How to Get a Passport in Evansville, WI: Steps & Locations

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Evansville, WI
How to Get a Passport in Evansville, WI: Steps & Locations

Getting a Passport in Evansville, WI

As a resident of Evansville, Wisconsin, in Rock County, applying for a U.S. passport is straightforward with advance planning. Local travel trends include family road trips to Canada, business trips from Janesville and Beloit manufacturing hubs, summer beach vacations to Mexico or the Caribbean, winter escapes to Florida, and student exchanges tied to nearby Madison's university scene. Rock County facilities handle steady demand, but peaks during spring break (March-April), summer (June-August), and holidays (November-December) book appointments weeks ahead. Last-minute rushes for jobs, emergencies, or cruises spike competition. Routine processing takes 6-8 weeks; expedited, 2-3 weeks—start 10-13 weeks early. Watch for pitfalls like faulty photos (glare, non-compliant headwear, toothy smiles), unsigned minor consent lacking both parents' signatures, or confusing expedited service with life-or-death emergencies (travel within 14 days, proof required like itineraries or doctor's notes).

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use the State Department's wizard at travel.state.gov to match your needs. Rock County applicants often waste trips by picking the wrong form—check eligibility first.

Scenario Form Method Key Tips & Common Mistakes
First-Time (Adult/Child), Prior Passport <16 Years Old, Expired >15 Years, Lost/Stolen/Damaged DS-11 In person Do not sign until agent instructs. Bring citizenship proof (certified WI birth certificate), photo ID, 2x2 photo, fees. Mistake: Pre-signing voids it. Children need both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent.
Renewal (Eligible) DS-82 Mail Passport issued at 16+, <15 years old, undamaged, current name. Attach old passport, photo, fees. Mistake: Using if ineligible (e.g., child-issued)—revert to DS-11.
Lost/Stolen/Damaged (Eligible Renewal) DS-64 (report) + DS-82 Mail Report first online. Police report helps but not required. Mistake: Skipping DS-64 causes rejection.
Child Under 16 DS-11 In person Both parents/guardians or consent form. Include birth certificate. Pitfall: One parent's signature only—delays by weeks, common for Evansville exchange students.
Name Change/Correction (Within 1 Year) DS-5504 Mail No fee; attach court docs/marriage certificate. Mistake: Using wrong form for complex changes.
**Exp

edited/Urgent** | Any + $60 | Same as above | 2-3 weeks; under 14 days needs proof for life-or-death. Error: No fee or proof defaults to routine. |

Unsure? Print backups. Next: citizenship evidence (original WI birth certificate from Rock County Register of Deeds or state vital records) and ID (WI driver's license).

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Evansville

Evansville lacks extensive options, so Rock County hubs like post offices and the courthouse serve residents efficiently. All handle DS-11 in-person apps (renewals mail only); verify via USPS Locator or State Dept Locator. Appointments fill fast during peaks—call ahead, expect 10-20 minute interviews with document review and oath. No same-day issuance; agents forward to processing centers.

  • Evansville Post Office: 101 W Main St, Evansville, WI 53537. (608) 882-6515. Mon-Fri 9 AM-4 PM (confirm passport hours).
  • Janesville Post Office (15-min drive): 101 W Milwaukee St, Janesville, WI 53548. (608) 752-1361. High volume; online booking.
  • Rock County Clerk of Courts (courthouse): 51 S Main St, Janesville, WI 53545. (608) 757-5056. Website. Appointments for minors/complex cases.
  • Beloit Post Office (10-min drive): 1208 E Grand Ave, Beloit, WI 53511. (608) 362-4411.

No Village Hall service. Travel 10-30 minutes; mid-week mornings beat crowds.

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

  1. Fill (don't sign) DS-11 from travel.state.gov.
  2. Original + photocopy of citizenship proof (WI long-form birth certificate via Rock County or WI Vital Records).
  3. Original + photocopy of ID (WI driver's license).
  4. 2x2 photo.
  5. Minor consent if needed.
  6. Fees (exact change/check).
  7. Book appointment; arrive early.
  8. Sign before agent.
  9. Track at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days.

Photocopies: 8.5x11, one-sided, full page.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Local Walgreens/CVS/post offices charge $15-17; DIY often fails from poor WI lighting. Rejections hit 15% in peaks.

Requirement Details
Size 2x2 inches
Head Size 1-1 3/8 inches chin to top
Backg

round | Plain white/off-white | | Expression | Neutral (no smiles/tooth show) | | Glasses/Headwear | Medical/religious only; no glare, face visible | | Attire | Ordinary; no white shirts/uniforms |

Tips: North light, extras.

Fees and Payment

Product State Dept Fee (Check) Execution Fee (Facility) Expedite
Adult Book (10-yr) $130 $35 +$60
Adult Card (10-yr) $30 $35 +$60
Minor Book (5-yr) $100 $35 +$60
Minor Card (5-yr) $15 $35 +$60

Cash/check to facility; no cards usually. ~$165+ adult book routine.

Processing Times and Expedited Service

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent (14 days): Life/death proof; call 1-877-487-2778 for agency slot (e.g., Chicago). Peaks/delays add time; track online.

Special Notes for Renewals (DS-82), Minors, and Changes

Renewals: Mail DS-82 + old passport/photo/fees to PO Box 1300, Philadelphia, PA 19150-1300. No appointment.

Minors: 50%+ local apps; full consent required.

Changes: DS-5504 (free, mail).

Renewal Checklist:

  1. Confirm eligibility.
  2. Fill DS-82.
  3. Attach old passport/photo/fees.
  4. Priority Mail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Evansville? No; weeks minimum.

Lost birth certificate? Order from WI Vital Records/Rock County ($20+).

Appointment needed? Yes, recommended.

3-week trip? Expedite now; under 14 days, call urgent line.

Child use my expired passport? No.

Photos: Smile/earrings? Neutral; small OK.

Renewal ineligible? Check age/issue date/damage.

Track status? Online after 7-10 days.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] Passport Photos
[3] Lost/Stolen
[4] Wizard
[5] USPS Locator
[6] Rock County Clerk
[7] WI Vital Records
[8] Status Check
[9] Expedited

AK

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