How to Get a Passport in La Follette, TN: Full Guide

Guide to Getting a Passport in La Follette, TN

If you're a resident of La Follette or Campbell County, Tennessee, applying for a U.S. passport is essential for international travel, whether for business trips to Europe or Asia, family vacations to Mexico or the Caribbean, or study abroad programs popular among University of Tennessee students nearby in Knoxville. Tennessee sees frequent international travel from its airports like Nashville International (BNA) and McGhee Tyson (TYS), with peaks in spring and summer for tourism and winter breaks for holidays abroad. Last-minute trips for family emergencies or urgent business also arise, but high demand at acceptance facilities can limit appointments, especially during these seasons [1].

This guide covers everything from determining your service type to local application options, helping you avoid common pitfalls like photo rejections from glare or shadows, incomplete forms for minors, or confusion between standard processing (6-8 weeks or more) and expedited options. Always verify current details on official sites, as requirements can change.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Choosing the right service prevents wasted trips to acceptance facilities. Here's how to decide:

• First-Time Applicants: If you've never had a U.S. passport, use Form DS-11. This requires an in-person application at a passport acceptance facility, like the La Follette Post Office or Campbell County Clerk. Both parents or guardians must appear with minors under 16 [2].

• Renewals: Eligible if your last passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed. If ineligible (e.g., passport over 15 years old or issued before age 16), treat as first-time with DS-11 [3].

• Replacements: For lost, stolen, or damaged passports, use Form DS-64 to report it (free), then DS-11 for a replacement if needed urgently, or DS-82 if eligible for renewal by mail. Add fees for rush replacement [2].

Quick Eligibility Check:

Download forms from travel.state.gov. For name changes (e.g., after marriage), include legal proof like a marriage certificate [3].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in La Follette and Campbell County

La Follette residents have convenient local options, but book appointments early—slots fill fast during travel peaks like spring break or summer vacations [4].

• La Follette Post Office: 110 E Central Ave, La Follette, TN 37766. Phone: (423) 562-4931. Open weekdays; call for passport hours. Offers photo service (confirm availability) [5].

• Campbell County Clerk's Office: 570 Main St, Jacksboro, TN 37757 (10 miles from La Follette). Phone: (423) 562-4020. County seat location; accepts DS-11 applications [6].

Use the State Department's locator: iafdb.travel.state.gov. Search "La Follette, TN" for real-time availability. No walk-ins—appointments required. For urgent needs within 14 days, regional agencies like the one in Knoxville may help, but not guaranteed [1].

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals—no photocopies unless specified. Common issue: Missing birth certificates, especially for minors from Tennessee vital records.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (long-form preferred), naturalization certificate, or prior passport. Order Tennessee birth certificates from tn.gov/health if needed ($15+; allow 2-4 weeks standard) [7].

• Proof of Identity: Driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID. Name must match citizenship document exactly.

• Photos: One 2x2" color photo (details below).

• For Minors Under 16: Both parents' IDs, parental consent form (DS-3053 if one parent absent). Evidence of parental relationship [2].

Fees (as of 2023; check for updates): $130 application (book) + $30 acceptance + $35 execution (waivable for some). Expedite: +$60 [1].

Download/print forms cleanly—double-sided printing rejected.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photos cause 25%+ of rejections. Specs: 2x2 inches, color, white/cream background, taken within 6 months, head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral expression, no glasses/selfies/shadows/glare/hat (unless religious/medical) [8].

Local Photo Options:

• La Follette Post Office or Walmart (check store for passport service).
• CVS/Pharmacy nearby (e.g., in La Follette).

DIY Checklist (riskier):

• Even lighting, front-facing camera.
• Measure head size precisely.
• Use travel.state.gov photo tool validator [8].

Rejections delay processing—get professional.

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Application (DS-11)

Use this for first-time, minors, or replacements. Complete before arriving.

1. Determine Eligibility: Confirm first-time/renewal via table above. Download correct form [3].

2. Gather Documents:

   • Citizenship proof (original birth cert).
   • Photo ID.
   • 2x2 photo.
   • Minors: Both parents, DS-3053 if needed [2].

3. Fill Forms: DS-11 (unsigned until in-person). Pay fees (check/money order; two separate payments).

4. Book Appointment: Call La Follette PO or Campbell Clerk. Arrive 15 min early with all items.

5. At Facility:

   • Present documents.
   • Sign DS-11.
   • Pay acceptance fee ($35).
   • Get receipt—track online later [1].

6. Mail or Expedite: Facility sends to State Dept. Add overnight for expedite.

For Mail Renewals (DS-82):

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. Fill DS-82, include old passport, photo, fees.
3. Mail to address on form (use trackable mail) [3].

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Standard: 6-8 weeks (or longer in peaks like summer). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent (<14 days): Life-or-death only, call 1-877-487-2778 [1].

Tennessee Warnings:

• Spring/summer and winter: High volume from tourism/business/students delays even expedited.
• No hard guarantees—check travel.state.gov weekly for current times.
• Avoid last-minute: Apply 3-6 months ahead. Peaks strain Knoxville/Nashville facilities too [1].

Track: Use receipt number at travel.state.gov.

Special Situations

Minors: Both parents required; step-parent/step-sibling need custody proof. Common error: Incomplete DS-3053 [2].

Urgent Travel: <14 days? Expedite + prove (itinerary). Business/emergency affidavits help but not guaranteed. Students: Exchange programs need 3+ months lead [1].

Name/Gender Changes: Court order or amended birth cert. TN residents: Update via vital records [7].

Tennessee Birth Certs: Vital Records, 1-888-880-6393. Rush available but plan ahead [7].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around La Follette

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and minor passports. In areas like La Follette and surrounding communities, these facilities often include post offices, county clerk offices, public libraries, and municipal buildings. They provide a convenient starting point for the application process but do not issue passports on-site; applications are forwarded to a regional passport agency for processing, which typically takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited.

When visiting a facility, expect to bring a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your situation), proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid photo ID, one passport photo meeting specific requirements, and payment for application and execution fees. Minors under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians. Most facilities require appointments, especially post-pandemic, so check availability online or by phone in advance. Staff will review your documents for completeness, administer the oath, and collect fees—cash, checks, or cards may be accepted, but confirm policies.

In and around La Follette, several such facilities serve residents of Campbell County and nearby regions like Jacksboro or Jellico. Rural areas may have fewer options, so plan for potential travel to larger hubs in Knoxville if needed for faster service. Always verify current participation through the official State Department website, as designations can change.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, on Mondays after weekend trips, and mid-day hours when locals run errands. To avoid long waits, schedule early morning or late afternoon slots, and aim for weekdays outside peak seasons. Arrive prepared with all documents to minimize delays, and consider mailing renewals if eligible to bypass in-person visits. Booking appointments well ahead—sometimes weeks in advance—is wise, and flexibility with dates helps secure spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my passport at the La Follette Post Office?
No, renewals (DS-82) go by mail. Post office handles only DS-11 [3].

How far in advance should I apply during summer?
At least 3 months. Seasonal peaks from Smoky Mountains tourism and flights cause backlogs [1].

What if my child needs a passport for a school trip?
Use DS-11; both parents attend. Include school letter for urgency proof [2].

Does Campbell County Clerk take walk-ins?
No—appointments only. Call ahead [6].

My photo was rejected—what now?
Retake per specs [8]. Common: Shadows from home lighting.

Can I expedite for a business trip in 10 days?
Try, but not guaranteed unless life-or-death. Include itinerary [1].

Lost my passport abroad—now what?
Report via DS-64; apply replacement upon return [2].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Photos and Fees

1. Photo Prep: Head size 1-1 3/8", plain background, recent [8].
2. Fees Breakdown:

   Item	Cost
   Book (16+)	$130
   Card (16+)	$30
   Under 16 book	$100
   Acceptance	$35
   Expedite	$60
   1-2 day return	$21+ [1]

3. Verify Totals: Use State Dept calculator.
4. Payment: Check to "U.S. Department of State" (application); cash/check to facility (acceptance).
5. Double-Check: All originals present.

By following this, La Follette residents can navigate high-demand periods smoothly. Start early to match Tennessee's busy travel calendar.

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]State Department Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[5]USPS Passport Services
[6]Campbell County Clerk
[7]Tennessee Vital Records
[8]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements