Getting Your Passport in Ellsworth, WI: Complete Guide

Getting Your Passport in Ellsworth, WI: A Complete Guide

Living in Ellsworth, a small community in Pierce County, Wisconsin, you're close to the Mississippi River and popular travel hubs like the Twin Cities. Local residents often travel internationally for family reunions, European vacations in summer, winter getaways to Mexico or Canada, or student exchanges from nearby UW-River Falls. Demand spikes during spring breaks, holidays, and back-to-school periods, filling passport appointments quickly. This guide provides tailored steps, checklists, and tips to avoid pitfalls like rejected photos (from glare or shadows), incomplete minor forms, or mixing up DS-11 new applications with DS-82 renewals—issues that delay 20-30% of submissions.

Plan ahead: Routine processing takes 4-6 weeks (up to 8-10 in peaks, as of 2024); expedited is 2-3 weeks extra. For travel within 14 days, urgent services require itinerary proof but aren't guaranteed amid backlogs. Always check travel.state.gov for live updates.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Pick the wrong form, and you'll face extra visits or mail returns. Use this decision tree:

• New Passport (DS-11, in person): Never had one, prior passport issued before age 16, expired over 15 years, or major changes needed. Common for first-timers, students, or damaged books.

• Renewal (DS-82, by mail): Passport issued at 16+, undamaged, expires soon (or expired <5 years). No in-person unless name change without docs or adding pages. Ideal for busy Pierce County professionals renewing before ski trips.

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

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

• Book vs. Card: Book for air travel worldwide; card ($30 adult) for land/sea to Canada/Mexico—perfect for quick border runs from Red Wing.

Common Mistake: Assuming all expired passports need DS-11. Check eligibility first to save time. Download forms from travel.state.gov.

Required Documents and Eligibility

Missing one item means rescheduling—prep a folder with originals and photocopies (8.5x11, front/back).

Adults (DS-11 New):

• U.S. citizenship proof (original birth/naturalization certificate).
• Photo ID (WI driver's license).
• 2x2 passport photo.
• Unsigned DS-11.
• Fees (check/money order).

Renewals (DS-82): Old passport + photo + fees + DS-82.

Minors <16 (DS-11): Both

parents/guardians present or DS-3053 notarized consent (within 90 days). Child's birth certificate, ID if any, photos (no parent holding). Full custody docs if solo parent.

Pierce County locals: Order birth certificates from Register of Deeds (715-273-8212, Ellsworth) or WI Vital Records (608-266-1371, online/mail, $20+shipping, 1-2 weeks). Expedite for $30.

Urgent Tip: Flight itinerary for <14-day travel; not a processing shortcut.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% of apps rejected for photos (glare, shadows, poor sizing). Specs (as of 2024): 2x2 inches, color, white/cream background, <6 months old, 1-1 3/8 inch head height, eyes open/neutral, no glasses/uniforms/hats/selfies (religious/medical exceptions OK with proof).

Ellsworth Options:

• Ellsworth Post Office (400 W Main St; $15 on-site).
• Walgreens/CVS in River Falls/Menomonie.
• Home print: Glossy paper, natural light only.

Retake same day if rejected—facilities verify on-site.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Ellsworth

Ellsworth lacks a full passport agency; use acceptance facilities that verify/seal apps but forward to processing centers. Expect 15-30 min: Show docs, swear oath, pay execution fee (~$35), get receipt. Appointments fill fast—book 4-6 weeks ahead via usps.com or phone (peaks: summer Mondays 10am-2pm busiest).

Local (Ellsworth):

• Ellsworth Post Office (400 W Main St, 54011; 715-273-5141): Mon-Fri by appt. DS-11, photos, renewals.
• Pierce County Clerk of Circuit Court (412 W Kinne St, 54011; 715-273-8213): Limited; call first.

Nearby (10-30 min drive):

• River Falls Post Office (125 S 2nd St, 54022; 715-425-7305).
• Prescott Post Office (101 Jones St, 54021).
• Red Wing, MN Post Office (20 4th St SW; MN facilities OK for WI residents).

No WI agency nearby—Milwaukee (3+ hrs) for life/death emergencies only. Verify hours/status at usps.com/passport.

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

1. Download/fill DS-11 (don't sign).
2. Collect: Citizenship proof + copy, ID + copy, 2 photos, minor consent.
3. Calc fees (table below; exact change).
4. Book appt (call/online).
5. Arrive early: Sign on-site, clerk seals.
6. Track at state.gov (starts 1-2 weeks).

Minors Add:

• Both parents or DS-3053.
• Child present.
• No photo edits.

Mail Renewal (DS-82): Old passport, signed form, photo (back-written "Photo"), fees to DC address.

Top Errors: Signing DS-11 early, no photocopies, wrong fee p

ayable.

Fees and Payment

As of April 2024 (verify live at travel.state.gov/fees):

Check to "U.S. Department of State"; execution cash/check to facility. Expedite +$60 (mark form). No cards at most spots.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 4-6 weeks (8-10 peaks).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• Urgent (<14 days): Itinerary proof; facility refers to agency.
• Life/Death: Priority nationwide.

Track weekly at state.gov/passport-status. Apply 9+ weeks pre-trip in busy seasons.

Handling Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

1. Report DS-64 online/free.
2. Reapply DS-11/DS-82.
3. Police report for stolen (airports require).
4. Urgent: Add itinerary.

Wisconsin Travel Patterns and Tips

Pierce County travelers favor Canada (drives from Prescott), Europe (UW-River Falls groups), Mexico cruises. Book Jan for summer. Dual citizens: U.S. passport to exit. Check visas at travel.state.gov. Pro tip: Pair with WI REAL ID for domestic flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Appointment needed at Ellsworth Post Office?
Yes; walk-ins rare, none in peaks.

Expired 6+ years—mail renewal?
No, DS-11 in person.

One parent for minor?
No; DS-3053 notarized or both present.

Photo rejected?
Glare/shadows common—retake on-site ($15).

Passport card for Mexico cruise?
Yes, closed-loop from U.S.

Birth certificate source?
Pierce Register (715-273-8212) or WI DHS ($20+).

Summer apply timeline?
9-11 weeks early.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Renew by Mail
[3] Wisconsin Vital Records
[4] [Passport Photo Requirements](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passpor

[4] Passport Photo Requirements
Critical for all applicants: Photos must be 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 6 months. For Ellsworth residents, use local photo services experienced with passports. Common mistake: Casual selfies or smiling—leads to automatic rejection; opt for neutral expression, no glasses unless medically required.

[5] USPS Passport Services
Quick option for Pierce County folks—many locations handle applications and photos. Decision guidance: Choose USPS for first-time adult passports if mailing back is okay (faster for renewals); call to confirm services, as not all offer photos. Tip: Bring all docs to avoid extra trips.

[6] Pierce County Government
Key local hub for Ellsworth, WI residents seeking passport info. Check for acceptance agent details, hours, and local processing. Common mistake: Assuming walk-ins—book ahead during peak seasons (summer/travel). Guidance: Prefer county for in-person help if you're new to passports or need form assistance.

[7] Passport Fees
Breakdown: Base fee + $35 execution fee at most local spots (USPS/county). For Ellsworth applicants, total often $130–$200+ for adults. Mistake to avoid: Paying only application fee—budget for execution + optional 1-2 day delivery ($21.36). Use fee calculator and pay exact cash/check as required.