Getting Your Passport in Salem, Utah: Locations, Forms & Tips

Getting a Passport in Salem, Utah

Salem residents in Utah County's rural landscape frequently need passports for LDS missions influenced by nearby BYU, service trips abroad, or trips to Mexico, Europe, Canada, or Hawaii. Summer brings road trips evolving into flights for beaches or Europe, while winter spikes with ski outings to Whistler or the Alps. Provo's universities fuel student exchanges, and emergencies like family crises or job moves create last-minute rushes. With no local acceptance facilities, high demand at nearby spots means booking appointments 6-9 months early for routine service or 4-6 weeks minimum—steer clear of March-April spring break or June-August peaks when slots vanish quickly.

Key pitfalls to sidestep:

• Photos: Mountain sunlight causes glare or shadows; opt for indoor neutral light on 2x2-inch matte prints (head 1-1⅜ inches, white background, no selfies/uniforms).
• Forms: DS-11 errors for first-timers/minors (both parents sign in person); DS-82 only for eligible renewals (issued at 16+, <15 years old, undamaged).
• Timing: Expedited adds 2-3 weeks ($60 fee) but skips 14-day urgency (agencies only, with proof); no same-day at acceptance spots.
• Proof: Minors under 16 need original birth certificates + parental IDs—copies get rejected.

This guide streamlines your process: match your situation to the right form, assemble docs flawlessly, and monitor status for 6-8 week standard delivery (faster with fees), minimizing rejections.

Choose the Right Passport Service

Pick correctly upfront—mismatches restart everything, costing 2-4 weeks. Use this decision tree:

Quick Decision Guide:

1. First-time, child's first, or prior passport issued <16 or >15 years ago? DS-11 in person at acceptance facility; minors under 16 require both parents/guardians + relationship proof.
2. Renewal? DS-82 by mail if issued at 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged/in possession, same name/gender.
3. Lost/stolen/damaged? DS-64 report first, then DS-82 if eligible or DS-11 otherwise (+ police report).
4. Travel <6 weeks? Routine/expedited at facilities; <14 days or life/death? Agency with itinerary/proof.
5. Frequent traveler? Add $30 for 52-page book.

Salem tip: No walk-ins nearby—call facilities for family/group slots, scan docs as backups. Mail DS-82 via tracked Priority.

First-Time Applicants

New to passports? Use DS-11 in person if no prior U.S. passport, child's first, or old one issued before 16/>15 years ago. Common for Salem families to Mexico/Europe or BYU students abroad.

Steps:

1. Download DS-11 from travel.state.gov (hand-fill, don't sign yet).
2. Collect: Original citizenship proof (+ photocopy), valid photo ID (+ photocopy), 2x2 photo, fees.
3. Book appointment early (Utah peaks overwhelm spots).

Expect at facility: 10-15 minute review—staff verify docs, witness signature, collect fees, mail to processing center. No on-site issuance.

Avoid: Photocopies only, non-spec photos, early signing, missing minor consents.

Renewals

DS-82 by mail if eligible (issued 16+, <15 years, undamaged, current name). Ideal for Utah business travelers—saves trips.

Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

Lost/stolen: File police report (Salem PD), submit DS-64 online, then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11.
Damaged: DS-11 if mutilated (vs. minor wear for DS-82). Compare to state.gov examples.
Tip: Eligibility check first; add $60 expedite if urgent.

Name Changes or Corrections

DS-5504 by mail (free, <1 year post-issue); otherwise DS-11/DS-82 + docs like marriage certificate. Use state.gov wizard.

Gather Required Documents

Prep 8-11 weeks ahead (more in Utah peaks: Mar-May, Sep-Oct, Dec-Feb).

• Citizenship: Original birth/naturalization cert or old passport (+ photocopy). Utah births: vitalrecords.utah.gov (1-2 weeks).
• ID: Driver's license (dld.utah.gov replacements), military/govt ID (+ photocopy).
• Photo: One 2x2-inch (specs below).
• Forms: DS-11 (unsigned), DS-82 (signed).
• Minors <16: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent + IDs/proof.
• Extras: Name change docs.

Photocopy all; originals returned.

Passport Photo Requirements

Utah lighting (winter snow glare, summer sun) triggers rejections. Strict rules:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜ inches from chin/top.
• Color, white/off-white background.
• Front view, eyes open/neutral, no glasses/hats/uniforms/shadows.
• <6 months old.

Walmart/CVS/UPS in Utah County (~$15). Use travel.state.gov photo tool. Ditch selfies/home prints.

Where to Apply Near Salem, UT

Salem has no passport acceptance facilities—nearest in Utah County handle DS-11 (new/minor apps); renewals mail-only. Verify/book via iafdb.travel.state.gov or usps.com. Expect short interviews; bring organized docs/fees (check/money order preferred). Appointments essential; peaks fill fast.

Key nearby options (distances from Salem center):

• Payson Post Office (~5 miles): 48 S Main St, Payson, UT 84651. Phone: (801) 465-0276. Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM (passport ~10AM-2PM). Appointments: usps.com. Google Maps [6]
• Utah County Clerk/Auditor (~15 miles): 100 E Center St #1900, Provo, UT 84606. Phone: (801) 851-8108. Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM (passport by appt). Appointments: utahcounty.gov/Dept/ClerkAud/Passport.asp or call. Google Maps [5]
• Spanish Fork Post Office (~10 miles): 79 E 100 N, Spanish Fork, UT 84660. Phone: (801) 798-4061. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5PM. Appointments: usps.com. Google Maps [6]

Urgent (<14 days): Salt Lake City Agency (100+ miles, appt/proof only).

*(Custom map pinned to above facilities; zoom/search "passport Salem UT" for updates.)*

Step-by-Step Checklist for New Applications (DS-11)

Item	Check
DS-11 filled (unsigned)	☐
Citizenship proof + copy	☐
ID + copy	☐
2x2 photo	☐
Fees (check/MO)	☐
Minor docs (if appl.)	☐
Appt. booked	☐

1. Fill DS-11.
2. Gather/verify docs.
3. Book appt.
4. Attend: Sign, pay, submit.
5. Track: passportstatus.state.gov (after 7-10 days).
6. Receive: 6-8 weeks mailed.

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

Item	Check
Eligibility confirmed	☐
DS-82 signed	☐
Old passport	☐
Photo + fees	☐
Tracked mailer	☐

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. Complete DS-82.
3. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

Fees and Payment

Updated Oct 2024; confirm travel.state.gov:

• Adult book (16+): $130 app + $35 exec (DS-11).
• Adult card: $30 app + $35 exec.
• Minor book (<16): $100 app + $35 exec.
• Renewal (DS-82): $130 book/$30 card (no exec).
• 52-page: +$30/$60.
• Expedite: +$60. 1-2 day delivery: +$21.36.

Exec fee to facility (check/cash/card varies); app fee check/MO to "U.S. Department of State."

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8 weeks books/2-3 weeks cards (from receipt). Peaks +2-4 weeks. Track online.

• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60, local/mail).
• Urgent: <14 days life/death at agencies (appt/proof). Rural mail from Salem adds 3-5 days each way—buffer accordingly.

Special Considerations for Utah Residents

• Minors: Half Utah apps; both parents essential (BYU mission prep).
• Vitals: vitalrecords.utah.gov for certs (expedite avail.).
• Students: DS-11 for exchanges; uni events sometimes.
• Urgent: Itinerary proof key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advance timing in Salem? 8-11 weeks (3+ months peaks) for appts/mail.
Payson PO renewals? No, DS-82 mail-only; DS-11 yes.
Photo rejection? Glare common—pro retake, no fee but delays.
County Clerk appt? Required: (801) 851-8108.
Expedited vs. urgent? 2-3w local vs. days agency/proof.
Lost abroad? DS-64 + embassy.
Newborn Utah? DS-11 + certified cert, parents present.
Passport fairs? travel.state.gov/events.

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/passports
[2] Processing Times
[3] vitalrecords.utah.gov
[4] Photo Specs
[5] iafdb.travel.state.gov
[6] usps.com/passports
[7] Utah County Clerk