DeForest WI Passport Guide: DS-11, DS-82 & Local Facilities

Guide to Obtaining a Passport in DeForest, Wisconsin

DeForest residents in Dane County benefit from quick access to Madison's passport hubs, including Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) for flights and University of Wisconsin student exchanges driving demand. Peak times—spring/summer tourism, winter escapes, and urgent business trips—create appointment shortages at local facilities. This guide, based on U.S. Department of State rules¹, outlines tailored steps, pitfalls like form mismatches (DS-11 vs. DS-82), and timelines to streamline your process.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose DS-11 (in-person, new book/card) or DS-82 (mail renewal) based on your history—missteps delay by weeks.

First-Time Passport (DS-11)

Required if no prior U.S. passport, or previous one issued before age 16 (now 16+). In-person only at Dane County facilities; no mail option.

Key steps:

• Fill DS-11 but sign only in front of agent².
• Originals: citizenship proof (e.g., WI birth certificate⁷), photo ID (WI driver's license⁸), 2x2 photo, fees.
• Book ahead; routine processing 10-13 weeks, expedited 4-6 (+$60).

Pitfalls: Photocopies rejected; old/under-16 passports treated as new (check issue date). Backup facilities if DeForest books up.

Decision tip: Have passport? Issued 16+ within 15 years and undamaged? Renew via DS-82 instead—saves time/money.

Renewal (DS-82)

Mail-eligible if issued 16+, <15 years old, undamaged, in possession. Skip facilities; send old passport + new photo + fee.

Ineligible? Fall back to DS-11 in-person.

Replacement (Lost/Stolen/Damaged)

File DS-64 online first³. DS-82 if renewal-eligible; else DS-11. Local police report (DeForest PD) strengthens claims.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near DeForest

First-time/minor/replacement apps require in-person at approved sites—no instant passports, but agents verify docs, administer oath, and forward to processing. Expect 20-45 minutes: form review, original inspection (returned post-copy), signature witnessing, fee collection, receipt issuance. Walk-ins rare; book via phone/online⁴⁵.

Note: Always verify real-time availability, appointments, hours, and services using the official U.S. Department of State locator or by calling, as they change.

Proven Dane County options (drive times from DeForest center):

• DeForest Post Office (625 N Main St, DeForest, WI 53532): Local first stop; call (608) 846-5401⁵.
• Sun Prairie Post Office (1701 O'Keefe Ave, Sun Prairie, WI 53590): ~10 min drive.
• Madison Main Post Office (3902 Milwaukee St, Madison, WI 53714): 15-20 min; high volume near MSN.
• Dane County Clerk's Office (210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Madison, WI 53703): County processing; book online⁶.

Plan 4-6 weeks ahead for peaks; midweek mornings beat crowds.

Required Documents: Gather These First

Rejections hit 30-40% from incompletes¹. Photocopy all IDs/citizenship docs front/back on plain paper.

Citizenship (original + copy):

• WI birth certificate (Vital Records⁷).
• Naturalization/Citizenship cert/Consular birth report.

ID (valid + copy): Driver's license, passport, military ID.

Minors: DS-3053 notarized if one parent absent; both appear ideally.

Fees (separate payments):

Check/money order; facility takes execution.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications

1. Fill DS-11 (no signature yet)².
2. Collect citizenship docs + photocopies.
3. ID + photocopy.
4. 2x2 photo (specs below).
5. Fees ready (two checks).
6. Book slot⁴.
7. Arrive early; sign on-site.
8. Get receipt; track after 7-10 days⁹.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Top rejection reason: Get pro shots at CVS/Walgreens near DeForest (~$15). Strict rules¹⁰:

• 2x2" exact (head 1-1 3/8").
• White background, even light, no shadows/glare/glasses.
• Neutral face, recent (<6 months), color.

Retake restarts clock (2-4 weeks delay).

Processing Times and Expedited Options

From receipt: Routine 6-8 weeks mail/10-13 in-person; peaks (WI Europe/Caribbean travel) add 2-4 weeks¹¹.

• Expedited: 4-6 weeks (+$60).
• Urgent life/death (<14 days): Agency only (Chicago 5+ hrs); call 1-877-487-2778—business trips ineligible¹².
• Return: $21.36 1-2 day.

Track online; Madison hub strains supply.

Special Considerations for Wisconsin Residents

Minors: WI certs take 2-4 weeks⁷; UW exchange deadlines tight. Name change: Amended WI birth cert + court docs. Lost: DeForest PD report + DS-64³. Travelers: Global Entry¹³ at Chicago/Milwaukee for frequent flyers.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail

1. Verify eligibility².
2. Complete/sign DS-82.
3. Add photo, old passport, fee.
4. USPS Priority (tracked); no staples.
5. Track week 1⁹.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Child's passport without other parent? No; DS-3053 or custody proof¹.

WI birth cert? DHS Vital Records, $20, 5-10 days⁷.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited any reason (4-6w); urgent life/death agency only¹².

Expired 10+ years? Renew if adult-issued/undamaged².

Nearest agency? Chicago (5+ hrs)¹⁴.

Track status? Yes, post-7 days⁹.

DeForest walk-ins? Rare; book⁵.

Photo reject? New ones; restarts timer¹⁰.

Sources

1. Passports
2. Passport Forms
3. Lost/Stolen Passports
4. Acceptance Facility Search
5. USPS Passport Services
6. Dane County Clerk
7. WI Vital Records
8. WI DOT ID
9. Check Status
10. Passport Photo Requirements
11. Processing Times
12. Urgent Travel
13. Global Entry
14. Passport Agencies