Fond du Lac WI Passport Guide: DS-11, DS-82 Steps & Locations

Guide to Obtaining a Passport in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Last updated: October 2024

Nestled in Fond du Lac County along Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac experiences consistent passport demand from manufacturing professionals traveling abroad, families heading to European vacations or Mexican resorts in summer, and snowbirds escaping Wisconsin winters. Proximity to Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport (about 70 miles away) and smaller options like Appleton International eases international departures, while Marian University and local exchange programs drive student applications. Family emergencies or sudden work trips add urgency, but peak-season rushes—spring breaks and holidays—often mean scarce appointments at local facilities and national backlogs. Plan 10+ weeks ahead to sidestep delays [1].

This guide provides tailored steps, decision tools, checklists, and pitfalls for Fond du Lac residents, drawing on U.S. Department of State and Wisconsin resources. Key advice: Distinguish new applications (DS-11, in-person) from renewals (DS-82, mail) early to avoid rejections; always cross-check travel.state.gov for changes.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Start here to select your form and avoid the top delay cause: form confusion. Renewals skip lines and save $35, but eligibility is strict.

First-Time Passport (or New: DS-11)

Required if: no prior U.S. passport, previous issued before age 16, or over 15 years old (adults). Decision aid: Flip to your old passport—if issued at 16+ and <15 years ago, renew via DS-82 (faster, cheaper, mail-in). Otherwise, apply in-person at a Fond du Lac acceptance facility.

Download DS-11 unsigned from pptform.state.gov [2]. Facilities verify docs, administer oath, and forward to processing centers.

Essentials to bring (originals + photocopies):

• Citizenship proof (certified birth certificate; WI hospital souvenirs invalid).
• Photo ID (WI driver's license; photocopy front/back on one page).
• One recent 2x2 photo (details below).
• Fees (separate payments: see below).

Pitfalls: Premature signing voids DS-11; minors need both parents or notarized DS-3053 (rejections spike 30% without) [1]. Routine processing: 6-8 weeks; track online.

Renewal (DS-82)

Eligible only if: issued <15 years ago, you were 16+, undamaged, and name matches (or prove change). Mail from home—no facility visit. Fond du Lac locals often overlook eligibility, defaulting to slower DS-11.

Replacement or Other Cases

Lost/stolen: File DS-64 online first, then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11. Damaged: Always DS-11. Minors <16: DS-11 in-person with guardians. Name change: Add court/marriage docs.

Quick Decision Table

Forms at pptform.state.gov [2].

Required Documents and Fees

Originals only; photocopies for records. Wisconsin births: Order certified copies early (details below).

Citizenship Proof (original + photocopy):

• Certified U.S. birth certificate, naturalization cert, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

Identity Proof (original + photocopy):

• Valid driver's license, passport card, or military ID. Name mismatch? Add legal docs.

Fees (current as of 2024; confirm at travel.state.gov) [2]:

• Passport Book: $130 adult / $100 minor (52 pages: $190/$160).
• Passport Card: $30 adult / $15 minor (land/sea only).
• Execution fee: $35 (payable to facility).
• Expedited: +$60 (2-3 weeks).
• 1-2 day return shipping: +$21.36.
• Urgent delivery: Extra fees apply.

Two payments: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" (app fee); facility handles execution (cards often OK). Routine: 6-8 weeks; peaks stretch longer [1].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% of apps fail here. Strict rules: 2x2 inches, color, <6 months old, 1-1⅜ inch head size, white/off-white background, neutral face, no glare/shadows/glasses (unless medical note), matte/glossy paper [6].

Local tips: CVS, Walgreens, or UPS Stores in Fond du Lac provide compliant shots (~$15-17; $5-10 at some USPS). Pitfalls: Indoor shadows, oversized heads, smiles. Use state.gov template; retakes waste time.

Where to Apply in Fond du Lac

DS-11 needs an in-person passport acceptance facility (PAF)—post offices, libraries, or clerks. No local passport agencies issue books; nearest in Chicago for urgents only [7].

Find current options: Use iafdb.travel.state.gov locator or tools.usps.com for Fond du Lac PAFs. Expect post offices and county offices; nearby Oshkosh or Sheboygan expand choices (20-40 min drive). Call to verify services, hours, appointments—walk-ins rare amid demand.

What to expect: 20-45 min visit. Arrive organized: Staff reviews docs, oaths you, witnesses signature, seals envelope. High-volume times (Mondays, mid-day, peaks) mean waits; book 4-6 weeks ahead via phone/online.

Renewals/DS-82: Mail with tracking to National Passport Processing Center.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or New Applications (DS-11)

1. Confirm form (DS-11 vs DS-82).
2. Secure birth cert (1-2 weeks; rush if needed) [3].
3. Get compliant photo.
4. Complete DS-11 unsigned.
5. Prep ID photocopy.
6. Prepare dual fees/checks.
7. Book PAF appointment.
8. Arrive early with minor docs if applicable.
9. Submit: Oath, sign, seal.
10. Track after 7 days [1].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals (DS-82)

1. Verify eligibility.
2. Fill/sign DS-82.
3. Add old passport atop.
4. Include photo + fees.
5. Mail Priority (tracked) per instructions.
6. Track online [1].

Expedited and Urgent Services

• Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks; request at PAF/mail.
• Urgent (<14 days): Chicago agency appointment (312-341-0200) + itinerary [7].
• Life-or-death: Free rush; call 1-877-487-2778 [1].

No local same-day; apply early for Fond du Lac demand.

Wisconsin-Specific Notes

Birth certificates: Certified from Wisconsin Vital Records (dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords) or Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds—routine 7-10 days, expedited 3-5 [3][4]. Local births: County first for speed.

Name changes: Marriage/court docs from issuing WI county clerk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Fond du Lac? No; weeks minimum. Chicago for urgents [7].

Birth cert timeline? 7-10 days routine; plan ahead [3].

17-year-old renewal? Possible via DS-82 if prior met criteria; <16 always DS-11 [2].

Photo rejected? Shadows/glare common; retake professionally [6].

Passport card for Mexico? Yes land/sea; no flights [2].

Track status? Yes, post-7 days via travel.state.gov [1].

Appointment needed? Typically yes at local PAFs [8].

Final Tips

Use checklists religiously; common errors like early signing or weak photos add weeks. Skip unverified expediters. For Fond du Lac's travel peaks, beat crowds with off-peak visits. Verify everything at official sites. Safe journeys!

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] Forms: pptform.state.gov
[3] Wisconsin Vital Records: dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords
[4] Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds: fdlco.wi.gov/departments/register-of-deeds
[5] Expedited: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/expedited.html
[6] Photos: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[7] Agencies: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/agencies.html
[8] USPS Passports: usps.com/international/passports.htm
[9] Fond du Lac County Clerk: fdlco.wi.gov/departments/clerk-of-circuit-court