Pascagoula MS Passport Guide: Checklist, Facilities, Timelines

Getting a Passport in Pascagoula, MS

Pascagoula residents in Jackson County, Mississippi, frequently need passports for Gulf Coast business trips, Caribbean vacations, Mexico getaways, family visits abroad, and student exchanges. Demand surges in spring/summer for vacations and winter holidays, straining local spots—plan 4-6 weeks ahead to beat crowds. Gulf Coast humidity and sun complicate photos, while MSDH vital records delays are common pitfalls. This guide provides a tailored checklist, local facilities, timelines, and avoidance tips for first-time, renewal, child, or replacement passports. All info verified against official sources; processing times and facilities last updated October 2024—confirm at travel.state.gov or usps.com.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Use the State Department's wizard at travel.state.gov to confirm [1]. Key decisions:

• DS-11 (New/In-Person): First-time, child under 16, prior passport over 15 years old, damaged/lost/stolen, or name change requiring in-person. Must apply at a local facility like Pascagoula post office—no mailing.

• DS-82 (Renewal by Mail): Eligible only if passport issued within 15 years, you're 16+, undamaged, and not adding pages. Skip facilities; mail directly. Ineligible? Defaults to DS-11, forcing delays.

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report via DS-64 first, then DS-11 (in-person) or DS-82 if qualifying.

• Child Under 16: Always DS-11 in-person with both parents or notarized DS-3053 consent—critical for Pascagoula student trips.

Spring/summer spikes mean DS-11 slots book fast; ineligible DS-82 attempts get rejected and resent as DS-11.

Gather Your Documents

Rejections hit 20-30% from incomplete docs—Jackson County applicants often lack certified birth certificates.

Citizenship Proof (original + photocopy):

• Long-form MS birth certificate (order from MSDH Vital Records online/mail/Jackson office [3]; short-form invalid).
• Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate.
• Old undamaged passport.

Identity Proof (original + photocopy):

• MS driver's license or other photo ID.

Minors:

• Both parents' docs + consent (DS-3053 notarized if absent; MS banks/post offices notarize).

Forms/Fees:

• DS-11 unsigned (new) [4] or DS-82 (renewal) [5].
• Execution fee $35 (to post office); application $130 adult/$100 child book (to State Dept). Expedite +$60.

Order MSDH certs early—processing takes 1-2 weeks [3].

Passport Photos: Get Them Right the First Time

Gulf Co

ast glare/humidity rejects 30%+ of local apps [6]. Strict specs:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜ inches.
• White background, even light, neutral face, eyes open, recent color photo paper.

Pascagoula spots:

• CVS/Walgreens (e.g., 3803 Market St): $15 instant.
• Some post offices (extra fee).

No selfies—MS sun causes shadows. Bring 2+ extras.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities

Consolidated list for Pascagoula/Jackson County (ZIP 39567). These verify docs, witness signatures, collect fees, and forward apps—no on-site issuance. Expect 15-30 min visits; appointments required (book via usps.com or call). Walk-ins rare. Confirm services/availability at USPS Locator or State Dept Search [7][9]. Details current October 2024.

• Pascagoula Post Office: 1413 Market St, Pascagoula, MS 39567. Phone: (228) 762-4143. Mon-Fri 9AM-3PM by appt [7].
• Moss Point Post Office (nearby): 4810 Cyboula St, Moss Point, MS 39563. Phone via locator [7].
• Jackson County Chancery Clerk: 3104 Magnolia St, Pascagoula, MS 39567. Phone via site—confirm passports [8].

Nearby: Gautier/Ocean Springs/Gulfport options via locators. Busy mid-day/Mondays; go early Tue-Thu. For urgent (<14 days), New Orleans agency only with proof [10].

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

1. Run State Dept wizard; confirm DS-11 needed.
2. Order MS birth cert if needed [3].
3. Fill DS-11 online, print single-sided, leave unsigned [4].
4. Get 2 compliant photos.
5. Book appt at facility above [7].
6. Prep fees: 2 checks/money orders (execution to post office, app to State Dept).
7. Arrive 15 min early with originals + photocopies (standard paper).
8. Review/sign DS-11 on-site.
9. Submit; get receipt.
10. Track at travel.state.gov (starts 1-2 weeks later).

Mail Renewals (DS-82): Old passport + photo + form/fees to address on [5]. USPS Priority recommended.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (wait 9+ weeks pre-travel). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 at submission). Urgent (<14 days): Agency only (New Orleans: 111 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA—appt/proof like itinerary + death cert) [1][10]. MS peaks add 1-2 week delays—buffer 10 weeks routine.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Booked Slots: Check daily; 4-6 weeks lead time.
• DS-11 vs DS-82 Error: >15 years old? DS-11 only

—wastes mail time.

• Photo Fails: Pro service; test Gulf lighting.
• Minor Consent: DS-3053 or both parents—notary ubiquitous.
• Birth Cert Rush: MSDH 1-2 weeks; order now [3].
• Expedite Myths: Speeds processing, not appts/agency access.
• Tracking Blind Spots: Receipt # needed; check weekly.

Business/students: Prep itineraries for urgents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long in Pascagoula? 6-8 weeks routine + appt wait; peaks longer [1].
Mail renewal from MS? Yes, if eligible [2][5].
Birth cert local? MSDH only [3].
Urgent <14 days? New Orleans agency w/proof [10].
Minors? Both parents/DS-3053 [1].
Track? travel.state.gov post-receipt [1].
Fairs? Rare; check [9].
Lost? DS-64 then reapply [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] USPS - Passports
[3] MSDH Vital Records
[4] DS-11
[5] DS-82
[6] Photo Specs
[7] USPS Locator
[8] Jackson County Clerk
[9] State Facility Search
[10] Passport Agencies