How to Get a Passport in Ellensburg, WA: Steps & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Ellensburg, WA

Ellensburg, located in Kittitas County, Washington, serves a community with strong travel needs. Central Washington University (CWU) brings international students and exchange programs, while locals and visitors often travel internationally for business, tourism to Canada or Asia, or family visits. Seasonal peaks hit hard—spring break trips, summer vacations, and winter holidays around Christmas and New Year's—leading to crowded acceptance facilities and limited appointments. Last-minute urgent travel, like sudden business trips or family emergencies, adds pressure. High demand means planning ahead is key; facilities like the Ellensburg Post Office often book weeks out during busy periods [1]. Common pitfalls include photo rejections from glare or wrong sizes, missing documents for minors, and confusion over renewals versus new applications. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, tailored to Ellensburg residents, using official U.S. Department of State guidelines.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Before starting, determine your situation to use the right form and process. Mischoosing leads to delays or rejections.

• First-Time Passport: Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or it was issued over 15 years ago. Requires an in-person appointment at an acceptance facility [2].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and was sent in on Form DS-82. Most can renew by mail—no appointment needed. Not eligible? Use DS-11 in person [3].

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it first via Form DS-64 (free). Then, if replacing, use DS-82 by mail if eligible, or DS-11 in person. Expedite if urgent [4].

• Name Change or Correction: Use DS-5504 by mail if within one year of passport issue; otherwise, DS-82 or DS-11 [2].

For minors under 16, always use DS-11 in person with both parents/guardians [5]. CWU students on exchange programs often need first-time or replacement passports—check eligibility carefully.

with parents |

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Ellensburg

Ellensburg has limited facilities, so book early—especially spring through summer and winter breaks when Seattle-area travelers spill over [1]. Use the State Department's locator for real-time availability: iafdb.travel.state.gov [6].

• Ellensburg Post Office (Main Facility): 1206 N Dolarway Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926. Phone: (509) 962-2814. Offers appointments for DS-11; photos available on-site (extra fee). High demand—call or check online [7].

• Kittitas County Auditor's Office: 205 W 5th Ave, Suite 108, Ellensburg, WA 98926. Accepts DS-11 applications; confirm passport services via phone (509) 962-7438 as hours vary [8].

CWU's International Programs office may assist students but doesn't accept applications—direct to post office [9]. No clerk offices or libraries currently list passport services; verify via locator. Travel to Yakima (45 minutes) if Ellensburg is booked [6].

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

Follow this checklist precisely to avoid rejection. Gather everything before your appointment.

1. Complete Form DS-11: Fill out online at pptform.state.gov (print single-sided, unsigned) or download PDF. Do not sign until instructed at facility [2].

2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original + photocopy (front/back) of birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Washington vital records office can rush certificates if needed [10].

3. Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID + photocopy. WA Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) works well for Canada trips [11].

4. Passport Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo, <6 months old. See photo section below [12].

5. Parental Consent (Minors): Both parents' presence or notarized Form DS-3053 from absent parent [5].

6. Fees: Check/money order for State Dept ($130 adult book/$100 card; $35 minor book/$15 card) + $35 execution fee payable to USPS/Clerk. Optional expedited $60 [13].

7. Book Appointment: Call facility 4-6 weeks ahead; peaks fill fast.

8. Attend Appointment: Sign DS-11 in front of agent. Submit all docs.

9. Track Status: Online at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days [14].

For renewals (DS-82), mail everything—no checklist appointment needed, but include old passport.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25% of rejections [12]. WA's variable light (sunny summers, indoor winters) leads to glar

e/shadows.

• Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches, white/cream background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses (unless medical), recent (<6 months) [12].

• Where in Ellensburg: USPS ($15-16), Walgreens (1206 Canyon Rd), or CVS (1304 Military Rd). Selfies rejected—use pros [7].

Tips: Natural light, no shadows under eyes/chin, even head position. Upload samples at travel.state.gov for validation [12].

Fees and Payment

Execution fee to facility (cash/check); State fee by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State." Expedite +$60; 1-2 day urgent +$21.89+ overnight [13]. No credit cards at most Ellensburg spots.

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail time included). Peaks stretch to 10+ weeks—don't count on it for summer travel [15].

• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks. Available at acceptance facilities/mail [15].

• Urgent (Life/Death within 14 days): In-person at Seattle Passport Agency (2.5 hours drive), by appointment only. Proof required; not for vacations [16]. Confusion here: Expedited ≠ urgent travel service.

Avoid last-minute during WA's busy seasons; apply 9+ weeks early [15].

Special Cases: Minors, Students, and Urgent Travel

Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized. Common issue: Incomplete consent delays families on exchange trips [5].

CWU Students: International students renew via home country; U.S. students use DS-82 if eligible. Urgent? Campus mail to Philly lockbox [9].

Lost/Stolen: File police report, submit DS-64. Replacement same as new [4].

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

1. Confirm Eligibility: Issued <15 years ago, age 16+, undamaged [3].

2. Complete DS-82: Online or PDF [2].

3. Include Old Passport + two photos + fees ($130 adult book).

4. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [3].

Track as above. Not eligible? Use DS-11 checklist.

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply in Ellensburg?
Plan 9-13 weeks ahead, especially spring/summer/winter. Facilities book out; peaks from CWU breaks and tourism overwhelm spots [15].

Can I get a passport same-day in Ellensburg?
No—nearest agency is Seattle (appointment only for urgent cases).

Routine/expedited take weeks [16].

My photo was rejected—what now?
Retake immediately: Check dimensions, lighting. State Dept rejects shadows/glare common in WA [12].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited ($60) speeds to 2-3 weeks for any travel. Urgent (14 days, life/death) requires agency visit/proof—not vacations [15][16].

Do I need an appointment at Ellensburg Post Office?
Yes for DS-11; call ahead. Walk-ins rare, rejected during peaks [7].

How do I get a birth certificate fast in Washington?
Order expedited from WA DOH Vital Records (doh.wa.gov); 3-5 business days [10].

Can CWU students get passports on campus?
No acceptance facility; use post office. International office advises only [9].

What if my passport is lost abroad?
Contact U.S. Embassy; limited services. Prevent with copies [17].

Sources

[1]Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page
[2]Passport Forms
[3]Renew a Passport
[4]Lost or Stolen Passport
[5]Children Under 16
[6]State Department Passport Locator
[7]USPS Passport Services
[8]Kittitas County Auditor
[9]CWU International Programs
[10]Washington State Vital Records
[11]WA DOL Enhanced ID
[12]Passport Photo Requirements
[13]Passport Fees
[14]Check Application Status
[15]Processing Times
[16]Get Fast
[17]Passports Abroad