Ashwaubenon, WI Passport Guide: Apply, Renew, Local Facilities

Getting a Passport in Ashwaubenon, WI

Residents of Ashwaubenon in Brown County, Wisconsin, often need passports for frequent international business trips, family vacations to Europe or Canada, or seasonal travel during spring and summer festivals around Lambeau Field or winter breaks to warmer destinations. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay students and exchange programs also drive demand. However, high volumes—especially during peak seasons like summer and holidays—can lead to limited appointments at local facilities. Common hurdles include photo rejections from glare or wrong sizes, missing minor consent forms, and confusion over renewals versus new applications. This guide outlines the process using official U.S. Department of State requirements, helping you prepare efficiently [1].

Choose the Right Passport Service

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to select the correct form and process. Wisconsin travelers frequently misunderstand renewal eligibility, leading to unnecessary in-person visits.

First-Time Passport

Apply if you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or it was lost/stolen/damaged. Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility like the Ashwaubenon Post Office [2].

Renewal

You may renew your U.S. passport by mail if it was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, undamaged, and not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82, including your current passport, a new 2x2 photo meeting State Department specs (white background, no glasses/selfies), fees via check/money order, and any name change docs (e.g., marriage certificate). No in-person visit required unless adding visa pages or name change without legal proof. Not available for minors under 16.

Practical Steps for Ashwaubenon Residents:

1. Verify eligibility online at travel.state.gov using their renewal wizard—takes 2 minutes.
2. Download/complete DS-82; get photo at local pharmacies, Walmart, or UPS stores (avoid home prints).
3. Mail via USPS Priority/Express with tracking (routine processing: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks for extra fee).
4. Track status online after 1 week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Skipping eligibility check: Damaged passports or those over 15 years old force in-person new apps, wasting time/money.
• Wrong photo (smiling, wrong size) or no photo—biggest rejection reason (20% of returns).
• Cash payments or personal checks—use only checks/money orders payable to "U.S. Department of State."
• Mailing without old passport—automatic rejection.

Decision Guidance: Ideal for Ashwaubenon folks with standard needs and flexible timelines—saves trips amid busy work/commutes. Renew early (6+ months before expiration) to avoid rush fees/delays. If ineligible, damaged, urgent (<6 weeks), or first-time, switch to in-person new application. Many locals overlook mail option, causing avoidable stress—run the eligibility tool first!

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

Immediately report your lost, stolen, or damaged passport using Form DS-64—file online at travel.state.gov (fastest, under 10 minutes) or by mail to prevent misuse and invalidate it quickly. Common mistake: Skipping the report, leaving your passport active for potential identity theft.

Next, apply for a replacement:

• New application (DS-11, required in person): Use this for most lost/stolen cases or if ineligible to renew. Bring original proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization cert), valid photo ID (driver's license or WI ID), one passport photo, and fees (~$130+ execution fee).
• Renewal (DS-82, by mail if eligible): Only if your prior passport was issued within 15 years, you were 16+ at issuance, it's undamaged, and you're submitting it. Decision guide: Take the State Department's online eligibility quiz; lost/stolen typically disqualifies you.

Pro tip for Wisconsin residents: Include a police report for stolen passports (free from local PD, highly recommended for credibility, though not required). Gather documents early—photocopies won't suffice; originals only.

Urgent needs (e.g., last-minute flights from GRB, family emergencies, or Canada border runs): Add expedited service ($60 extra, 2-3 weeks) or urgent processing at a passport agency (1-3 days, appointment needed). Life-or-death cases (proof required) get free fastest service. Start now to avoid rushed photo hunts or fee hikes. Track status online post-submission.

Additional Pages

U.S. passports require blank (undamaged, unused visa) pages for entry/exit stamps and visas—many countries and airlines deny boarding if insufficient.

Check your passport: Count only the white visa pages that are fully empty; ignore the cover, biographical data page, amendments, or any stamped/endorsed pages. A 28-page passport needs at least 6-7 blank; a 52-page needs 12+.

Renew if: Fewer than half your pages are blank, even if expiration is 1+ years away [3]. This prevents border refusals or emergency renewals.

Common mistakes:

• Miscounting non-visa pages as blank.
• Underestimating space: Stamps/visas often span full pages; one trip can fill 4+.
• Waiting until expiration: Delays processing during peak travel (summer/holidays).

Decision guidance:

• Minimal travel? 2+ blank pages may suffice short-term.
• Frequent trips or visas (e.g., Europe/Asia)? Renew now for 52-page option.
• Unsure? Flip through— if it looks crowded, renew to avoid $30+ expedited fees or missed flights.

Name Change or Correction

Provide marriage certificate, court order, or other proof. Renewals can often handle this by mail [1].

For urgent travel within 14 days (e.g., family emergencies or sudden work abroad), note that "expedited" speeds to 2-3 weeks, but life-or-death emergencies allow in-person at a regional agency. Routine service takes 6-8 weeks—no guarantees during Wisconsin's peak seasons [5].

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities

Ashwaubenon and nearby Brown County have limited facilities due to high demand. Book appointments online via the U.S. Department of State locator, as walk-ins are rare and slots fill fast, especially spring/summer [6]. Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents.

• Ashwaubenon Post Office: 2325 S Oneida St, Ashwaubenon, WI 54304. Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM-5 PM (passport services may vary; call 920-499-2851). Offers photos on-site [7].
• Green Bay Main Post Office (nearby, 5 miles): 300 N Monroe Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301. Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-5 PM. High volume; book early [7].
• Brown County Clerk of Courts: 1900 S Broadway, De Pere, WI 54115 (10 miles). Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM. Handles DS-11; confirm via county site [8].

For fastest service, consider Milwaukee Passport Agency (2-hour drive) only for verified urgent travel—no routine apps [5]. Avoid third-party expediters unless desperate; they add fees without speeding State Department processing [1].

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals—no photocopies unless specified. Wisconsin-specific: Birth certificates from the state vital records office if born here [9].

For Adults (16+)

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (raised seal), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Photocopy front/back [1].
• Photo ID: Driver's license, military ID. Photocopy [1].
• Form DS-11: Fill out by hand at facility—do not sign until instructed [10].
• Photo: One 2x2 inch color, <6 months old [11].
• Fees: See below.

For Minors Under 16

Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053). Common issue: Incomplete forms delay families on student exchange trips [1].

• Child's birth certificate.
• Parents' IDs.
• DS-11.

Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

Send old passport, new photo, fees to National Passport Processing Center. Use USPS Priority (tracking included) [3].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25% of rejections in busy areas like Brown County [11]. Wisconsin's variable lighting (glare from snow or sun) exacerbates issues.

• Specs: 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches, white/cream background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses (unless medically necessary), no hats/selfies [11].
• Tips: Professional at Walgreens, CVS, or post office ($15-17). Check for shadows under chin/eyes, glare on glasses, or poor contrast.
• Rejection Fixes: Retake immediately; facilities may offer on-site.

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Application (DS-11)

Use this checklist to avoid incomplete apps, a top challenge for urgent Wisconsin travelers.

1. Determine Need: First-time/replacement? Use DS-11. Eligible renewal? Mail DS-82 [1][3].
2. Gather Citizenship Proof: Original birth certificate + photocopy. Order from WI Vital Records if needed ($20 + shipping) [9].
3. Prepare ID: Valid photo ID + photocopy.
4. Get Photo: Meet specs; get two spares [11].
5. Complete Form: Download DS-11, fill online but print blank for hand-signing [10].
6. Book Appointment: Use iafdb.travel.state.gov; aim 4-6 weeks ahead for peaks [6].
7. Pay Fees: Check/money order (two separate payments) [12].
8. Attend Appointment: All docs, unsigned form. Sign in presence of agent.
9. Track Status: Online after 1 week at travel.state.gov [13].

Expedite Checklist Addition:

• Add $60 fee, proof of travel (itinerary, not ticket).
• For 14-day urgent: Call 1-877-487-2778 for agency appt [5].
• Warning: Peak seasons (spring/summer, winter breaks) overwhelm; apply 3+ months early—no last-minute guarantees [5].

Fees and Payment

Pay applicant fee (to State Dept.) by check/money order; execution fee ($35) to facility (cash/check/card varies) [12].

No refunds; optional delivery $21.89 [12].

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail) or 10-13 weeks (in-person) from mailing date. Expedited: 2-3 weeks +$60. Avoid relying on these during Wisconsin's busy periods—business pros and tourists report delays [5]. Track weekly; 80% on time, but peaks vary [13]. For students on exchange deadlines, apply early.

Special Considerations for Wisconsin Residents

• Birth Certificates: Order from WI DHS ($20 search fee); raised seal required [9].
• Seasonal Demand: Spring (post-winter thaw travel), summer (Packers tourism spillover), holidays—slots gone weeks ahead.
• Urgent Trips: Last-minute family or work? Life-or-death only for agencies; others expedite [5].

Renewing by Mail from Ashwaubenon

Ideal for eligible renewals amid local appointment shortages.

Checklist:

1. Confirm eligibility (passport <15 years, age 16+, undamaged) [3].
2. Complete DS-82 online/print [3].
3. Attach old passport, new photo, fees (one check).
4. Mail Priority to: National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [3].
5. Track: 6-8 weeks routine [5].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Ashwaubenon

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and other eligible cases. These agents do not issue passports on-site; instead, they verify your identity, review your documents, administer oaths, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and certain municipal buildings. In and around Ashwaubenon, you may find such facilities within local post offices, government centers, and community hubs in nearby areas like Green Bay and Brown County. Always verify authorization through the official State Department website or by contacting the location directly, as designations can change.

When visiting, prepare by completing Form DS-11 (for new passports) or DS-82 (for renewals) in advance, bringing a valid photo ID, passport photos meeting State Department specs (2x2 inches, white background, recent), and exact payment (check or money order for application fees, cash or card for execution fees). Expect a short wait for processing, which typically takes 10-20 minutes per applicant if all documents are in order. Children under 16 must appear with both parents or guardians, and additional consent forms may be required. Facilities often provide basic guidance but cannot offer legal advice or expedite services—those require a passport agency appointment.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, on Mondays following weekends, and mid-day periods from late morning to early afternoon. Lines can form unexpectedly due to local events or backlogs, so approach visits cautiously. To minimize delays, schedule appointments where available (check the facility's policy), arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon, and avoid peak seasons if possible. Confirm requirements online beforehand and have backups for photos or forms. Patience and preparation ensure a smoother experience amid fluctuating demand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Ashwaubenon?
No local routine same-day service. Urgent (14 days) requires Milwaukee Agency with proof; otherwise, expedite 2-3 weeks—no peak season promises [5].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited ($60) shortens to 2-3 weeks anywhere. Urgent within 14 days needs agency appointment for life-or-death; travel agencies don't qualify [5].

My child is 17—can they renew by mail?
No, minors under 16 always in-person; 16-17 if passport issued <5 years and same criteria [1].

What if my birth certificate is lost?
Order expedited from WI Vital Records (3-5 days); $20 + fees. Use hospital abstract only with full BC [9].

Do I need an appointment at Ashwaubenon Post Office?
Yes, required; book via travel.state.gov. Walk-ins often turned away during high demand [6].

How do I report a lost passport abroad?
Contact U.S. Embassy immediately; replace at consulate. Stateside: DS-64 first [4].

Can I track my application?
Yes, after 1 week at travel.state.gov with last name, DOB, fee info [13].

Photos: Can I wear glasses?
Only if medically necessary and no glare/eye obstruction [11].

Sources

[1]Passports
[2]Passport Forms
[3]Renew by Mail
[4]Lost/Stolen
[5]Processing Times
[6]Acceptance Facility Search
[7]USPS Passport Services
[8]Brown County Clerk of Courts
[9]WI Vital Records
[10]Form DS-11
[11]Passport Photo Requirements
[12]Passport Fees
[13]Check Application Status