Provo, UT Passport Guide: New, Renewal & Replacement Steps

Getting a Passport in Provo, UT

Provo, in Utah County, draws international travelers like BYU students on study abroad programs, business pros heading to Latin America, and locals skiing in the Alps or vacationing in Europe. Demand spikes during BYU breaks (spring, summer, winter), overwhelming facilities—plan ahead to avoid delays from backlogs or rejections like poor photos or wrong forms. This guide outlines official steps for new, renewal, or replacement passports tailored to Provo applicants, with Utah-specific tips on vital records and local spots.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick DS-11 (in-person) for first-timers, kids under 16, damaged passports, or those issued 15+ years ago—mail renewals risk rejection and extra trips. Use DS-82 (mail) only if eligible: issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged U.S. book. Provo/Utah County residents source birth certificates from Utah Vital Records or county clerk.

First-Time Passport

In-person at acceptance facilities like Provo Post Office or Utah County Clerk.

Renewal

Determine eligibility for mail renewal (DS-82) before starting:
Use Form DS-82 only if:

• Your most recent passport was issued when you were 16+ years old.
• It was issued within the last 15 years.
• It is undamaged and submitted with your application.
• Any name change is documented (e.g., marriage certificate).

If eligible (most adults renewing routine passports):

• Download/print DS-82 from travel.state.gov.
• Include: current passport, new passport photo (2x2", recent, white background—avoid selfies or photocopies), payment ($130 fee via check to "U.S. Department of State"; expedited extra).
• Mail via USPS Priority (tracking recommended; avoid FedEx/UPS).
  Common mistakes: Using DS-82 for child passports, damaged books, or >15 years old—leads to rejection/return (2-4 week delay). Forgetting photo specs or exact check payable-to.
  Provo tip: Local USPS locations handle mailing reliably; confirm photo services on-site (CVS/Walgreens nearby for compliant photos). Processing: 6-8 weeks standard, 2-3 expedited.

Not eligible? Use DS-11 in-person:

• Complete DS-11 (never sign until instructed).
• Bring: proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth cert/passport), ID (driver's license), photo, fees ($130 app + $35 execution; credit/debit often accepted).
• Schedule or walk-in at a Provo-area passport acceptance facility (e.g., post offices, county clerks—check travel.state.gov locator for hours/appointments).
  Common mistakes: Signing DS-11 early, lacking original docs (photocopies rejected), or arriving without photo/ID photocopies.
  Decision guidance: Eligible for mail? Save time/money. Need it fast, first-time, or ineligible? In-person (same-day photo/ID service common locally). Track status at travel.state.gov.

Replacement (Lost, Stolen, or Damaged)

File DS-64 report (online/mail), then DS-11 in-person with police report proof. Usable damaged? Renew.

Common mistake: Using DS-82 for minors or old passports—forces restart. Verify at travel.state.gov [1].

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

High-volume Provo spots reject ~20% for incompletes—double-check:

1. Form DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov; don't sign until staff witnesses.
2. Citizenship proof: Original + photocopy (Utah long-form birth cert from vitalrecords.utah.gov; short-form rejected) [3].
3. ID: Utah DL (front/back photocopy) or equivalent.
4. Photos: Two compliant 2x2s (details below).
5. Fees: See fees section.
6. Appointment: Book via iafdb.travel.state.gov for Provo sites—slots vanish in peaks.
7. At facility: Expect 15-30 min: ID check, oath, sign DS-11, pay execution fee. Minors need both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent.
8. Track: passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days.

Lost? Add DS-64/police report from Provo PD.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

1. Eligibility check: Per table.
2. DS-82: Complete/sign, single-sided.
3. Old passport + 1 photo + fees.
4. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
5. Expedite: +$60 fee, overnight return.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Pitfalls

25% rejections here—strict specs [4]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜ inches from chin (50-69% height).
• White background, even light (no chin shadows, glasses glare, red-eye).
• Neutral face, eyes open, forward gaze.
• No uniforms/hats/toys (infants OK if eyes visible).

Provo options: Provo USPS (digital service), CVS/Walgreens, BYU bookstore ($15). Dry Utah air worsens glare—test shots.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Provo and Utah County

Book ahead via iafdb.travel.state.gov—BYU surges fill Provo spots fast. Staff verify docs, administer oath, collect fees (no passports issued on-site). Expect short interview, 15-45 min wait in peaks.

• Provo Post Office: 545 W 400 S, Provo, UT 84601. Limited walk-ins.
• Utah County Clerk's Office: 100 N University Ave #3200, Provo, UT 84601. Appointments required; good for minors.
• BYU Kennedy Center: Student fairs during breaks—check byu.edu.
• Nearby: Orem Post Office if full.

No Utah agencies; nearest in Salt Lake City/Denver for urgents [1].

Busy Times and Tips

Peaks: BYU breaks, summer/winter travel. Avoid Mondays/midday; go early AM or late PM. Bring organized docs, photocopies. Alternatives in Orem/Springville if needed.

Fees, Processing Times, and Expedited Options

Verify latest at travel.state.gov [1], [7]:

• Adult book: $130 application + $35 execution (first-time/in-person).
• Child book: $100 + $35.
• Renewal (DS-82): $130 (no execution).
• Expedite: +$60 (2-3 weeks vs. routine 4-6 weeks).
• 1-2 day delivery: +$21.36.
• Urgent (<14 days air): Itinerary proof for agency appt (1-877-487-2778)—local facilities can't help.

Provo peaks stretch times; apply 3+ months early for BYU trips.

Special Considerations for Minors and Students

Minors (<16): Both parents or DS-3053 (notarized, ID copy). Utah short-form birth certs invalid—order certified long-form (vitalrecords.utah.gov, 1-2 weeks) [3]. BYU students: Campus fairs streamline; ensure 6+ months validity for Europe visas.

Urgent Travel Scenarios

<14 days international: Agency appt only (not local). Common for Provo Mexico business/emergencies, but peaks delay. Expedite ≠ urgent [7].

Frequently Asked Questions

How long for a Provo passport?
Routine 4-6 weeks + mail; expedited 2-3. Peaks longer—apply early [7].

Post office photos?
Yes, Provo USPS—check usps.com [5].

One parent for minor?
No; DS-3053 required [1].

Utah DL as ID?
Yes + photocopy [1].

Renew 16-year-old passport?
No, DS-11 in-person [1].

Lost abroad?
Embassy for temporary; replace home [2].

County Clerk appt?
Yes [6].

Utah birth cert?
Long-form via vitalrecords.utah.gov [3].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen
[3] Utah Vital Records
[4] Passport Photo Requirements
[5] USPS Passports
[6] Utah County Clerk
[7] Processing Times