Anthony, NM Passport Guide: Steps, Forms, Local Facilities

Getting a Passport in Anthony, NM

Anthony, NM, in Doña Ana County, sits just minutes from the U.S.-Mexico border, driving high demand for passports among residents crossing to Ciudad Juárez for work, shopping, or family visits. New Mexico State University (NMSU) students in nearby Las Cruces frequently need them for study abroad or exchange programs, while seasonal travel peaks in spring break, summer vacations, and winter escapes amplify appointment shortages at nearby facilities. This guide provides a tailored, step-by-step process based on U.S. Department of State guidelines, highlighting local challenges like scarce slots and border-related urgency to help you sidestep errors such as invalid photos or incorrect forms.[1]

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Start with the State Department's wizard at travel.state.gov/passport-wizard to pick your path—mischoosing forms like using DS-82 for first-timers causes 20% of rejections.[1] Anthony-area applicants often face first-time needs (families, new NMSU grads), renewals (frequent Juárez commuters), or urgent replacements (lost during border trips).

First-Time or In-Person (Form DS-11)

Required if: Never had a passport, previous issued before age 16, name/data changes, expired over 15 years, or minors. Apply in person at a facility—common for Anthony parents traveling to Mexico with kids.[2]

Renewal by Mail (Form DS-82)

Eligible only if: Issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, in possession, no personal data changes. Ideal for Doña Ana business travelers; mail it to avoid local waits.[3]

Replacement

Lost/stolen/damaged: DS-11 in person if only passport; DS-82 by mail if another valid one exists. Border thefts make this urgent—report via DS-64 first.[3]

Quick Decision Table

Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

High-demand southern NM facilities reject incomplete apps daily—prep fully to avoid rescheduling. Print this checklist:

All Applicants

• Form: DS-11 (in-person) or DS-82 (mail). Download DS-11 or DS-82.[4][5]
• U.S. citizenship proof: Original birth certificate (certified, not hospital copy), naturalization cert, or old passport + photocopy.
• Identity proof: NM driver's license, passport card, military ID (enhanced DL OK for ID, not passport).[7]
• 2x2 photo (see next section).
• Fees: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" ($130 adult book, $100 child); $35 execution to facility. USPS accepts cards sometimes.[8]
• Name change docs (marriage/divorce cert).

Minors Under 16

• Both parents present or DS-3053 notarized consent + IDs/relationship proof.
• $100 fee (5-year validity).

Expedited/Urgent

• $60 extra; proof for 14-day urgent (itinerary/flight); El Paso agency only.[9]

NM birth certs? Order from Vital Records: vitalrecords@nmhealth.org or (505) 827-2600 (2-4 weeks).[6]

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25-30% of apps fail on photos—NM sun glare or poor home prints worsen it. Strict rules:[10]

• 2x2 inches (head 1-1 3/8 inches).
• Color, plain white/off-white background, neutral face, eyes open.
• No glasses/hats/uniforms/shadows; recent (6 months). Local spots: CVS/Walgreens ($15, instant); USPS facilities. Skip selfies. Validate at travel.state.gov/photo.[10]

Where to Apply Near Anthony, NM

No passport facility in Anthony—drive to Las Cruces (20 miles north) or El Paso agency (1 hour south, urgent only). Book ASAP via iap.usps.com—spring/summer Mexico rushes and NMSU breaks fill slots 1-4 weeks out.[11] Expect: Document review, oath, sealing (15-30 min). Bring completed unsigned DS-11, photo, ID, fees. Minors need both parents. Busiest: Mondays, 11am-2pm, peaks—go early mornings/Tues-Thurs.

• Doña Ana County Clerk (Las Cruces): 845 N Motel Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88007. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, appt only. (575) 525-9122. donaanacounty.org/clerk/passports.[12]
• Las Cruces Main Post Office: 201 E Las Cruces Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, appt. (575) 524-0849. USPS finder.[13]
• Anthony USPS (limited): 820 St Anthony St, Anthony, NM 88021. Call (575) 882-2575—often refers out, no guaranteed services.[14]

El Paso Agency (urgent <14 days, proof req.): 660 S Mesa Hills Dr, El Paso, TX 79912. 1-877-487-2778.[15]
View all on Google Maps.

Full Application Process: Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Run wizard, pick form/service.[1]
2. Gather docs/photo per above.
3. Fill form (black ink, no sign DS-11 yet, no staples).
4. Book facility appt.
5. Arrive early; agent reviews, you sign under oath.
6. Pay/submit; get receipt.
7. Track at passportstatus.state.gov.[16]
8. Passport mails 6-8 weeks (routine); old one follows if renewal.

Mail renewals: USPS Priority ($19.60+), include old passport.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (peaks 10+).[17] Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks. Urgent <14 days: Agency appt + proof (flights/docs)—El Paso for Anthony folks. Apply 9+ weeks early for NMSU trips/Mexico holidays; no local rush service.[9][17]

Special Considerations for Anthony Residents

• Border/Mexico: Passports required for SENTRI/NEXUS; expedite for Juárez work.
• NMSU Students: Exchanges need child passports (DS-11); plan for semester starts.
• Lost/Stolen: DS-64 report; embassy if abroad.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Appointment scarcity: Book backups (Clerk + USPS); check daily.
• Wrong form: Wizard first—DS-82 ineligible? Wasted trip.
• Photo fails: Pro service; template check.
• Minor consents: Notarize DS-3053 early.
• Delays: 9-week buffer; track weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Anthony? No—weeks routine; El Paso urgent only.[15]

Routine vs. expedited? 6-8 vs. 2-3 weeks (+$60); peaks longer.[17]

Las Cruces USPS walk-in? Appt required.[13]

Renewing for Mexico trip? DS-82 mail if eligible; expedite.[3]

NM birth cert? Vital Records, 2-4 weeks.[6]

Enhanced DL instead? No, air/sea needs passport.[7]

Child passport cost? $100 + $35 execution.[8]

Family emergency? Agency proof; high demand limits.[9]

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Apply In Person
[3] U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[4] DS-11 Form
[5] DS-82 Form
[6] New Mexico Vital Records
[7] New Mexico MVD - Enhanced Driver's License
[8] U.S. Department of State - Fees
[9] U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[10] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photos
[11] USPS Passport Appointment
[12] Doña Ana County Clerk - Passports
[13] USPS Location Finder
[14] USPS Anthony, NM
[15] El Paso Passport Agency
[16] Passport Status Check
[17] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times