Getting a Passport in Lincoln, ND: Facilities, Steps & Tips

Getting a Passport in Lincoln, ND

Lincoln, North Dakota, in Burleigh County near Bismarck, offers convenient access to passport services for its residents. Local demand spikes with business travel to Canada, summer trips abroad, winter escapes, and student exchanges at nearby University of Mary or Bismarck State College. Spring and summer see the heaviest crowds at facilities, while winter blizzards can delay mail renewals. This guide provides step-by-step processes, checklists, and tips to sidestep common errors like incorrect forms (e.g., using DS-82 for first-timers), photo glare from ND's bright sunlight, or missing parental consent for minors—issues that reject 30% of applications.

Routine processing averages 6-8 weeks; expedited (extra $60) takes 2-3 weeks but slows during peaks. For travel in 14 days or less, life-or-death emergencies allow urgent agency appointments after local submission—prove with tickets and documentation. Always verify timelines before booking flights.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Start here to avoid reapplications. Common ND mistake: Assuming all passports renew by mail—many first-timers or minors don't qualify.

Decision Tree:

• First-time, child under 16, or expired >15 years: DS-11 in person (do not sign until agent witnesses). Expect 20-45 minute facility visit.
• Renewal: DS-82 by mail if passport issued at 16+, undamaged, <15 years old, minimal personal changes. Skip in-person entirely.
• Lost/stolen/damaged: Report via DS-64, then DS-11 (in person +$60 fee) or DS-82 if eligible.
• Corrections (name/gender/data): DS-5504 (free within 1 year) or relevant form above.
• Multiple passports: DS-11/DS-82 + justification.

Download forms and checklists from travel.state.gov. For name changes post-marriage (frequent locally), include certified certificate.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Lincoln, ND

No passport agencies in Lincoln (nearest: Denver, 8+ hour drive); use these State Department-authorized spots for DS-11 submissions. They verify docs, witness signatures, collect $35 execution fee (cash/check/card varies), and forward to processing centers—no printing or photos guaranteed.

Local Burleigh County options (confirm via iafdb.travel.state.gov for "Lincoln ND" or ZIP 58504):

• Bismarck Main Post Office (220 E Rosser Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501): Full services, on-site photos. (701) 223-3596.
• Bismarck Post Office - Kirkwood Mall (706 Kirkwood Mall, Bismarck, ND 58504): Ea

sy for Lincoln drivers.

• Burleigh County Recorder's Office (514 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501): DS-11 specialist; check burleighco.com/recorder.

What to expect: 15-30 minute appts (book online/phone; walk-ins limited, especially Mondays 11am-2pm peaks). Arrive 15 min early with organized docs. Agents won't expedite or advise legally—focus on completeness. High spring/summer demand; backups like Mandan Post Office help.

Required Documents

Incomplete docs top rejection reasons—assemble originals + front/back photocopies on plain paper.

Citizenship Proof:

• Certified U.S. birth certificate (ND-issued from deq.nd.gov/vital-records, $15+ rush).
• Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate or prior passport.

Identity Proof:

• ND driver's license (enhanced REAL ID optional), military ID, or equivalent.

Photo: One 2x2" (details below).

Forms Table:

Fees (check to "U.S. Department of State"; execution to facility):

• Adult book (10yr): $130 + $35 + $60 expedited optional.
• Adult card (10yr): $30 + fees.
• Child book (5yr): $100 + $35.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

DIY prints fail often due to ND glare/shadows or sizing (head must be 1-1⅜"). Facilities reshoots add delays/costs ($15+).

Strict Specs:

• 2x2" color, <6 months old, matte thin paper.
• White/off-white background; neutral face, eyes open, ¾ front view.
• No glasses/hats/uniforms (medical/religious exceptions with proof).

Checklist:

1. Head size: 1-1⅜" chin-to-top.
2. Lighting: Even, shadow-free.
3. Distance: Plain background 1-2" behind.
4. Test print: Measure square.
5. Pro spots: USPS/Walgreens (safer).

Step-by-Step Application Checklist for First-Time/Child/Replacement (DS-11)

Prep 1-2 hours; apps expire 5 years for minors.

1. Fill DS-11 (black ink, unsigned; pptform.state.gov).
2. Citizenship doc + copy.
3. ID + copy.
4. Photo ready.
5. Minors: Both parents/IDs or DS-3053.
6. Fees separated.

Book appt. 8. Sign at facility; agent seals. 9. Track: passportstatus.state.gov.

Renewals and Replacements

DS-82 Renewal (mail, no fee/visit):

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. DS-82 + old passport + photo + $130 check.
3. Mail: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. Winter mail: Track USPS.

Replacements:

• DS-64 report.
• Reapply DS-11/DS-82 + fees. Tip: Photocopy passport before travel; replace lost ones ASAP.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60 at facility).
• Urgent (<14 days): 1-877-487-2778 post-submission; emergency proof only.

Peaks add delays—apply 9+ weeks early. Track online; delivery 1-2 weeks after.

Special Considerations for North Dakotans

• Students: University intl offices assist docs for exchanges.
• Seasonal: Passport cards cheaper for Canada land/sea.
• Winter: Mail tracking essential.
• Minors/Custody: Include ND court orders; dual parental consent avoids delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day passport in Lincoln? No; Denver agency for urgents (proof required).

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited for routine speed-up; urgent emergencies only.

Photo rejected? Retake pro-style—no shadows/glare.

Birth cert for renewal? No, just old passport.

Name change? Cert + DS-82/DS-5504.

REAL ID needed? No for passports.

Expiring soon? Renew within 15 years; valid to date.

Child by proxy? DS-3053 + ID copy.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Apply for a Passport
[2] U.S. Department of State - Passport Processing Times
[3] U.S. Department of State - Renew a Passport
[4] U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passports for Children
[6] U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[7] USPS - Passport Services
[8] Burleigh County - Recorder's Office
[9] [North Dakota Vital

Vital Records
For Lincoln, ND residents applying for a passport, request a certified long-form birth certificate (if born in ND) via mail, online, or in-person options from state vital records—essential for proving citizenship. Practical clarity: Processing takes 4-6 weeks standard; include $15 fee per copy, notary if needed, and self-addressed stamped envelope for return. Common mistakes: Submitting short-form or hospital-issued records (not accepted) or forgetting raised seal/registrar signature. Decision guidance: Order 2 copies now—one for passport, one backup.
North Dakota Vital Records

[10] Passport Photo Requirements
U.S. passports require 2x2-inch color photos on white/cream background, taken within 6 months, head 1-1 3/8 inches tall, neutral expression. Practical clarity: Use pharmacies, photo shops, or home printers with templates; digital uploads OK for renewals. Common mistakes: Smiling, hats/glasses (unless medical/religious with proof), shadows, or busy backgrounds—rejections delay apps by weeks. Decision guidance: Verify against sample photos first; professional service ensures compliance over DIY.
U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements

[11] Get a Passport Fast
For urgent needs from Lincoln, ND, choose expedited ($60 extra, 2-3 weeks) or urgent ($219+ overnight, 1-2 days if eligible). Practical clarity: Add at acceptance facility; track online. Common mistakes: Assuming post office handles full expedite (they forward to agency). Decision guidance: Expedite if travel <6 weeks; use life/death service for immediate (<14 days) emergencies with proof—standard otherwise to save fees.
U.S. Department of State - Get a Passport Fast