How to Get a Passport in Orem, UT: Forms, Locations & Steps

Getting a Passport in Orem, UT

Residents of Orem, Utah, in Utah County, often need passports for frequent international business travel, family vacations to Europe or Mexico, and tourism tied to the state's ski resorts and national parks. Brigham Young University (BYU) students and exchange programs nearby in Provo drive additional demand, especially during spring break in March, summer months, and winter holidays when seasonal travel spikes. Last-minute trips for urgent family matters or work also occur. However, high demand at local facilities can lead to limited appointment slots, so planning ahead is essential. This guide covers everything from determining your service type to application steps, drawing on official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you avoid common pitfalls like photo rejections or incomplete forms.[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your specific situation to use the correct process and form. Misusing a form, such as submitting a first-time application for a renewal, will delay your request.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport. Use Form DS-11. You must apply in person at an acceptance facility.[1]
• Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged. Use Form DS-82 and mail it (or use online renewal if eligible). Not available for passports issued over 15 years ago or to minors under 16.[1]
• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Use Form DS-64 to report it, then DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail) depending on age and issue date. Provide evidence like a police report for theft.[1]
• Name Change or Correction: Use Form DS-5504 if the change occurred within one year of issuance; otherwise, treat as renewal or new application.[1]
• For Minors Under 16: Always first-time process with DS-11, requiring both parents' presence or notarized consent. Common in Orem due to family travel and exchange students.[1]

Utah residents with expired passports over 15 years old or issued before age 16 must reapply as first-time using DS-11. Check your eligibility on the State Department's website.[1]

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals and photocopies (on plain white paper) for all applications. Incomplete documentation is a top reason for delays, especially for minors needing birth certificates or parental IDs.

Core Documents for Most Applicants

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (long-form preferred), naturalization certificate, or previous undamaged passport. Utah birth certificates can be ordered from the Utah Office of Vital Records online, by mail, or in-person at county health departments. For Orem residents, Utah County Health Department in Provo handles walk-ins.[2][3]
• Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government-issued ID. Utah enhanced driver's licenses work but confirm they match your citizenship name.
• Passport Photo: One 2x2 inch color photo taken within 6 months. See photo section below.
• Form: DS-11 (in-person), DS-82 (mail renewal), etc. Download from travel.state.gov.[1]
• Fees: Paid by check or money order; split between State Department (execution fee) and acceptance facility fee. Current amounts: $130 adult book first-time, plus $35 acceptance.[1]

For minors: Both parents' IDs, minor's birth certificate showing parents' names, and parental consent. If one parent can't attend, use Form DS-3053 notarized within 90 days.[1]

Photocopy front/back of all IDs and citizenship docs.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photo issues cause 25-30% of rejections nationwide, with shadows, glare from glasses, or incorrect dimensions (exactly 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches) being frequent problems in high-demand areas like Utah County.[1] Orem pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS offer photo services for $15-17, but verify specs.

Guidelines:

• Plain white or off-white background.
• Neutral expression, eyes open, full face view.
• No glasses (unless medically necessary with no glare), hats, or uniforms.
• Color photo, high resolution, printed on thin photo paper.

Take photos at home if you have proper lighting (avoid selfies). Use the State Department's photo tool to validate.[1] During peak seasons like summer, photo services book up—plan early.

Where to Apply in Orem and Utah County

Orem has limited acceptance facilities; book appointments 4-6 weeks ahead due to high demand from seasonal travel. Use the USPS locator or State Department tool.[1][4]

• Orem Post Office (472 W 1600 N, Orem, UT 84057): Accepts DS-11 applications. Call (801) 225-1561 or book via usps.com.[4]
• Nearby: Provo Post Office or Utah County Clerk (100 E Center St, Provo, UT): Short drive for Orem residents; often more slots.[4]
• Other Utah County Options: American Fork Post Office or libraries like Orem Library (may host passport fairs).[4]

Search "passport acceptance facility" on travel.state.gov with ZIP 84057.[1] No walk-ins; appointments required. For renewals, mail to National Passport Processing Center—no local needed.[1]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Orem

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and seal passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and other eligible submissions. These facilities do not process passports themselves; they forward applications to a regional passport agency for review and production, which typically takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited processing. Common types include certain post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Orem, you'll find such facilities within the city and nearby areas like Provo, Lehi, and American Fork, often conveniently located in community hubs.

When visiting an acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 or DS-82 application form (depending on your situation), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specifications (2x2 inches, white background, recent), and payment for application and execution fees—usually a check or money order for the government fee and cash, check, or card for the acceptance fee. Expect the process to take 15-30 minutes per applicant. Staff will review your documents for completeness, administer an oath, and seal the application in an official envelope. Not all locations handle every type of application, such as those for minors under 16, which require both parents' presence. Walk-ins are common at some sites, but many recommend or require appointments to streamline service.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring break, and holidays, when demand surges for vacations and international trips. Mondays often start the week with backlogs from weekend inquiries, while mid-day hours—roughly 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—can get crowded due to working professionals and families. Weekends or early mornings may offer quieter visits, though availability varies.

To plan effectively, check the official U.S. Department of State website or individual facility pages for current appointment options and requirements. Book ahead during busy periods, arrive 15 minutes early with all documents organized, and consider mailing renewals if eligible to avoid lines altogether. If urgent travel arises, explore expedited services or passport agencies in larger cities like Salt Lake City, but confirm eligibility first. Patience and preparation go a long way in ensuring a smooth experience.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or Minor Applications (DS-11)

Follow this checklist precisely to minimize errors. Complete before your appointment.

1. Fill Out Form DS-11: Do not sign until instructed at facility. Download and complete by hand or computer.[1]
2. Gather Documents:
   • Original citizenship proof + photocopy.
   • Valid photo ID + photocopy.
   • One compliant passport photo.
   • For minors: Both parents' docs, DS-3053 if needed.
3. Calculate Fees: Check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" for application fee; facility takes cash/check for execution fee.[1]
4. Book Appointment: Via facility website/phone. Arrive 15 minutes early.
5. At Appointment:
   • Present all items.
   • Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
   • Pay fees (two separate payments).
6. Track Status: Use online tracker with application locator number.[1]
7. Mail if Expedited: See below.

Word of Caution: During Utah's peak travel (spring break, summer, holidays), appointments fill months ahead. Book now if traveling in 8+ weeks.

Renewals and Replacements (DS-82 or Mail)

If eligible:

1. Complete DS-82.
2. Include old passport, photo, fees.
3. Mail to address on form instructions.[1] Online renewal available for recent adult passports via MyTravelGov.[1]

For lost/stolen: File DS-64 online first.[1]

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Routine: 6-8 weeks (does not include mailing).[1] Expedited (extra $60): 2-3 weeks. Life-or-death emergency (within 14 days, family death abroad): In-person at regional agency, not local.[1]

Key Distinction: Expedited speeds processing but not mailing/guarantee. Urgent travel within 14 days? Use private expedite services only after routine/expedited fails, but no hard promises—peak seasons overwhelm.[1] Utah's winter break rush exacerbates delays; apply 3+ months early.

No same-day local service. For students on exchange programs, apply early fall.

Special Considerations for Orem Families and Students

Minors need extra docs; incomplete parental consent delays 20% of youth apps.[1] BYU-affiliated travel? Check university international office for fairs.

Birth certificates: Order expedited from vitalrecords.utah.gov (same-day possible).[2] Utah County Health (51 S University Ave, Provo) for in-person.[3]

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a passport in Orem during summer?
Expect routine 6-8 weeks plus mailing; high seasonal demand means book appointments early. No guarantees—plan 3 months ahead.[1]

Can I use my Utah driver's license as ID for a passport?
Yes, if valid and matches citizenship docs. Enhanced DL works best.[1]

What if my child needs a passport urgently for a school trip?
Use expedited service, but within 14 days qualifies for emergency only at passport agencies (fly to LA/San Francisco). Local facilities can't same-day.[1]

Where do I get a birth certificate in Utah County?
Utah Office of Vital Records (vitalrecords.utah.gov) or Utah County Health Department in Provo. Long-form required.[2][3]

My passport expired 16 years ago—can I renew?
No, reapply as first-time with DS-11 in person.[1]

Do Orem post offices do walk-ins for passports?
No, appointments only via usps.com or phone. Check availability weekly.[4]

How much are passport fees for a minor under 16?
$100 application + $35 execution; expedited extra. Pay separately.[1]

Can I get photos at the acceptance facility?
Rarely; most Orem/USPS locations don't—use Walgreens/CVS nearby.[1]

Final Tips for Success

Double-check forms with State Department validators.[1] Track mail with certified delivery. Avoid scams—official sites only. For Orem's travel-heavy community, early application prevents stress during busy seasons.

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics
[3]Utah County Health Department
[4]USPS Passport Services
[5]U.S. Department of State - Forms