent.
   • Pay fees (two payments: application + execution).

5. Track Status: Online at travel.state.gov after 7-10 days.[15]

For mail renewals: Use USPS Priority ($20+ insurance).[7]

Fees and Processing Times

Fees (as of 2023; verify current):[7]

• Book (10-year adult): $130 application + $35 execution + $30 optional expedite.
• Card (travel to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean): $30 application + $35.
• Minors: $100 book/$15 card + $35.

Processing:

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail time included). No hard promises—peaks add 2-4 weeks.[2]
• Expedited (+$60, 2-3 weeks): Request at acceptance or online.
• Urgent (<14 days): Call 1-877-487-2778 for appt at agency (Jackson only); prove travel.[12]

Avoid peaks (Dec-Jan, May-Aug); apply 9+ weeks early for routine.

Expedited vs. Urgent Travel

Expedited Service: For 2-3 week needs. Add $60; includes tracking. Still vulnerable to peaks—Grenada facilities process same day but forward to center.[2]

Urgent (Within 14 Days): Life/death, humanitarian, or business emergencies. Not for vacations. Nearest agency: New Orleans Passport Agency (4+ hours).[12] Provide itinerary/proof; 1-3 days possible but no guarantees. Private couriers help post-submission but cost $100s.[13]

Common confusion: Expedited ≠ urgent. If <14 days without qualifying reason, risk denial.

Special Cases

Lost/Stolen: File DS-64 online/phone, then replace. Add $ replacement fee if using old passport.[3]

Minors: Presence/consent mandatory—plan sibling travel carefully.

Military/Students: Use dedicated facilities if eligible (e.g., MWR for military).[16]

Tips to Avoid Delays in Grenada

• Apply off-peak (fall).
• Double-check photos/docs.
• Use trackable mail for renewals.
• Monitor status weekly.
• For MS birth certs: Order online/vitalchek.com ($20+).[5]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I renew my passport at the Grenada Post Office?
No—renewals (DS-82) go by mail if eligible. Post office executes new apps only.[1][8]

How long for a child's passport in Grenada?
Same times as adults; parental consent delays if missing.[1]

What if my appointment is full?
Try nearby counties (e.g., Yalobusha) or waitlist. No walk-ins typically.[10]

Does expedited guarantee 2 weeks?
No—high volume causes variances; track closely.[2]

Can I use my old birth certificate?
No—must be government-issued with raised seal.[1][5]

Where to get a rush birth certificate in MS?
Mississippi Vital Records online or county clerk; 24-hour service rare.[5]

Is there a passport fair in Grenada?
Rare—check usps.com/events; usually Memphis/Jackson.[17]

What if my photo is rejected?
Retake immediately; facilities often have photographers.[6]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Apply for a New Adult Passport
[2]U.S. Department of State - Passport Processing Times
[3]U.S. Department of State - Report a Lost or Stolen Passport
[4]U.S. Department of State - Passport Application Wizard
[5]Mississippi State Department of Health - Vital Records
[6]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[7]U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[8]USPS - Grenada Post Office
[9]CVS Passport Photo Service
[10]U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[11]Grenada County Circuit Clerk
[12]U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[13]ItsEasy - Passport Expediting
[14]U.S. Department of State - Forms
[15]U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
[16]U.S. Department of Defense - Military Passport Services
[17]USPS - Passport Events