Guide to Getting a Passport in Baldwin, WI: Facilities & Forms

By GovComplete Team • Published on: January 31, 2026

Location: Baldwin, WI

Getting a Passport in Baldwin, WI

Residents of Baldwin, Wisconsin, in St. Croix County, often need passports for frequent international business travel, family vacations, or seasonal trips during spring/summer and winter breaks. Proximity to the Twin Cities airport facilitates higher volumes of outbound flights, while university students and exchange programs through nearby institutions like the University of Wisconsin system add to demand. Urgent last-minute trips for work or family emergencies are common, but high demand at acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments. This guide covers eligibility, local options, documentation, photos, processing, and pitfalls like photo rejections or form mix-ups, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines [1].

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Before starting, determine your situation to use the correct form and process. Mischoosing can delay your application.

First-Time Applicants: Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16; it's expired for 15+ years; issued in your previous name without legal documentation of the name change; or it's damaged, even if still valid [2]. Apply in person at an acceptance facility.
Renewals: Eligible for Form DS-82 (by mail) if your passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and was issued in your current name (or you have name-change proof). Not eligible if it doesn't meet these criteria—use DS-11 instead [3]. Many Wisconsin residents overlook this, leading to unnecessary in-person trips.
Replacements for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports: Report it via Form DS-64 (free statement), then apply using DS-11 for a replacement if still valid, or DS-82 if eligible for renewal. Expedite if urgent [4].
Child (Under 16) Passports: Always first-time equivalent using DS-11; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent [5]. Common in Baldwin for family trips or student exchanges.
Name Change, Correction, or Limited Validity: Use DS-5504 or DS-82/DS-11 as appropriate, with supporting docs like marriage certificates from Wisconsin Vital Records [6].

If unsure, use the State Department's online wizard [1].

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Baldwin, WI

Baldwin lacks a full-service passport agency, so use nearby acceptance facilities like post offices, county clerks, or libraries. High seasonal demand means book appointments early—spring/summer slots fill fast due to tourism peaks [7].

Baldwin Post Office (1107 7th St, Baldwin, WI 54002): Offers passport acceptance. Call (715) 688-2613 to confirm hours and book [8].
St. Croix County Clerk of Courts (1101 Carmichael Rd, Hudson, WI 54016): About 20 miles away; processes first-time and child apps. Appointments required; check website for walk-ins [9].
New Richmond Post Office (1487 Hwy 65 S, New Richmond, WI 54017): 15 miles north; reliable for photos and apps [8].
Hudson Post Office (2332 St Croix Trail S, Lakeland, MN—cross-state but close): Serves St. Croix area [8].

Use the State Department's locator for real-time availability and search "Baldwin, WI" [10]. Expect waits; urgent travel within 14 days requires a regional agency like Chicago Passport Agency (book via 1-877-487-2778 after life-or-death proof) [11]. Avoid unofficial "expeditors"—they charge extra without speeding official times [1].

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals; photocopies suffice for some. Wisconsin birth certificates come from the state Vital Records office [6].

General Checklist for All Applicants (DS-11 In-Person):

Completed Form DS-11 (unsigned until in front of agent) [12]. Download from travel.state.gov.
Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original birth certificate (WI-issued long form preferred), naturalization certificate, or prior undamaged passport [13].
Proof of identity: Driver's license, military ID, or government ID [1].
Photocopy of citizenship proof and ID (front/back on standard 8.5x11 paper) [14].
Passport photo (see below).
Fees (check/money order; see Fees section).
For name change: Marriage certificate, court order from St. Croix County Clerk [15].

Renewal by Mail (DS-82) Checklist:

Completed DS-82 [3].
Current passport.
New photo.
Fees.
Name change docs if applicable.

Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [16].

Child Under 16 Checklist (DS-11):

DS-11.
Child's birth certificate.
Parents'/guardians' IDs and photocopies.
Both parents present, or DS-3053 consent from absent parent (notarized) [5].
Photos.

Common pitfalls: Incomplete minor docs delay 30% of apps; shadows/glare reject 20% of photos [17].

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photos must be 2x2 inches, color, on white/cream background, taken within 6 months [18]. Wisconsin selfies often fail due to glare from fluorescent lights or shadows from hats/glasses.

Rules: Head 1-1 3/8 inches; neutral expression; even lighting; no uniforms/headwear unless religious/medical (doctor's note) [18].
Where to Get: Baldwin Post Office or Walgreens (e.g., Hudson location); $15-20. Avoid home printers [8].

Rejections spike seasonally; double-check via State Dept's photo tool [19].

Fees and Payment

Book (10-year adult): $130 application + $35 execution (post office) + $30 optional photo [20].
Card (travel to Canada/Mexico): Lower fees [20].
Expedite: +$60; 1-2 day delivery +$21.36 [21]. Urgent within 14 days? Call agency [11].

Pay application fee by check to "U.S. Department of State"; execution to facility (cash/check at PO) [1]. No credit cards at most [8].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail) or 4-6 weeks post-acceptance [22]. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Peak seasons (spring/summer, holidays) add 2-4 weeks—don't count on last-minute during winter breaks [22]. Track via email alerts [23]. For life/death urgent (within 14 days), appointment-only at agencies; business trips ineligible [11]. Confusion here delays many Baldwin applicants.

Special Considerations for Wisconsin Residents

St. Croix County residents get birth certificates via WI DHS ($20-30 rush) [6]. Students: Campus intl offices help with exchanges. Business travelers: Enroll in STEP for alerts [24]. Renew early—don't wait for expiration.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

For First-Time or In-Person (DS-11):

Confirm eligibility and facility via locator [10].
Schedule appointment (call/email).
Fill DS-11 online, print unsigned [12].
Get birth cert from WI Vital Records if needed [6].
Obtain photo [18].
Make photocopies.
Calculate/pay fees.
Arrive 15 min early with all docs.
Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
Track application [23].

For Renewals (DS-82 by Mail):

Verify eligibility [3].
Fill DS-82.
Attach old passport, photo, fees.
Mail with tracking.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Baldwin

Passport acceptance facilities are official sites authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for U.S. citizens. These locations do not issue passports on-site; instead, they verify your identity, administer oaths, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types of facilities include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Baldwin, you'll find such facilities scattered across urban centers, suburban areas, and nearby towns, making it convenient for residents and visitors alike.

When visiting an acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 application form (for first-time applicants or renewals requiring in-person submission), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specifications, and exact payment (typically a combination of check or money order for the government fee and cash, check, or card for the execution fee). Expect a short wait for processing, which usually takes 10-20 minutes per applicant, followed by mailing instructions for your completed application. Staff will review documents for completeness but cannot expedite service or provide passport photos—plan to get those elsewhere. Always check the official State Department website or facility pages in advance for the latest requirements, as policies can evolve.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer months, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Weekdays, particularly Mondays, tend to be busier as people catch up after weekends. Mid-day periods, such as late morning through early afternoon, frequently experience the most foot traffic due to working schedules.

To navigate crowds effectively, schedule appointments where available—many facilities now offer online booking. Arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon, and avoid peak seasons if your travel isn't urgent. Consider applying well in advance of your trip (at least 6-8 weeks), and monitor local facility updates for any temporary closures or changes. Patience and preparation go a long way in streamlining your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Baldwin?
No local same-day service. Nearest agency is Chicago (4+ hours); requires proven urgent travel [11].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited ($60) cuts to 2-3 weeks; urgent (14 days or less) needs agency appointment for life/death only [21].

My photo was rejected—what now?
Retake following exact specs [18]; common issues: glare, shadows, wrong size. Use validated services.

Do both parents need to come for a child's passport?
Yes, or provide notarized DS-3053 from absent parent [5]. Wisconsin notaries at banks/P.O.s.

Can I renew online?
Limited online renewal for eligible DS-82; check tool [25]. Most mail it.

What if my passport is lost abroad?
Contact U.S. Embassy; temporary passport possible [26].

How do I get a WI birth certificate fast?
Order online/via mail from DHS; 3-5 days rush [6].

Peak times cause delays—plan ahead?
Yes; routine processing stretches in spring/summer/winter due to travel volumes [22].

Sources

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations