Passport Guide for Lebanon, NE: Facilities, Forms & Steps

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Lebanon, NE
Passport Guide for Lebanon, NE: Facilities, Forms & Steps

Getting a Passport in Lebanon, NE

Lebanon, Nebraska residents in rural Red Willow County often apply for passports tied to agriculture exports, manufacturing shipments, or family visits abroad. Tourism draws folks to Mexico or Europe during summer fairs and winter escapes, while nearby college students head out for study abroad. Rural drives to facilities add planning time—expect 15-20 minutes to McCook or similar to Indianola. Peak demand hits spring planting breaks, harvest season, and holidays, straining regional slots. Watch for photo fails from home setups (glare on glasses), minor form gaps, or confusing renewals with new apps. This guide uses U.S. Department of State rules to streamline your process amid variable backlogs.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick wrong and face rejection fees/delays. First-timers and most minors always need in-person DS-11 (no mail). Renewals use DS-82 by mail only if your old passport meets all criteria: issued at 16+, last 15 years, undamaged, in hand. Common error: Mailing DS-82 as a first-timer—get sent back. Test eligibility on the State Department's tool; call facilities if borderline.

Situation Description Where to Apply Form Needed
First-time (adult/minor, no prior U.S. passport) Never held one, or issued <16 and expired >5 years ago. In person. DS-11 (unsigned until sworn).
Renewal Eligible old passport in hand. Mail. DS-82.
Lost/stolen/damaged Report first online. In person (urgent) or mail. DS-64 + DS-11/DS-82.
Corrections/name change Proof of change needed. Varies. DS-5504 (free if <1 year old).
Child <16 Strict consent rules. In person. DS-11.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Lebanon, NE

No local spot in Lebanon—nearest confirmed via State Department locator [6]:

  • McCook Post Office
    1401 E 1st St, McCook, NE 69001
    Phone: (308) 345-1070
    Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM-4 PM (passport by appt) [7].
    Photos available (confirm).

  • Red Willow County Clerk's Office
    500 Norris Ave, Rm 102, McCook, NE 69001
    Phone: (308) 345-1603
    Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM (appt recommended) [8].

  • Indianola Post Office
    606 I Ave, Indianola, NE 69034
    Phone: (308) 364-5202
    Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-4 PM (verify passport appts via locator) [6].

Search iafdb.travel.state.gov for real-time slots [6]. Rural peaks (harvest, fairs) fill c

alendars—book 4-6 weeks early for spring/summer. Expect 20-45 min visits: document check, oath, fees. Walk-ins rare; arrive early with extras.

Required Documents and Fees

Originals only—no scans. Nebraska birth certs via DHHS ($18+ rush) [9]. Two payments: execution (to facility), application (to State Dept).

New/Child/Replacement (DS-11):

  • Unsigned DS-11.
  • Citizenship proof (birth cert).
  • ID (NE license).
  • Photo.
  • Fees: $130 + $35 exec (+$30 photo opt).

Renewal (DS-82): $130 + photo, old passport.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

20-30% rejections here from poor rural lighting [10]. Must: 2x2", recent color, plain background, 1-1⅜" head, eyes open/neutral. Pitfalls: hat shadows, glare on specs (remove unless medical), oversized prints, smiling. Check samples [11]. Local: McCook Walmart/PO ($15); DIY then Walgreens.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

For in-person (DS-11). Budget 2-3 hrs total drive/wait.

  1. Prep (1-2 wks ahead): Eligibility check [2], DHHS birth cert [9], photo, online DS-11 print (unsigned) [13], appt [6].
  2. Pack: All originals, minor extras (both parents/DS-3053) [5], dual checks.
  3. At Facility: 15 min early. Staff verifies citizenship/ID match, completeness; swear/sign DS-11; pay. No on-site passports.
  4. After: Track at passportstatus.state.gov [14]. Expedite? +$60 (7-9 wks). Urgent? Apply then call 1-877-487-2778 [16].
  5. Pickup: Mail only (6-8 wks routine); track book.

Mail DS-82: Priority envelope, returner [17].

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Routine 10-13 wks (no mail time). Expedited 7-9 (+$60). Rural mail adds 1-2 wks each way—apply 4+ mos pre-trip. Urgent (<14 days, life/death only): Nearest agency Denver (5-6 hr drive). No local same-day; scarce slots.

Frequent ag travelers: Apply for second passport [4].

Special Considerations for Minors Under 16

High local student demand. Both parents + child ID; or DS-3053 notarized + absent ID copy [5]. Parent holds photo. 5-yr validity. No mail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Renew at McCook PO? No, mail DS-82 if eligible [2].
Lost abroad? DS-64 online [3]; photocopy backup.
Full slots? Indianola or locator alts [6].
Birth cert for renewal? No [2].
Same-day NE? No; Denver urgent only [16].

Earrings/hair? Fine if face clear [11].
Alt citizenship proof? Naturalization/prior passport [1].
Marriage name change? Cert + DS-5504 (<1 yr free) [4].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Apply for a Passport (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html)
[2] U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/renew.html)
[3] U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/lost-stolen.html)
[4] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html)
[5] U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16 (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html)
[6] U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search (https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/)
[7] USPS - McCook Post Office (https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=post-office&searchRadius=20&address=69001)
[8] Red Willow County Clerk (https://www.co.red-willow.ne.us/webpages/clerk/clerk.html)
[9] Nebraska DHHS - Vital Records (http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/Vital-Records.aspx)
[10] U.S. Department of State - Passport Statistics (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html)
[11] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/photos/photo-examples.html)
[12] USPS - Passport Photos (https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm)
[13] U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11 (https://pptform.state.gov/)
[14] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status (https://passportstatus.state.gov/)
[15] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html)
[16] U.S. Department of State - Urgent Travel (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/emergencies.html)
[17] U.S. Department of State - Mailing Your Application (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/mail-your-renewal.html)

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations