Getting a Passport in Syracuse, UT: Local Facilities & Steps

Getting a Passport in Syracuse, UT

Syracuse, in Davis County, Utah, has steady passport demand from business travelers flying out of SLC International Airport to Europe and Asia, families heading to Mexico or the Caribbean during spring/summer breaks, and winter ski trips abroad. Military families near Hill Air Force Base and local exchange programs boost applications. Peaks from March-August and December fill appointments quickly—book 4-6 weeks ahead via travel.state.gov. Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks, often longer in high season; expedited risks delays if slots are scarce [1].

Key challenges: Securing USPS slots, picking DS-11 (in-person) vs. DS-82 (mail renewal), photo rejections, and minor consent forms. This guide uses U.S. Department of State data to streamline your process.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Select based on your situation to avoid rejections. Use this decision tree:

• First-time, child under 16, name change without docs, or no prior passport? DS-11 in person.
• Eligible renewal (16+ at issuance, undamaged passport <15 years old, in possession)? DS-82 by mail.
• Lost/stolen/damaged? Report via DS-64, then DS-82 if eligible or DS-11 otherwise.

Quick Decision Table:

Common pitfalls: Mailing DS-11 (always rejected), damaged passport renewals (requires DS-11), or outdated photos. For Syracuse trips via SLC, factor 2-4 weeks mail time [2].

First-Time Applicants

Use DS-11 in person—no mail option. Includes kids under 16 (both parents needed) or adults without prior passports. Syracuse families with exchange students or first Mexico trips apply here [2].

Renewals

Mail DS-82 if eligible:

• Issued at 16+, undamaged, <15 years old, in possession.

Syracuse Checklist: Download DS-82 from travel.state.gov, add 2x2" photo (Walgreens in Layton/Syracuse), fees by check, old passport. Mail via USPS Priority. Avoid: damaged books, old photos, underestimating Utah mail delays [2].

Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

File DS-64 online (travel.state.gov) immediately—prevents fraud.

Steps:

1. Police report (Syracuse PD for locals).
2. DS-82 if eligible; DS-11 otherwise (in person).
   Damaged passports always need DS-11—submit the book. Military: Hill AFB may assist [11]. Expect 6-8 weeks; track online [2].

Passport Cards or Books?

Books for air/sea worldwide (SLC flights, global cruises). Cards ($30 cheaper) only for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean/Bermuda—no air.

Syracuse Guidance: Book for SLC departures; card for driving to Mexico. Both for flexibility (~$200 adult first-time). Mistake: Cards on fly-cruises [1].

Errors or Name Changes

DS-5504 for minor errors (<1 year). Others follow DS-11/DS-82 with docs (marriage cert) [2].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Syracuse, UT

DS-11 requires in-person at these (book via usps.com or travel.state.gov for wait times/slots—Davis County fills fast). Expect: Doc review, oath, sealing, receipt (no on-site processing). Arrive 15 min early; 20-45 min visits common.

Verify hours/availability on official sites. No Syracuse clerk—USPS primary.

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

1. Form DS-11: Download/fill (don't sign) [2].
2. Citizenship Proof: Original + copy (Utah birth cert from vitalrecords.utah.gov) [6].
3. ID: Utah DL + copy [7].
4. Photo: 2x2 compliant [8].
5. Minors: Both parents/DS-3053 notarized.
6. Fees: Two checks.
7. Book & Attend: All docs.
8. Post-Submit: Track at travel.state.gov [9].

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

1. DS-82: Signed [2].
2. Old Passport + Photo + Fees.
3. Mail: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1].

Passport Photo Requirements

25% rejections from poor photos [8]:

• 2x2", head 1-1⅜".
• White background, neutral face, no glasses/hats/shadows.
  Local: USPS ($15+), Walgreens (Syracuse/Layton), CVS. No selfies.

Fees and Payment

+$60 expedite; two checks in-person. No cards at USPS [1].

Expedited and Urgent Services

• Standard: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks.
• Urgent (<14 days): Emergencies only—call 1-877-487-2778 [10].
  SLC-area peaks extend times; check status weekly [1].

Additional Tips for Syracuse Residents

• Birth Certs: Rush from Utah Vital Records (+$20, 1-2 days) [6].
• Military: Hill AFB ID office [11].
• SLC Travel: Plan 3 months for summer peaks.
• Tracking: travel.state.gov account [9].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Syracuse? No; urgent agencies distant [10].
Expedited vs. Urgent? Fee-shortened vs. emergency proof/visit [1].
15-year-old child? Both parents/DS-3053 [2].
20-year expired? DS-11 [2].
Photo reject? Resubmit app [8].
Track status? Receipt # at travel.state.gov [9].
Card for Mexico cruise? Yes, closed-loop [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[3] U.S. Department of State - Find a Passport Acceptance Facility
[4] USPS - Passport Services
[5] Davis County Clerk
[6] Utah Vital Records
[7] Utah Driver License Division
[8] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[9] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
[10] U.S. Department of State - Life-or-Death Emergencies
[11] Hill AFB Services
[12] U.S. Department of State - Country Information