Pendleton OR Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Fees & Steps

Getting Your Passport in Pendleton, OR: A Complete Guide

Pendleton residents often need passports for cross-border trips to Canada for rodeos or fishing, summer Round-Up festival extensions to international events, or winter escapes to Mexico amid Eastern Oregon's harsh weather. Demand peaks in spring (outdoor adventures), summer (Europe tourism), and holidays (family reunions abroad), straining local facilities—book appointments 4-6 weeks ahead to avoid delays. Unlike busier Portland hubs, Pendleton's post office and county clerk provide quick in-person service with national processing times: routine 4-6 weeks, expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60 fee).[1][2] This guide uses U.S. Department of State data to outline DS-11 (new/in-person) vs. DS-82 (mail renewal) paths, common errors like photo glare from local indoor lighting, and minor consent pitfalls.

Last updated: November 2024 (fees/times from travel.state.gov; facility details from USPS/County sites).

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Match your needs to avoid reapplications:

Pendleton tip: Many skip eligibility check, driving to facilities unnecessarily—verify via old passport's issue date first.[2]

Required Documents and Forms

Universal Requirements:

• Form: DS-11 (new) or DS-82 (renewal).
• Citizenship proof: Original/certified birth/naturalization cert + photocopy (front/back).
• Photo ID: Driver's license/military ID + photocopy.
• 2x2 photo (<6 months old).
• Fees (separate payments).

Minors Extra: Parents' IDs/citizenship; consent if one absent.

Download single-sided from travel.state.gov; don't sign DS-11 early. Oregon births: Order from Oregon Health Authority ($25 expedited).[1][4] Expect 25% rejections from incomplete minor docs or poor photos.[2]

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time/In-Person (D

S-11)

Prep 6-8 weeks pre-travel:

1. Fill DS-11 (black ink, no sign).[1]
2. Secure citizenship proof (Oregon long-form birth cert).[4]
3. Valid ID + photocopy (Oregon DL common).[2]
4. Passport photo (specs below).[1]
5. Fees ready (check to "U.S. Department of State"; facility cash/check).[2]
6. Book appt: Pendleton PO (541-276-6771) or Umatilla Clerk (541-278-6122).[5][6]
7. Arrive: Sign DS-11 on-site; agent verifies. Get receipt/tracking #.
8. Track: travel.state.gov after 7-10 days.[1]

At facilities: 15-30 min process; expect questions on travel plans. No on-site printing.

Renewal by Mail (DS-82):

1. Confirm eligibility.[3]
2. Complete DS-82 online/print.
3. Include old passport, photo, $130 check (adult).
4. Mail: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (expedited same).[3]
5. Track after 1-2 weeks.[1]

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25%+ delays from invalid photos—local issues: Glare from Walmart booths, smiles, or headwear.[1]

Strict Specs:

• 2x2 inches (head 1-1⅜ inches).
• White background, color, <6 months.
• Neutral face, eyes open, no glasses/uniforms/selfies.

Pendleton Options:

• Walmart Photo (Pendleton Crossing): $15-16, instant.
• Pendleton PO: On-site ($15, call ahead).[5]
• Bi-Mart Pharmacy: Quick service.

Test upload at travel.state.gov/photo-tool.[1]

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Pendleton

Consolidated list (DS-11 only; verify via USPS locator/IAF tool as status changes). No agencies here—urgent to Seattle/Portland.[2] Expect 10-20 min appts; execution fee $35.

No weekends. High volume Mon AM, summer/holidays—call 1 week ahead.[2]

Fees and Payment (as of April 2024)

-11/82) | $130 | $100 | State Dept. (check/MO) | | Execution (DS-11 only) | $35 | $35 | Facility (cash/check) | | Expedited Processing | +$60 | +$60 | State Dept. | | 1-2 Day Delivery | +$21.36 | +$21.36 | State Dept. |

Exact amounts; no cards at most. Verify travel.state.gov.[2]

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Timelines include mail; track online. Avoid holidays—delays common for Pendleton's Canada/Mexico rushes.

Common Challenges and Tips for Pendleton Residents

• Appt Shortages: Round-Up/summer fill fast—use nearby Hermiston.
• DS-11 vs. DS-82 Mixup: >15 years old? DS-11 only.
• Minors: Notarize DS-3053 at US Bank/PO ($10); both parents ideal.
• Photos: Natural light fixes glare; extras prevent returns.
• Birth Certs: Expedite Oregon ($25+).[4]
• What to Expect: Agent reviews docs aloud; rejections rare if checklist followed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Walk-ins in Pendleton? Limited; call PO/Clerk—appt best.[5][6]

Travel <2 weeks? Routine first, then urgent line; no local rush.[2]

Both parents for minor? Yes or DS-3053; banks notarize.[1]

Expired passport as ID? No for DS-11; yes for renewal.[2]

Oregon birth cert? Vital Records online ($25 rush).[4]

Lost abroad? Embassy aid; reapply home.[1]

Sources

[1] U.S. Dept. of State - Passports: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] Passport Fees/Times: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
[3] Renewals: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
[4] Oregon Vital Records: https://oregon.gov/oha/ph/birthdeathcertificates
[5] USPS Pendleton PO: https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?...
[6] Umatilla Clerk: https://www.umatillacounty.gov/clerk
[7] Photo Specs: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[8] USPS Hermiston: https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?...
[9] USPS Milton-Freewater: https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?...