Passport Guide Belleville PA: DS-11 Lewistown, DS-82 Mail, Fees

By GovComplete Team Published on:

Location: Belleville, PA
Passport Guide Belleville PA: DS-11 Lewistown, DS-82 Mail, Fees

Getting a Passport in Belleville, PA

Belleville residents in rural Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, often apply for passports to support study abroad from nearby Juniata College affiliates, family visits to Europe or the Caribbean during summer peaks, or quick trips to Canada amid steady cross-border business. High demand hits local facilities in Lewistown during March-August vacations and December holidays, so book early to avoid multi-week waits for appointments. Routine processing now takes 4-6 weeks (plus 2 weeks mailing each way), expedited 2-3 weeks—but delays spike in peaks (verified October 2024 via travel.state.gov [2]).

This guide uses current U.S. Department of State data to help decide between DS-11 (in-person new/renewal) and DS-82 (mail renewal), avoid rejections, and navigate Mifflin County options.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick DS-11 or DS-82 upfront to save time:

  • DS-11 (In-Person): First-time, minors under 16, prior passport issued before age 16, name/gender changes, or lost/damaged over 5 years old. Must apply at a Mifflin County facility like Lewistown Post Office—no signing until agent witnesses.

  • DS-82 (Mail Renewal): Passport issued at 16+, undamaged, within 15 years. Skip facilities; mail directly—ideal for Belleville's remote applicants.

  • Replacements: Lost/stolen valid <5 years: DS-5504 by mail. Otherwise, DS-11.

  • Book vs. Card: Book ($165 adult first-time) for air travel worldwide; card ($65 first-time) for land/sea to Canada/Mexico only.

Minors always DS-11 with both parents. Use travel.state.gov checklists [3].

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only—no photocopies as proof:

  • Citizenship: Birth certificate (PA Vital Records, 2-4 weeks processing [4]), naturalization cert, or old passport.
  • ID: PA driver's license (name match required).
  • SSN: On form or waiver.
  • Minors: DS-3053 notarized consent if one parent absent; evidence of sole custody otherwise.

Forms (free): DS-11/DS-82/DS-64/DS-5504 at travel.state.gov [3].

Fees (verified October 2024 [2]):

Service Application Fee Acceptance Fee Expedite Total (Adult Book)
DS-11 First-Time $130 $35 +$60 $165 (+$60)
DS-82 Renewal $130 None +$60 $130 (+$60)
Passport Card $30/$30 $35/None +$60 $65/$30

Pay State fee by check; facility fee separate.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common

Pitfalls

25% of PA rejections stem from photos [6]. Must be: 2x2", recent (6 months), neutral expression, white background, no glasses/hats/selfies.

Local options near Belleville:

  • Lewistown Walgreens (525 W 4th St) or CVS.
  • Lewistown Walmart Photo.
  • Some USPS sites (confirm).

Bring two identical; facilities reject poor ones on-site.

Where to Apply Near Belleville

No facility in Belleville—head to Mifflin County post offices (8-15 miles). All require DS-11 in-person; book via usps.com [7]. Expect 30-60 min visits: document review, oath, fee collection—then mailed to Philadelphia.

Verified Locations (USPS locator, October 2024 [7]):

  • Lewistown Post Office: 50 W Market St, Lewistown, PA 17044 (9 miles). Mon-Fri appointments; busiest mid-week.
  • Burnham Post Office: 419 Freedom Ave, Burnham, PA 17020 (12 miles). Limited slots—check availability.
  • McClure Post Office: 76 School Ln, McClure, PA 17841 (10 miles north). Smaller, quieter option.

Farther: State College PO (25 miles, Centre County) for overflow. Search iafdb.travel.state.gov [1]. Renewals mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [2].

Tips: Early mornings beat crowds; peaks overwhelm—book 4 weeks ahead.

Step-by-Step Checklist: First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

  1. Fill DS-11 (black ink, unsigned).
  2. Collect docs/photos/fees.
  3. Book at usps.com [7].
  4. Arrive: Sign under oath; minors need both parents/DS-3053 [5].
  5. Track after 7 days: travel.state.gov [2].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Renewals and Replacements by Mail (DS-82/DS-5504)

  1. Confirm eligibility.
  2. Include old passport, new photos.
  3. Fees/check to "U.S. Department of State".
  4. Priority Mail to Philadelphia [2].
  5. Track online [2].

Expedited and Urgent Travel Services

  • Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks (peaks may hit 4+ [2]).
  • Urgent (<14 days): Life-or-death only; Philadelphia agency appointment via 1-877-487-2778 [8].

Start 9+ weeks early for routine.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

  • No Slots: Try Burnham/McClure; State Co

llege backup.

  • Photos/Docs Fail: Pros for photos; order PA birth certs ASAP [4].
  • DS-82 vs DS-11 Mixup: Renew by mail if eligible—saves Mifflin County trip.
  • Minors: Notarize DS-3053 ahead; 40% rejection rate [5].
  • Delays: Track weekly; reprints $60+.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Processing from Belleville? 4-6 weeks routine (Oct 2024 [2]).

Mail renewal OK? Yes, DS-82 to Philly [3].

Birth cert? PA Health Dept or Mifflin County [4].

Urgent minor? Expedite possible; emergencies only [5].

Lewistown walk-ins? No, appointments [7].

Old photo? No [6].

Name change? Include docs [2].

Card for flights? No, book only [2].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search (iafdb.travel.state.gov)

[2] U.S. Department of State - Passports (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html)

[3] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html)

[4] Pennsylvania Department of Health - Vital Records (health.pa.gov/topics/certificates/Pages/Birth%20Certificates.aspx)

[5] U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16 (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html)

[6] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/photos/photo-composition-template.html)

[7] USPS - Passport Services (tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport)

[8] U.S. Department of State - Life-or-Death Emergencies (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/emergencies.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