Getting a Passport in Beulah, ND: Steps, Facilities, Forms

Getting a Passport in Beulah, North Dakota

Residents of Beulah in Mercer County, North Dakota, often need passports for frequent international business travel, summer tourism to Europe or Canada, winter breaks in Mexico, student exchange programs, or urgent last-minute trips. North Dakota sees higher volumes of seasonal travel in spring/summer and during winter holidays, plus steady demand from oil industry workers and agricultural professionals crossing into Canada. However, common hurdles like limited appointment slots at local acceptance facilities during peak times, photo rejections from glare or shadows, and confusion over forms for renewals or minors can delay applications. This guide provides straightforward steps tailored to Beulah users, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate the process efficiently [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to use the correct form and process. This avoids wasted trips to facilities like the Beulah Post Office.

• First-Time Passport: For adults or minors who have never had a U.S. passport. Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility [1].
• Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16+, is undamaged, and was issued within the last 15 years. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing name/gender [2]. Not eligible if it was a limited-validity passport or issued before age 16.
• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Report it via Form DS-64 (free report) or DS-11/DS-82 for reissue. If abroad, contact a U.S. embassy [1].
• Name Change, Gender Marker Update, or Extra Pages: Use DS-82 if eligible for renewal; otherwise, DS-11 in person.
• Child (Under 16) Passport: Always DS-11 in person; both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent [3].

For Beulah residents, check eligibility first via the State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov [1]. Misusing forms, like submitting DS-82 for an ineligible renewal, leads to rejection and restarts—common in North Dakota where oil workers rush renewals before Canada trips.

Gather Required Documents and Fees

All applications require proof of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy, like birth certificate), valid photo ID, passport photo, and fees. North Dakota birth certificates come from the state Department of Health or local vital records offices; Mercer County residents can request from the State Vital Records Office in Bismarck [4].

Key Documents by Category

Fees go to different recipients: application fee to U.S. Department of State, execution fee to facility. Total for first-time adult book: $165+ [1]. Always verify current fees on travel.state.gov.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections nationwide, especially glare from North Dakota's bright sunlight or shadows in home setups [6]. Specs: 2x2 inches, color, white/cream/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8 inches, taken within 6 months, neutral expression, no glasses unless medically required [6].

Local Photo Options in Beulah/Mercer County:

• Beulah Post Office (110 Main St W, Beulah, ND 58523): Offers on-site photos for ~$15; call (701) 873-4485 to confirm availability [7].
• Walmart or Walgreens in nearby Hazen or Bismarck: Use self-service kiosks following State Department specs.
• Tips: Avoid selfies; use natural indoor light facing a white wall. Upload to travel.state.gov for pre-check [6].

Rejections spike in summer due to outdoor glare—print multiples.

Where to Apply in Beulah and Nearby

Beulah lacks a passport agency (nearest in Minneapolis), so use acceptance facilities for routine service. Book appointments online via usps.com or facility sites—slots fill fast during ND's spring/summer peaks and winter breaks [7].

Local Facilities:

1. Beulah Post Office (110 Main St W, Beulah, ND 58523): Mon-Fri 9am-4pm by appointment. Handles DS-11/DS-3053; execution fee $35 [7].
2. Hazen Post Office (302 Main St, Hazen, ND 58545): 12 miles east; similar hours [7].
3. Mercer County Recorder's Office (419 North Ave, Stanton, ND 58571): County seat; call (701) 872-3724 for passport services [8].
4. Bismarck Facilities (1-hour drive): USPS Bismarck Main (220 E Rosser Ave); ND Secretary of State accepts select forms [9].

For urgent travel (within 14 days), life-or-death (within 3 days), or expedited (2-3 weeks), apply at a regional agency after routine acceptance [1]. No walk-ins; book via travel.state.gov. High demand in ND means limited slots—plan 8-11 weeks standard processing [1].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Beulah

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and other passport services. These facilities do not produce passports on-site; instead, they verify your identity, administer oaths, review forms for completeness, and forward applications to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types in and around Beulah include post offices, county clerk offices, public libraries, and municipal buildings. You'll typically find them scattered throughout the town center, nearby suburbs, and along major routes leading out of Beulah.

When visiting, expect a straightforward but thorough process. Arrive prepared with your completed application form (DS-11 for new passports or DS-82 for renewals), proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid photo ID, and passport photos meeting specific size and quality standards. Staff will check documents, take any required signatures under oath, collect fees (payable by check or money order in most cases), and provide a receipt with estimated processing times—typically 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks expedited. Some locations offer photo services or form assistance, but availability varies. Walk-ins are common, though appointments may be recommended during high-demand periods to minimize waits.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities around Beulah often see heavier traffic during peak travel seasons, such as spring break, summer vacations, and holidays when renewals surge. Mondays tend to be crowded as people catch up after weekends, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) frequently experience rushes from lunch-hour visitors. To plan effectively, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, avoiding the start of the week if possible. Always verify current procedures through official U.S. State Department resources or facility websites beforehand, as policies can change. Consider making an appointment where offered, and double-check your documents to avoid return trips. For urgent needs, explore expedited options or passport agencies in larger nearby cities, but allow extra time for travel and security. Patience and preparation ensure a smoother experience.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Use this checklist to assemble everything before your appointment. Print forms from travel.state.gov; do not sign DS-11 until instructed.

1. Confirm eligibility: Use State Department wizard [1]. Choose first-time/renewal/replacement.
2. Download/print forms: DS-11 (in person), DS-82 (mail), DS-3053 (minors). Fill in black ink [2].
3. Gather citizenship proof: Order ND birth certificate if needed ($15-30 rush) from health.nd.gov [4]. No hospital "short form."
4. Get photo ID ready: ND license + photocopy. Secondary ID if name changed.
5. Take compliant photo: Specs per [6]; get 2 copies.
6. Calculate/pay fees: Two checks: State Dept (application) + facility (execution). Expedited mailing extra.
7. For minors: Both parents appear or notarized consent; court order if one parent unavailable [3].
8. Complete forms accurately: No erasures; track number if mailing.
9. Book appointment: Via usps.com for Beulah PO [7]. Arrive 15 min early.
10. At facility: Present docs, sign forms, pay fees. Get receipt with tracking.

Step-by-Step Checklist: After Submission and Tracking

1. Routine mail: 6-8 weeks from acceptance date [1]. Track at travel.state.gov.
2. Expedited (extra $60): 2-3 weeks; use 1-2 day delivery both ways ($20+ each).
3. Urgent travel: Within 14 days? Get DS-11 acceptance first, then agency appointment. Proof of travel required (itinerary) [1]. Not guaranteed in peaks.
4. Track status: Create account at travel.state.gov; enter receipt number.
5. Delivery: To your address or pickup. Sign for it.
6. Issues? Contact National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778) [1]. Rejections often due to incomplete docs—resubmit promptly.
7. Lost in mail? File DS-64; apply for replacement.

Warning: No hard guarantees on times, especially ND peaks (May-Aug, Dec). Standard is 8-11 weeks door-to-door; expedited adds cost but not certainty [1]. Last-minute trips risk denial—apply early.

Special Considerations for North Dakota Residents

• Minors and Exchanges: Beulah schools participate in programs to Europe/Asia; incomplete DS-3053 delays. Notarize at Mercer County Clerk ($5) [8].
• Business/Oil Travel: Frequent Canada crossers prefer passport cards ($30, land/sea only) [1].
• Seasonal Surges: Summer tourism and winter Mexico trips overwhelm Bismarck slots—book 4-6 weeks ahead.
• Name/Gender Changes: ND vital records for amended birth certs [4].
• Military: Minot AFB personnel use on-base services [10].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I renew my passport at the Beulah Post Office?
No, renewals (DS-82) go by mail to the State Department if eligible. Use post office only for DS-11 first-time/minor/replacements [2].

How long does it take for a new passport in Beulah?
Routine: 6-8 weeks processing + mailing (8-11 weeks total). Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Peak seasons longer; track online [1].

What if I need it for urgent travel within 14 days?
Get acceptance first (e.g., Beulah PO), prove imminent travel, then agency appt. Life/death: 3 days, but no promises during high demand [1].

My photo was rejected—what now?
Retake per exact specs: no shadows/glare, correct size. Use Beulah PO service or kiosk [6].

How do I get a birth certificate for my application?
From ND Dept of Health Vital Records (online/mail/in-person Bismarck). $15 standard, rush available [4].

Can one parent apply for a child's passport?
No—both must appear or provide notarized DS-3053. Court order if sole custody [3].

Is a passport card enough for my Canada business trip?
Yes, for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean; not air travel [1].

What if my old passport is lost?
Report via DS-64 online, then apply DS-11/DS-82 with police report recommended [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Renew Passport
[3]U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[4]North Dakota Department of Health - Vital Records
[5]U.S. Department of State - Identification
[6]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[7]USPS Passport Services
[8]Mercer County ND Official Site
[9]USPS Location Finder
[10]Minot AFB Passport Services

• 1,652)*