Getting U.S. Passport in Belgium, WI: Ozaukee Facilities & Steps

Getting a U.S. Passport in Belgium, WI

Living in Belgium, Wisconsin—a small village in Ozaukee County—puts you near Lake Michigan's shores and the Milwaukee area, hubs for international travel. Ozaukee residents often head to Europe/Asia for business, Canada/Caribbean for summer getaways, warmer spots in winter, or student exchanges via local schools or UW-Milwaukee. Family emergencies or urgent business trips spike demand, especially in peak spring/summer and holiday seasons when slots fill fast.

Local hurdles include limited openings at Port Washington or Saukville facilities (weeks-long waits), confusion between expedited service ($60 extra for 2-3 weeks) and urgent travel (<14 days, needing Chicago Passport Agency proof), photo rejections (shadows, glare, sizing), incomplete minor docs, and renewal form errors (DS-82 only if eligible). This guide provides Ozaukee-tailored steps, checklists, and pitfalls.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Use the State Department's wizard to select your form based on these scenarios:

• First-Time Applicant: No prior passport. Use Form DS-11 in person at an acceptance facility (post office/clerk).

• Renewal: Eligible if issued at 16+, undamaged, <15 years old. Mail Form DS-82—no in-person visit. Ineligible? Use DS-11.

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: Report with Form DS-64, then DS-11 (or DS-82 if eligible). Include police report for theft.

• Name Change/Data Correction: Form DS-5504 within 1 year of issue; otherwise DS-82/DS-11.

• Minors <16: Always DS-11 with both parents' presence or notarized DS-3053.

• Urgent (<14 days): Chicago Passport Agency only (appointment, 877-487-2778; 5+ hour drive).

Plan 6-8 weeks ahead amid Wisconsin travel peaks.

Step-by-Step Preparation Checklist

Gather all before booking to dodge delays like missing birth certificates.

1. Confirm Form: Wizard. Download/print single-sided from [travel.state.gov/

forms](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html).

2. Citizenship Proof (Original + Photocopy): Birth certificate (long form), naturalization cert, or old passport. For WI births: Ozaukee Register of Deeds (1201 S 4th St, Port Washington) or WI DHS. Photocopy on 8.5x11 white paper.

3. ID Proof (Original + Photocopy): WI driver's license (valid even if expiring soon).

4. Photos (Two 2x2" Identical): Color, white/off-white background, <6 months old. CVS/Walgreens in Port Washington. Avoid: shadows (use natural light), glasses glare (remove/tilt), head <1-1⅜", smiles, uniforms. See photo guide.

5. Fees (Separate checks: app fee to "U.S. Department of State"; execution to facility):

   Type	Book	Card	Execution
   Adult (16+)	$130	$30	$35
   Minor (<16)	$100	$15	$35
   Expedited: +$60; 1-2 day delivery: +$21.36. See fees.

6. Minors: Both parents or notarized DS-3053 (notaries at Ozaukee banks/post offices).

7. Book: Facility search. Call to confirm.

Local Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Belgium, WI

No facility in Belgium—drive 10-20 min to these Ozaukee spots. Book early; peaks overwhelm. Verify via USPS locator or calls.

• Port Washington Post Office: 202 W Grand Ave, Port Washington, WI 53074. (262) 284-5531. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (passport appts required; walk-ins rare).

• Port Washington City Clerk: 100 W Grand Ave, Port Washington, WI 53074. (262) 284-5555. DS-11 by appt Mon-Fri.

• Saukville Post Office: 639 E Green Bay Ave, Saukville, WI 53080. (262) 284-3171. ~20 min south.

• Grafton Post Office: 1425 Cheyenne Ave, Grafton, WI 53024. (262) 375-4060. 15-20 min.

Mail renewals from any post office.

Step-by-Step Application Day Checklist

Expect 30-60 min: doc review, interview, signing, payment. Arrive early, dressed neatly (no uniforms).

1. Bring originals, copies, photos, unsigned form, fees.
2. Agent verifies docs, asks travel purpose.
3. Pay fees (facility takes execution).
4. Sign DS-11 in front of agent.
5. Get receipt; [track](ht

tps://passportstatus.state.gov/) in 7-10 days. 6. Mail DS-82 renewals to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

Processing Times and Realistic Expectations

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• Peaks (spring/summer/holidays): +4 weeks. Ozaukee summer delays have derailed trips—plan ahead. No guarantees.

Urgent: Chicago Agency (2300 E Devon Ave, Des Plaines, IL) for <14 days.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Appt Shortages: Book 4-6 weeks early; call alternates.
• Photos: Follow specs; test with natural light.
• Minors: DS-3053 notarized early.
• Renewals: Verify eligibility by issue date/age.
• Birth Certs: Ozaukee: 3-5 days; state: 1-2 weeks—order ASAP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Belgium? No—Chicago for urgents with proof.

Port Washington Post Office appt? Yes; call (262) 284-5531.

Renew from Belgium? Eligible: mail DS-82. Else: DS-11 in-person.

Child with one parent? DS-3053 notarized or custody proof.

Ozaukee birth cert? Register of Deeds (1201 S 4th St, Port Washington) or WI DHS.

Expedited guaranteed? 2-3 weeks estimate; agency for <14 days.

Track status? passportstatus.state.gov or 1-877-487-2778.

Lost abroad? U.S. embassy; replace on return.

Sources

1. U.S. Dept of State - Passports
2. Processing Times
3. Passport Photos
4. How to Apply
5. Passport Wizard
6. WI DHS Vital Records
7. Ozaukee Register of Deeds
8. Passport Fees
9. Children Under 16
10. Facility Search
11. USPS Passports
12. Track Application