Cedarburg WI Passport Guide: Local Facilities, Steps, Fees

Guide to Getting a Passport in Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Cedarburg, located in Ozaukee County, is a picturesque community in southeastern Wisconsin known for its historic downtown and proximity to Milwaukee. Residents here often travel internationally for business—frequently to Canada and Mexico—or tourism, with peaks in spring and summer for European trips and winter breaks to warmer destinations like the Caribbean. Students from nearby universities and exchange programs also contribute to steady demand, alongside occasional urgent trips for family emergencies or last-minute opportunities. However, Wisconsin's passport acceptance facilities face high demand during these seasons, leading to limited appointments and longer waits. This guide provides straightforward steps tailored to Cedarburg-area applicants, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate common hurdles like appointment shortages, photo rejections, and documentation errors.[1]

Whether you're applying for the first time, renewing, or replacing a lost passport, understanding your specific needs is the first step. Processing times can vary, especially during peak periods (March–August and December–February), so plan ahead—avoid relying on last-minute service, as even expedited options aren't guaranteed for travel within 14 days.[2]

Choosing the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Not all passport applications follow the same process. Use this section to identify your path:

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16; also applies if your last passport is more than 15 years old, damaged beyond use, or issued in your maiden name (without proper documentation). You must apply in person at an acceptance facility.[1]

• Renewal: Eligible by mail if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you're at least 16 years old, and it wasn't damaged or reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82. If ineligible (e.g., significant name change without docs or issued before you were 16), treat as first-time.[3]

• Replacement: For lost, stolen, or damaged passports. If valid and undamaged, use DS-82 by mail or DS-11 in person with evidence. Report loss/theft immediately via Form DS-64.[1]

Common Wisconsin pitfalls: Many Cedarburg residents misunderstand renewal eligibility, submitting DS-11 unnecessarily and facing delays. Always check your passport's issue date.[3]

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Cedarburg

Cedarburg lacks a dedicated passport agency (those are for urgent, in-person expedites in major cities like Milwaukee). Use acceptance facilities for routine/book applications:

• Cedarburg Post Office (W6050 State Road 60, Cedarburg, WI 53012): Offers appointments; call (262) 377-2120. High seasonal demand—book early via usps.com.[4]

• Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court (1201 S. 4th St., Port Washington, WI 53074, ~10 miles north): Processes passports Mon–Fri; requires appointments. Contact (262) 284-8252 or visit ozaukeecounty.gov.[5]

• Nearby Options: Grafton Post Office (1630 11th Ave, Grafton, WI), Mequon Post Office (5300 W Mequon Rd), or Milwaukee Passport Agency (310 W. Wisconsin Ave, by appointment only for urgent cases within 14 days).[6][7]

Search iafdb.travel.state.gov for real-time availability. Wisconsin facilities report backlogs in summer and holidays—arrive 15 minutes early with all docs.[1]

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Follow this checklist to avoid rejections, which often stem from incomplete docs (especially for minors) or photo issues like shadows/glare.

1. Determine Eligibility: Use the table above. Download forms from travel.state.gov (DS-11 for in-person, DS-82 for mail).[1][3]

2. Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (WI issues via vital records), naturalization certificate, or prior passport. Photocopies on standard paper. For WI births, order from dhs.wisconsin.gov if needed ($20+).[8]

3. Proof of Identity: Driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID. Name must match citizenship doc exactly.

4. Get Passport Photos: 2x2 inches, color, white background, no glasses/shadows. See photo section below.

5. Complete Form: Fill DS-11/DS-82 but do not sign DS-11 until instructed.

6. Calculate Fees: See fees section.

7. Book Appointment: Call facility; arrive prepared.

8. Submit: At facility, sign in presence of agent. Mail for renewals to address on DS-82.

Minors Checklist (Under 18):

• Both parents/guardians present or notarized consent (DS-3053).
• Child's birth certificate + parental IDs.
• No exceptions—common rejection point in student-heavy areas like Ozaukee.[1]

Passport Photos: Avoiding Common Rejections

Photos account for 25–30% of rejections in Wisconsin facilities. Specs:[9]

• 2x2 inches (51x51mm), head 1–1 3/8 inches.
• Taken within 6 months, color, plain white/cream/off-white background.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed.
• No uniforms, headphones, glare/shadows; glasses only if medically necessary (no glare).

Local options: CVS/Walgreens in Cedarburg (N49 W6340 Mill Rd) or post office ($15–17). Selfies/digital uploads fail—use professionals. Review state.gov photo tool.[9]

Fees and Payment Methods

Fees (as of 2023; verify current):[10]

Pay application fee by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution separate (cash/check at post office). No credit cards at most WI facilities.[10]

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6–8 weeks (mail time included). Expedited: 2–3 weeks (+$60).[2]

• Urgent Travel (<14 days): Life-or-death emergencies qualify for Milwaukee Passport Agency appointment (call 877-487-2778). Business/ tourism doesn't—plan ahead, especially for Wisconsin's seasonal surges.[11]

• 1–2 Week Urgent: No standard service; agency only with proof.

Track at passportstatus.state.gov. Peak seasons (spring break, summer vacations) add 1–2 weeks—don't cut it close.[2]

Special Considerations for Wisconsin Residents

• Birth Certificates: Order from Wisconsin Vital Records (1 W. Wilson St., Madison) or county register (Ozaukee: $20 walk-in). E-certificates accepted if official.[8]

• Name Changes: Marriage/divorce decree or court order required.

• Students/Exchange: Campus facilities like UW-Milwaukee may help, but verify.

• Business Travel: Frequent Canada/Mexico trips suit passport cards ($30–65).

Step-by-Step Checklist: Submitting and Aftercare

1. Pre-Appointment Review: Double-check docs against state.gov checklists.[1]
2. Attend Appointment: Present everything; agent reviews.
3. Pay Fees: Two payments.
4. Receive Receipt: Track number for status checks.
5. Monitor Online: passportstatus.state.gov (takes 1–2 weeks to appear).
6. Passport Arrival: Allow extra mail time to Cedarburg (53172 ZIP).
7. If Delayed: Contact National Passport Info Center (877-487-2778).

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Cedarburg

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness passport applications, administer oaths, and collect fees for first-time applicants, renewals, and certain replacements. These facilities do not process passports on-site; applications are forwarded to a regional passport agency for printing and mailing, which typically takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Cedarburg, such facilities can often be found at local post offices in nearby towns like Grafton, Saukville, or Thiensville, as well as Ozaukee County administrative offices or community libraries serving the area. Travelers should verify eligibility and current participation through the official State Department website or by calling ahead, as not all locations offer these services and availability can change.

When visiting, expect to bring a completed DS-11 application form (for new passports) or DS-82 (for renewals), two passport photos meeting specific size and quality standards, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment via check or money order. Minors under 16 require both parents' presence or notarized consent. Appointments are often required or strongly recommended at many sites to streamline the process and reduce wait times. Staff will review documents for completeness but cannot provide legal advice or correct errors after submission.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer vacation months, spring break periods, and holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, when demand surges. Weekdays, especially Mondays, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) are generally busier due to working professionals and retirees scheduling visits. To plan effectively, check for appointment slots well in advance—ideally several weeks ahead during busy periods—and aim for early morning or late afternoon slots if walk-ins are allowed. Always confirm requirements online first, arrive prepared with all documents organized, and have backup ID options. If urgency arises, consider expedited services or passport agencies in larger cities like Milwaukee for faster processing, though these require proof of imminent travel. Patience and preparation go a long way in navigating these essential services smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I apply in Cedarburg during summer?
Apply 3–6 months ahead due to seasonal demand overwhelming local post offices and the county clerk.[2]

Can I use a WI REAL ID for passport ID?
Yes, but bring original + photocopy; it proves identity.[1]

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited ($60) shortens to 2–3 weeks; urgent (agency visit) is for proven travel <14 days (life-or-death only).[11]

Do I need an appointment at Cedarburg Post Office?
Yes—call ahead; walk-ins rare during peaks.[4]

How do I replace a lost passport while traveling?
Report via DS-64 online, apply in person abroad or upon return.[1]

Are passport cards accepted for all international travel?
No—land/sea only to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean.[10]

What if my child's other parent can't attend?
Submit DS-3053 notarized consent or sole custody proof.[1]

Can I mail renewals from Cedarburg?
Yes, if eligible—use USPS Priority ($19+ tracking).[3]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[3]U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[4]USPS - Passport Services
[5]Ozaukee County - Passport Services
[6]U.S. Department of State - Acceptance Facility Search
[7]Milwaukee Passport Agency
[8]Wisconsin DHS - Vital Records
[9]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photos
[10]U.S. Department of State - Fees
[11]U.S. Department of State - Get Fast