Getting a Passport in Hazlehurst, MS: Forms, Facilities & Tips

Getting a Passport in Hazlehurst, MS

Hazlehurst residents in Copiah County, Mississippi, frequently apply for passports amid seasonal travel peaks—spring breaks, summer vacations, winter holidays, and student exchanges to Europe or the Caribbean. Local demand strains facilities like the Hazlehurst Post Office during these times, so book appointments 4-6 weeks ahead. This guide covers first-time applications, renewals, minors, and urgent needs with Copiah-specific tips. Always confirm details on official sites, as changes occur.[1]

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Select the form based on your status to avoid rejections, a top mistake in Mississippi:

Use the State Department's eligibility tool.[1] Pitfalls: Assuming renewal eligibility without checking issue date/age; incomplete minor forms.

Required Documents and Eligibility

Prove U.S. citizenship and identity:

• Citizenship: Original/certified birth certificate (order from MS Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson; online/mail expedited available),[3] Naturalization Certificate, or prior passport. Include plain-paper photocopies.
• Identity: MS driver's license (REAL ID preferred post-2025), government/military ID. Names must match exactly.
• Photos: One 2x2 color (details below).
• Minors <16: DS-3053 (parental consent if one parent), both parents' presence/IDs, or court order.

Common MS issue: Non-certified birth certificates—always get from state office.[1][3]

Passport Photos: Avoid Co

mmon Rejections

Rejections hit 25-30% from photo flaws. Requirements: 2x2 inches, color, white/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8 inches, <6 months old, no glasses (medical exception only), neutral expression, even lighting.

Hazlehurst options:

• Hazlehurst Post Office (202 W Gallatin St, $15; call 601-894-4061).[5]
• Nearby Walgreens/CVS (e.g., Brookhaven, 20 miles).

Validate with State Dept tool; glare/shadows cause most local returns.[4]

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Hazlehurst and Copiah County

These sites handle DS-11 in-person apps: witness oath, review docs, seal envelope, collect fees, forward to agency. Expect 15-30 min: document check, signing, payment (separate checks: app fee to State Dept, execution to facility). High spring/summer demand; call ahead.

No MS agency—New Orleans for urgent.[2] Use USPS locator for updates.[5] Arrive prepared: unsigned DS-11, photocopies, exact fees, photo.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Fill DS-11 online/hand (don't sign yet).[1]
2. Gather: Citizenship proof + copy, ID + copy, photo, minor docs if needed.
3. Fees (check/money order):

   Type	App Fee	Execution (USPS/Clerk)	Adult Total
   Book	$130	$35	$165
   Card	$30	$35	$65
   Expedite +$60; 1-2 day delivery +$21.36.

4. Book appt (call facilities).
5. At site: Present, sign, pay, get receipt.
6. Track online after 7-10 days.[7]

Routine: 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (peaks longer).[2]

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

Eligible only if prior passport qualifies:

1. Confirm: Issued <15 yrs ago, age 16+ at issue, undamaged.
2. Fill/sign DS-82.[1]
3. Include: Old passport, new photo, fee check ($130 book/$30 card to "U.S. Dept of State"), name docs.
4. Mail: Natl Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (expedite alternate).[1] Old passport returned ~4 weeks later.

Expedited Service and Urgent Travel

• Expedited: +$60 at acceptance/mail;

2-3 weeks. Ideal for MS business/Gulf trips.

• Urgent (<14 days): Agency appt only; prove travel. Expedited ≠ agency—don't confuse.

MS peaks (holidays, student programs) book agencies weeks out.[2]

Special Considerations for Minors and Mississippi Residents

Minors: Both parents or DS-3053—notarization doesn't substitute presence. Rejections from missing consent common.[1] Apply 10+ weeks early for exchanges.

Lost: DS-64 first.[1] MS Gulf card popular for cheap Canada/Mexico trips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Processing time from Hazlehurst? Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3. Track online; spring delays add 1-2 weeks.[2][7]

Post Office photos? Yes, ~$15; confirm 601-894-4061.[5]

Birth certificate? MS Vital Records (Jackson).[3]

Clerk appointment? Call 601-894-3251; summer slots fill fast.[6]

Book vs. card? Book worldwide; card land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean—fits MS regional travel.[1]

Renew at post office? No, mail DS-82.[1]

3-week trip? Expedite; <14 days needs agency.[2]

REAL ID needed? No for passports, but for flights post-2025.[8]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[2] U.S. Department of State - Fast for Urgent Travel
[3] Mississippi State Department of Health - Vital Records
[4] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[5] USPS Passport Services Locator
[6] Copiah County Circuit Clerk
[7] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
[8] DHS - REAL ID