Kelso WA Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Checklists

Quick-Start Guide for Kelso Residents

For urgent travel (<14 days), prove with itinerary and book at Seattle Passport Agency (2.5+ hr drive; no walk-ins). Otherwise:

*Times from receipt; add 1-2 wks mailing. Peaks (I-5 summer rushes, holidays) add delays—plan 3 months ahead. Fees approximate for adult book (2024); verify at travel.state.gov. WA birth certs via DOH ($25+). Track at travel.state.gov.

Getting a Passport in Kelso, WA

Kelso in Cowlitz County handles high passport demand from I-5 travelers, seasonal tourism (spring/summer peaks), and students. Local facilities book up fast—avoid photo rejections (shadows/glare), wrong forms (DS-82 vs DS-11), or missing minor consents. This guide provides decision trees, checklists, and Kelso tips with official citations [1].

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

DS-11 (New/In-Person) vs DS-82 (Renewal/Mail):

• DS-11 if: First-time, issued <16 or >15 yrs ago (check issue date), lost/stolen/damaged, name/gender/DOB changes, minors.
• DS-82 if: All apply—issued at 16+, <15 yrs old, undamaged/in possession, no major changes.
• Unsure? Use DS-11 to avoid rejection (mail renewals faster/cheaper if eligible).

Expect 15-30 min at facilities: oath, review docs, forward to national center (no on-site passports).

First-Time Passport (DS-11)

Book appointment early. Bring: unsigned DS-11, original citizenship proof (WA birth cert), ID, photos, fees. Common mistakes: signing early, no photocopies, peak waits (multi-hour).

Passport Renewal (DS-82)

Mail if eligible—ideal for Kelso commuters avoiding I-5. Include old passport, photo, fees. Mistakes: 15-yr rule overlook, wrinkled passports, selfies.

Passport Replacement

For Kelso, WA residents replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, follow these steps promptly to minimize delays. Processing times are typically 6-8 weeks routine or 2-3 weeks expedited (add $60 fee); plan ahead unless urgent travel within 14 days requires in-person expedited options farther away.

1. Report the loss/theft first via Form DS-64 (online and free at travel.state.gov).

   • Do this immediately—even without all details like passport number or issue date—to start the official record and prevent misuse.
   • Practical tip: Use a computer or phone; it takes 5-10 minutes and generates a confirmation for your records. Print or save it.
   • Common mistake: Skipping this step, which can delay or reject your new application.
   • Decision guidance: Always report before applying; it's required for replacements and helps if identity theft occurs.

2. Apply in person using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility.

   • Download/print DS-11 from travel.state.gov; do not fill it out before arriving (agents must witness signature). Bring: original proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate or prior passport), valid photo ID (driver's license), one 2x2" passport photo, and fees ($130 application + $30 execution; checks payable to U.S. Department of State).
   • Practical tip: Schedule appointments online where available to avoid long waits; facilities are common at post offices and county offices in Cowlitz County area—search "passport acceptance facility near Kelso, WA" on usps.com or iafdb.travel.state.gov. Arrive early with all docs organized.
   • Common mistakes: Mailing DS-11 (not allowed for lost/stolen replacements—must be in-person), incomplete forms/photos, or using expired/invalid ID (e.g., non-REAL ID driver's license may need secondary ID).
   • Decision guidance: Choose routine for non-urgent needs; go expedited ($60 extra, 1-2 day return shipping) if traveling soon. For life-or-death emergencies or travel <14 days, seek expedited at a regional agency after step 1 (call 1-877-487-2778 for options). Track status online with your application locator number.

Life-or-Death/Urgent Travel

Seattle agency only; book via travel.state.gov with proof.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Kelso

Consolidated list—use State Dept locator for real-time slots/hours [1]. Appointments essential (walk-ins rare); call for photos (~$15). Peaks: Mondays, lunch hours, spring/summer/holidays.

• Kelso Post Office: 209 S 5th St, Kelso, WA 98626. (360) 425-8649. Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM passport hours [3].
• Cowlitz County Auditor's Office: 207 4th Ave N, Kelso, WA 98626. (360) 577-3006. By appointment [4].
• Longview Post Office (nearby): 116 SW Cowlitz Way, Longview, WA 98632. (360) 425-4711 [3].
• Others: Woodland/Castle Rock libraries/clerks via locator [1].

What to Expect: 15-30 min; agent swears you in, collects fees (split payments), issues receipt. Bring extras/docs. Facilities execute only—processing national.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals only; photocopies for records.

Adults (DS-11): Birth cert (WA DOH [5]), ID (WA driver's license), unsigned DS-11, photo, fees. Renewal (DS-82): Old passport, photo, fees, name docs if changed. Minors: DS-11 + DS-3053 (notarized consent/ID copies from both parents).

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% rejections from specs [6]:

• 2x2", head 1-1⅜", color, white background, <6 months old, neutral face/eyes open, no glasses/hats/selfies/shadows/glare. Kelso PO/CVS compliant ($15); check samples [6].

Step-by-Step Checklist: First-Time/In-Person (DS-11)

Before:

• Confirm DS-11 need.
• Unsigned DS-11 [1].
• Original birth cert [5], ID + photocopy.
• 2x2 photos.
• Fees/checks (two payees).
• Minor: DS-3053.
• Book appt.

At Facility:

• Arrive early.
• Sign DS-11 on oath.
• Pay split fees.
• Get receipt.

After: Track after 7-10 days [1]. Kelso peaks add 2-4 wks.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Mail Renewal (DS-82)

• Confirm eligibility.
• DS-82 + old passport + photo + $130 check (State Dept).
• Name change docs.
• Priority Mail to Philadelphia [1].
• Scan/track.

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

5-yr validity. Both parents or DS-3053 (<90 days notarized + IDs). Mistakes: no consent, kid photos (pro only). Cowlitz families: Start pre-school year.

Tracking and Troubleshooting

Track w/ receipt [1]. Inquire after routine 8 wks (1-877-487-2778). Delays: proof travel. Lost: DS-64/USPS claim. Kelso tip: Certified mail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Kelso? No; Seattle for urgents [2].
Expedited vs urgent? Expedited anywhere (+$60, 2-3 wks); urgent agency (<14 days) [2].
WA birth cert?** DOH Vital Records ($25+) [5].
**Renewal >15 yrs? No, DS-11 [1].
Photo rejection? Shadows/size/smiles [6].
Name change? Cert docs w/ DS-82 [1].
Appt needed? Yes [3].

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports
[2] Passport Processing Times
[3] USPS Passport Services
[4] Cowlitz County Auditor
[5] Washington State Birth Certificates
[6] Passport Photo Requirements