Bismarck ND Passport Guide: DS-11, Renewals, Facilities & Tips

Getting a Passport in Bismarck, North Dakota

North Dakotans often need passports for energy sector business trips to Canada (via Williston hubs), Europe, Mexico tourism, or winter escapes to warmer climates. Bismarck, the capital in Burleigh County, experiences appointment shortages during spring/summer peaks and pre-holiday rushes, driven by families, students in exchange programs, and urgent needs like family emergencies. Local challenges include passport photo rejections from Bismarck's harsh winter light or indoor glare, incomplete minor forms, and DS-11 vs. DS-82 confusion. This guide uses U.S. Department of State resources to streamline your process [1].

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Start with the State Department's interactive wizard to confirm your path: Passport Application Wizard [12].

First-Time Passport (Form DS-11)

Required if: never had a passport, previous one issued before age 16, issued 15+ years ago, or lost/damaged/stolen. Apply in person at an acceptance facility—no mailing DS-11.

Quick Decision Table:

Bismarck-Specific Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Signing DS-11 before the agent (complete online, print unsigned).
• No appointment—book via USPS locator USPS Passport Locator [7].
• Photo issues: Variable ND lighting causes shadows/glare; use pros (~$15 at USPS/Walgreens).
• Missing originals: ND birth certificate (order from ND Vital Records [9]); photocopy everything.

Timeline & Tips: Routine processing: 4-6 weeks from submission [13]. Energy workers: Apply 3 months early for Canada trips. Winter blizzards delay mail—use tracked shipping.

Passport Renewal (Form DS-82)

Eligible if: issued <15 years ago, at age 16+, no major name/gender/appearance changes, undamaged. Mail from Bismarck—no facility visit needed [3].

If ineligible, use DS-11 process above.

Passport Replacement

Report lost/stolen via Form DS-64 online [4]. Then renew (DS-82 if eligible) or apply in person (DS-11). For trips <14 days, prove urgency for agency appointment—nearest: Chicago Passport Agency (~800 miles) [5].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Bismarck and Burleigh County

These State Department-authorized spots witness DS-11 apps, seal envelopes, and collect fees. Bismarck facilities book up fast (spring/summer, holidays); reserve 4-6 weeks ahead via phone/online. Expect 15-30 min visits: document review, oath, payment. Walk-ins rare.

• Bismarck Main Post Office: 220 E Rosser Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501. (701) 223-3596. Weekdays; full services including photos. Book via USPS [7].
• Burleigh County Clerk of District Court: 514 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501. (701) 222-6690. Appointments required; verify hours Burleigh County site [8].
• Bismarck Uptown Post Office: 400 E Front Ave, Bismarck, ND 58504. (701) 255-3336. Limited slots; check USPS [7].

For life/death emergencies <14 days: Book facility, then call 1-877-487-2778 [1]. Always confirm services/availability USPS Passport Services [6].

Required Documents

Prepare originals + single-sided B&W photocopies. No facility copying.

• Citizenship: Original long-form birth certificate (ND-issued common), naturalization cert, or prior passport [2].
• ID: ND driver's license/REAL ID (must match citizenship name) [1].
• Forms: DS-11 (unsigned for in-person), DS-82 (renewal), DS-3053 (minors, notarized if absent parent).
• Photo: 1 recent 2x2" color.
• Fees: See below.

Minors <16: Both parents/guardians appear with their IDs/citizenship, or notarized consent. Critical for Bismarck exchange students [10].

Passport Photos: Avoid Bismarck Rejections

25%+ of local rejections: Wrong size (2x2", head 1-1⅜"), glare/shadows (ND indoor fluorescents/windows), smiles, poor background (white/off-white).

Local Fixes:

• Pros at USPS/Walgreens/CVS/UPS (~$15, on-site).
• Natural light avoids winter glare; no selfies.
• Glasses OK if no glare/eyes visible; religious coverings if face edges show [11].

Photo Examples [11].

Step-by-Step Checklist: First-Time/In-Person (DS-11)

1. Use wizard [12]; confirm DS-11 needed.
2. Collect: Citizenship orig + copy, ID + copy, unsigned DS-11 (download), photo, fees.
3. Book appointment USPS locator [7].
4. Arrive 15 min early; present docs.
5. Sign DS-11 with agent; pay (cash/card exec fee; check app fee).
6. Get tracking #; monitor online after 7 days [13].

Fees (as of 2024; verify [1])

Expedite +$60; 1-2 day return +$21.36. No cards for app fee locally [6].

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Current (check [13] for updates):

• Routine: 4-6 weeks from submission.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Bismarck peaks (spring/holidays) add delays—apply early. Track here.

Urgent <14 days: Life/death proof only; Chicago agency [5].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Renewal by Mail (DS-82)

1. Confirm eligibility wizard [12].
2. Complete DS-82 (download); print single-sided.
3. Include: Old passport, new photo (name/DOB on back), check.
4. Mail Priority to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [3].
5. Track new passport (6-8 weeks); old returned separately.

Name change? Add docs (marriage cert).

Special Considerations for Minors and Renewals

Minors: No mail renewals; both parents or DS-3053. Bring custody orders [10]. Renewals: Early renewal OK if <6 months valid left [3].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Bismarck? No; urgent only via distant agency [5].

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited: 2-3 weeks routine (+$60). Urgent: <14 days emergencies, agency-required [13].

Photo rejected? Bismarck glare common—retake at USPS [11].

Appointment needed? Yes; book USPS [7].

ND birth cert? Order online ($15, 1-2 weeks) [9].

Renew soon-to-expire passport? Yes, if eligible [3].

Lost abroad? U.S. Embassy for emergency passport [14].

REAL ID as ID? Yes [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Apply In Person
[3] Renew by Mail
[4] Report Lost/Stolen
[5] Urgent Travel
[6] USPS - Passport Services
[7] USPS - Find Location
[8] Burleigh County - Clerk
[9] ND Vital Records
[10] Children Under 16
[11] Photos
[12] Wizard
[13] Processing Times
[14] Lost Abroad