Redmond OR Passport Guide: First-Time, Renewals, Replacements

Getting a Passport in Redmond, OR

Living in Redmond, Oregon, means you're part of a community with strong travel habits, including frequent business trips to Europe and Asia, summer tourism to Mexico and Canada, and winter breaks for international skiing or family visits. Central Oregon's proximity to Bend and Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) supports higher seasonal travel volumes in spring/summer and during school breaks, plus students from nearby Central Oregon Community College participating in exchange programs. However, urgent last-minute trips for work or emergencies are common, making efficient passport processes essential. Deschutes County residents face typical challenges like limited appointments at busy post offices during peaks, photo rejections from glare or shadows (common in sunny Oregon), and confusion over forms for renewals or minors [1]. This guide provides straightforward steps tailored to Redmond and Deschutes County, drawing from official sources to help you navigate requirements without surprises.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to use the correct process and form. Applying in person is required for first-time applicants, children under 16, or certain replacements, while many renewals qualify for mail-in [1].

First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport, apply in person at an acceptance facility like the Redmond Post Office. You'll need proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., certified birth certificate), ID, a photo, and Form DS-11 (do not sign until instructed) [1].

Passport Renewal

Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing name/gender [1]. Ineligible? Treat as first-time.

Passport Replacement

For lost, stolen, or damaged U.S. passports, act quickly to minimize travel disruptions—report immediately to protect against identity theft and support fee waivers or faster processing.

Step 1: Report the Issue

• Use Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport) online at travel.state.gov (free, takes ~10 minutes). Do this first, even before replacing.
• Common mistake: Delaying the report—do it ASAP, ideally within 24 hours. For theft, also file a police report (bring the number to your application).
• Free replacement processing applies if lost/stolen within one year of issuance (still pay full application fee).

Step 2: Apply for Replacement

• In the U.S. (including Redmond, OR area): Apply in person at a nearby passport acceptance facility, like select post offices or county clerks (search "passport acceptance facility locator" on travel.state.gov or usps.com to find hours and book appointments—many require them).
  • Use Form DS-11 (new passport application) for lost, stolen, damaged, or if ineligible for renewal (e.g., first passport, major name change, child under 16).
  • Form DS-82 (renewal by mail) only if your passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16+, name hasn't changed significantly, and it's within 5 years of expiration—not for lost/stolen.
• Decision guidance: Check eligibility at travel.state.gov/DS-82. If lost/stolen, always use DS-11 in person (common mistake: mailing DS-82, which gets rejected).
• Bring: Proof of citizenship (birth certificate/original), ID (driver's license), passport photos (2x2", taken at pharmacies like Walgreens—avoid home prints), prior passport if available, and fees (checkbook/money order preferred; cards sometimes accepted).
• If abroad: Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately via travel.state.gov (emergency passports possible).

Expedited and Urgent Options

• Expedite service (+$60 fee): 2-3 weeks vs. 6-8 weeks routine; request at acceptance facility or mail.
• Urgent (1-3 days): Only at passport agencies (e.g., for Central Oregon residents, qualify via life-or-death emergency or imminent travel; book appointment online—slots fill fast).
• Decision guidance: Check processing times at travel.state.gov (varies by location/season). Expedite if traveling in 4+ weeks; urgent only if proven need (common mistake: requesting without documentation, causing denial/delays).
• Track status online after applying [1].

Passport for a Minor (Under 16)

Both parents/guardians must appear with the child, or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053). Valid only 5 years [1]. Common issue: Incomplete docs lead to delays.

Adding Pages or Name/Gender Changes

Use DS-5504 within a year of issuance (free, mail-in); otherwise, full renewal/replacement [1].

Use the State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov to confirm: https://pptform.state.gov/ [2].

Required Documents and Eligibility

All applicants must be U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals. Gather originals—photocopies won't suffice [1].

• Proof of Citizenship: Certified U.S. birth certificate (raised seal), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Oregon birth certificates can be ordered from the Oregon Health Authority or Deschutes County Health Services [3]. For local vital records, contact Deschutes County at (541) 322-7400 or visit their office in Bend [4].

• Photo ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government-issued ID. Name must match citizenship doc; if not, provide legal proof like marriage certificate [1].

• Application Form: DS-11 (first-time/minor/replacement in person), DS-82 (renewal by mail), DS-64 (lost/stolen report) [2].

• For Minors: Parental consent, court orders if sole custody [1].

Photocopy front/back of ID and citizenship proof (8.5x11 white paper). Fees are non-refundable; check current amounts at travel.state.gov [1].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos account for 25% of rejections in Oregon facilities due to shadows from indoor lighting, glare on glasses, or incorrect sizing [1]. Specs [5]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• Color photo on photo-quality paper, taken within 6 months.
• White/cream/off-white background, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No uniforms, hats (unless religious/medical), glasses (unless medically necessary with no glare), or shadows.

Local options in Redmond: Walmart (1041 SW Veterans Way), Walgreens (1435 SW Highland Ave), or UPS Store (1584 SW Odell Creek Ct). Confirm they meet State Dept standards; many print "passport ready" photos [5]. Cost: $15–$20.

Where to Apply in Redmond and Deschutes County

Redmond has limited facilities; book appointments early, especially March–August and December (peak seasons) [6]. Use USPS locator: https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport [6].

• Redmond Post Office: 917 SW Veterans Way, Redmond, OR 97756. (541) 548-5354. Mon–Fri 9am–3pm by appointment. Processes DS-11; accepts fees [6].

• Bend Post Office (Nearest Major): 1st St & Franklin Ave, Bend, OR 97701. (541) 382-3681. Larger volume, earlier slots [6].

• Deschutes County Clerk: 1164 NW Colorado Ave, Bend, OR 97703. (541) 388-6671. Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; notaries available for consents [7].

Private facilities like clerks charge $35 execution fee + State Dept fees. Pay State fees by check/money order; facilities take cash/card for theirs [1].

For renewals: Mail to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Redmond

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for processing. These are not passport agencies, which handle urgent renewals or lost passports for eligible travelers. Instead, acceptance facilities—often found at post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings—review your completed application, verify your identity, administer the oath, and forward your documents to a regional passport agency for final processing. Expect a straightforward in-person appointment where staff check forms like DS-11 for first-time applicants or DS-82 for renewals, ensure you have a valid photo meeting specifications (2x2 inches, recent, color), proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate), photo ID, and payment for fees (check or money order preferred; some accept cards).

In and around Redmond, you'll find potential acceptance facilities among local post offices in nearby neighborhoods, public libraries serving the community, and government offices in adjacent cities like Kirkland, Bellevue, or Woodinville. Surrounding areas in King County also host similar spots at municipal centers or clerks' offices. Always verify current status through the official State Department website or by calling ahead, as participation can change. Bring all required documents organized in a folder to streamline the visit, and note that applications cannot be submitted by mail from acceptance facilities—everything is done in person.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer vacation months, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Weekdays, especially Mondays, often start with backlogs from weekend submissions, while mid-day slots (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can fill up quickly due to working professionals. To plan effectively, aim for early mornings or later afternoons on weekdays, avoiding Fridays if possible. Check for online appointment systems where available, as walk-ins may face long waits. Arrive prepared with extras like additional photos or IDs, and monitor the State Department's locator tool for real-time updates. Patience is key—processing times post-submission range from weeks to months, so apply well in advance of travel.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Follow this checklist for in-person (DS-11) applications. Double-check to avoid rejections.

1. Confirm Eligibility: Use pptform.state.gov wizard [2]. Gather citizenship proof, ID, photocopies.

2. Complete Form: Fill DS-11 online, print single-sided. Do not sign [2].

3. Get Photo: Recent, compliant photo. Staple to form (one per applicant).

4. Calculate Fees: Book (28 pages: $130 adults/$100 minors) + card ($30/$15). Execution $35. Expedite +$60 [1]. Checks to "U.S. Department of State."

5. Book Appointment: Call facility 2–4 weeks ahead; peaks book months out [6].

6. Attend Appointment: Bring all docs, unsigned form, fees. Both parents for minors. Sign DS-11 in front of agent.

7. Track Status: Online at passportstatus.state.gov (7–10 days post-submission) [1].

For mail renewals (DS-82):

1. Complete/print DS-82 [2].

2. Include old passport, photo, fees (check to "U.S. Department of State").

3. Mail via USPS Priority (tracking).

Lost/Stolen: File DS-64 online first, then apply [1].

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Routine: 6–8 weeks (does not include mailing) [1]. Peaks add 2–4 weeks—avoid last-minute reliance.

• Expedited: +$60, 2–3 weeks. Available at acceptance facilities or mail [1].

• Urgent (Life/Death Emergency or Urgent Business within 14 days): 1–2 days at passport agencies (nearest: Seattle, 800-567-6643). Proof required (e.g., itinerary, death cert). Not guaranteed; call first [8]. Confusion arises: Expedited ≠ urgent travel service.

• 1-Week Expedited at Agencies: For travel 5–14 days out, +$60 +$21.36 overnight [8].

Track avoidantly; no hard timelines during COVID/backlogs [1]. Ship return via 2–3 day delivery.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Limited Appointments: Redmond Post Office fills fast April–July (summer travel) and December. Check daily; use Bend as backup. Arrive early for walk-ins (rare) [6].

• Expedited vs. Urgent Confusion: Expedited speeds routine; urgent requires agency visit with proof. Business trips <14 days? Seattle agency [8].

• Photo Rejections: Oregon's bright light causes glare—use facilities with rings lights. Measure head size [5].

• Incomplete Docs for Minors: 40% rejections. Get DS-3053 notarized ahead (Deschutes Clerk helps) [1].

• Renewal Mistakes: Using DS-11 if eligible for DS-82 wastes time/money. Old passport >15 years? New app [1].

• Vital Records Delays: Oregon processing 2–4 weeks; rush via vitalchek.com ($ extra) [3].

Start 10+ weeks early for routine, especially peaks. Birth cert apostille for some countries? Extra steps [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for my child's passport without both parents present?
No, unless you provide sole custody docs or notarized DS-3053 from absent parent. Both must sign [1].

How do I renew my passport in Redmond if it's expiring soon?
If eligible (issued <15 years ago, age 16+), mail DS-82 from home. Include old passport [1].

What's the difference between routine and expedited service?
Routine: 6–8 weeks. Expedited: 2–3 weeks for +$60. Neither guarantees peak-season speed [1].

Where do I get a birth certificate in Deschutes County?
Order from Oregon Vital Records online/vitalchek or Deschutes County Health Services (Bend office) [3][4].

Can I get a passport same-day in Redmond?
No local agencies. Urgent? Seattle Passport Agency (appt only, travel proof needed) [8].

What if my passport is lost while traveling from Redmond Airport?
Report via DS-64 online; apply at embassy abroad or upon return [1].

Do I need an appointment at Redmond Post Office?
Yes, required Mon–Fri 9–3pm. Book via phone/USPS site [6].

How much are passport fees for adults in 2024?
$165 book+card first-time; check travel.state.gov for updates [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2]State Department Passport Forms
[3]Oregon Health Authority - Birth, Death Certificates
[4]Deschutes County Health Services - Vital Records
[5]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[6]USPS - Passport Services
[7]Deschutes County Clerk
[8]U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies