Bountiful UT Passport Guide: Locations, Forms & Application Tips

Guide to Obtaining a Passport in Bountiful, Utah

Bountiful, located in Davis County, Utah, is a growing suburb north of Salt Lake City with residents who frequently travel internationally for business, skiing trips to Europe, family visits to Asia or Latin America, and tourism to national parks abroad or beach destinations. Utah's travel patterns include peaks in spring and summer for outdoor adventures and winter breaks for ski resorts, alongside steady business travel and student exchange programs from nearby universities like the University of Utah or BYU. Families often face urgent scenarios, such as last-minute mission trips or family emergencies. However, high demand at local facilities can lead to limited appointments, especially during these seasons. This guide provides a user-focused overview of the process, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate common pitfalls like photo rejections, form confusion, and documentation gaps.[1]

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before starting, determine your specific need to select the correct form and process. Passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State, and applications must be submitted in person at an acceptance facility unless eligible for renewal by mail.

• First-Time Passport: Use if you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or it's been more than 15 years since issuance. Requires Form DS-11; no mail option.[1]
• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and was sent in with your application. Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed.[1]
• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: If lost/stolen, report it first via Form DS-64 (online or mail), then apply as first-time or renewal based on prior passport details. Damaged passports require in-person with Form DS-11 or DS-82 if eligible.[1]
• Child Passport (under 16): Always treated as first-time; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent. Use Form DS-11.[1]
• Name Change or Correction: Provide legal proof (e.g., marriage certificate); may renew by mail if eligible or apply in person.[1]

Utah residents, including those in Bountiful, submit at local post offices or clerks' offices. For urgent travel (within 14 days), contact the Salt Lake City Passport Agency after booking flights, but only if you have proof of imminent travel.[2] Note: Expedited service (2-3 weeks) is available at acceptance facilities for an extra fee, but "urgent" within 14 days requires an agency appointment—don't confuse the two, as high demand often blocks slots.[3]

Required Documents and Eligibility

Gather originals and photocopies (8.5x11 paper, front/back). Utah birth certificates are common proofs of citizenship; order from the Utah Office of Vital Records if needed.[4]

Core Documents Checklist:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (Utah-issued with raised seal), naturalization certificate, or prior undamaged passport. Photocopy required.[1]
• Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license (Utah DL from Davis County DMV), government ID, or military ID. Photocopy both sides.[1]
• Photo: One 2x2 inch color photo (details below).[1]
• Form: DS-11 (first-time/child), DS-82 (renewal), DS-64 (lost/stolen report).[5]
• Fees: Payable by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" for application ($130 adult book first-time; $30 child), plus $35 execution fee to facility. Expedited adds $60.[6]
• For Minors: Parental consent (both parents or Form DS-3053), court order if sole custody.[1]

Davis County residents can obtain birth certificates via mail or in-person at the Utah State Office in Salt Lake City; processing takes 1-2 weeks standard.[4] International travel proof strengthens urgent agency requests.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photo issues cause 25-30% of delays.[1] Specs are strict: 2x2 inches, color, white/cream/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8 inches, even lighting, no glare/shadows, neutral expression, eyes open.[7]

Photo Checklist:

• Taken within 6 months.
• Full face view, no head coverings unless religious/medical (doctor's note).
• No uniforms, glasses (unless medically necessary with no glare).
• Print on matte photo paper.

Local options in Bountiful: Walgreens (525 S 200 W), CVS (655 W 500 S), or USPS during application (extra fee).[8] Utah's bright sunlight can cause glare—take indoors. Rejections often stem from shadows under eyes or incorrect sizing; measure precisely.[7]

Where to Apply in Bountiful and Davis County

Bountiful has limited but accessible facilities. Book appointments online ASAP—slots fill fast during Utah's spring/summer peaks and winter holidays.[9]

• Bountiful Post Office: 92 S Main St, Bountiful, UT 84010. Phone: (801) 298-7271. Accepts DS-11/DS-82; by appointment Mon-Fri. High demand from local families and business travelers.[9]
• Nearby Davis County Options:
  • Centerville Post Office: 61 S Main St, Centerville, UT 84014 (10 min drive).
  • Kaysville Post Office: 146 N Main St, Kaysville, UT 84037.
• Davis County Clerk: 61 S Main St, Farmington, UT 84025. Check for passport services; primarily vital records but may accept applications.[10]
• For Renewals: Mail to National Passport Processing Center (use USPS tracking).[1]
• Urgent (14 days or less): Salt Lake City Passport Agency, 125 S State St #4150, Salt Lake City, UT 84138. Appointment only via 1-877-487-2778; proof of travel required. Not for routine needs.[2]

Drive times from Bountiful: SLC Agency ~20 minutes. During peaks, book 4-6 weeks ahead.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Bountiful

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to review and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and certain replacements. These include common public venues such as post offices, county clerk offices, public libraries, and municipal buildings. In and around Bountiful, Utah—located in Davis County near Salt Lake City—you can typically find such facilities within city limits or in nearby communities like West Bountiful, Woods Cross, or Centerville. Larger hubs in the broader Salt Lake area may also serve residents. These sites do not process passports on-site; instead, staff verify your completed application (Form DS-11 or DS-82), required identification, photos, and fees before forwarding everything to a regional passport agency for production.

When visiting, expect a straightforward process: arrive with all documents pre-filled, two passport photos (if not provided on-site), proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment (checks or money orders often preferred; credit cards may incur fees). Agents will administer an oath, collect signatures, and seal your application. Processing times vary by service level—routine (6-8 weeks) or expedited (2-3 weeks)—and you can track status online later. Some locations offer photo services or form assistance, but always confirm requirements via the State Department's website. Appointments are increasingly common, reducing wait times, while walk-ins remain available at many spots.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring break, and holidays, when demand surges for vacations and international trips. Weekdays, especially Mondays following weekends, tend to be busier as people catch up on errands. Mid-day hours, around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., frequently experience rushes due to lunch breaks and shift changes.

To plan effectively, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, avoiding seasonal peaks if possible. Check for appointment options online or by phone to secure a slot. Bring extras of all documents in case of issues, and monitor the State Department's site for any advisories. Patience is key—arrive prepared to minimize delays and ensure a smoother experience.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Standard processing: 6-8 weeks (does not include mailing).[3] Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). No guarantees—peak seasons (Utah's Mar-May, Dec-Jan) add delays. Track online with application locator number.[11]

Warnings:

• Avoid relying on last-minute processing; agencies reject without confirmed flights/hotels.
• 1-2 day service only at agencies for life/death emergencies with proof.[2]
• Track status at travel.state.gov.[11]

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Follow this for first-time/adult/child in-person applications. Renewals skip to mail steps.

1. Determine Service: Use "Choosing the Right Passport Service" above. Download form: DS-11/DS-82 from pptform.state.gov. Do NOT sign DS-11 until instructed.[5]
2. Gather Documents: Collect citizenship proof, ID, photocopies, photo. For kids: Consent forms. Order Utah birth cert if missing (vitalrecords.utah.gov).[4]
3. Complete Form: Fill online, print single-sided. Double-check name, DOB match docs.
4. Prepare Fees: Two checks/money orders: State Dept (application), facility (execution). Cash/card sometimes accepted—call ahead.
5. Book Appointment: Use usps.com or tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport for Bountiful PO.[9] Arrive 15 min early.
6. At Facility:
   • Present docs.
   • Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
   • Pay fees.
   • Receive receipt/tracking #.
7. Track and Receive: 6-8 weeks standard. Mail arrives in plain envelope—sign for delivery option ($20).[3]
8. For Expedited/Urgent: Request at step 6 or call agency.[2]

Renewal by Mail Checklist:

1. Complete/sign DS-82.
2. Include old passport, photo, fees.
3. Mail with tracking to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[1]

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

High demand in Davis County means appointments vanish quickly—check daily. Photo rejections (shadows from Utah's variable light) delay restarts. Minors trip up on dual consent; get DS-3053 notarized early. Renewal misuse (e.g., using DS-11) wastes time—verify eligibility.[1] Seasonal surges from Bountiful's traveler base exacerbate waits; apply 10-12 weeks before travel.

Lost passports? Report immediately online to prevent fraud.[12] Name changes post-marriage common in Utah—attach certified copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Bountiful?
No, local post offices don't offer same-day. Urgent needs go to SLC Agency with proof of travel within 14 days.[2]

How long does a Utah birth certificate take?
1-2 weeks standard; expedited 24-48 hours via vitalrecords.utah.gov. Heirloom versions invalid for passports.[4]

What if one parent can't attend for a child's passport?
Submit DS-3053 notarized consent or court order. Both must appear otherwise.[1]

Are passport cards accepted for international air travel?
No, cards only for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Bermuda/Caribbean. Get book for airlines.[1]

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No, original required (returned after). Photocopy for submission.[1]

What if my appointment is full?
Try nearby POs (Centerville), call for walk-ins (rare), or waitlist. Apply early for Utah peaks.[9]

Do I need an appointment at Bountiful Post Office?
Yes, book via usps.com. High volume from local business/students.[9]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[3]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[4]Utah Office of Vital Records
[5]U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[6]U.S. Department of State - Fees
[7]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[8]USPS - Passport Photos
[9]USPS - Find Passport Acceptance Facility
[10]Davis County Clerk
[11]U.S. Department of State - Application Status
[12]U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen Passports

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