Germantown WI Passport: New Apps, Renewals & Local Facilities

Getting a Passport in Germantown, WI

Germantown residents in Washington County often seek passports for Milwaukee-tied business travel, family trips to Europe or Canada, winter escapes from Wisconsin's harsh cold, or school exchanges through nearby universities like UW-Milwaukee. Demand surges in spring/summer for vacations and fall for student programs, with facilities booking up fast. Routine processing takes 6-8 weeks total (including mailing), so apply 3+ months ahead to avoid $60+ expedited fees. Common pitfall: Expecting walk-ins; most require appointments—book via official sites and track status online at travel.state.gov.

This guide covers service selection (DS-11 new vs. DS-82 renewal), documents, local facilities, and timelines. Verify details on travel.state.gov or usps.com, as requirements evolve.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Wrong choice means delays or extra costs. Use the State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov, then book nearby.

Decision Tree:

• Planned trip 3+ months out? Routine (6-8 weeks, $130 adult first-time).
• Trip 2-8 weeks away? Expedited (2-3 weeks + $60).
• Travel <14 days for life-or-death emergency? National Passport Info Center first; prove with docs like obituaries.
• Renewal eligible? (Passport <15 years old, undamaged, name matches ID, age 16+) → Mail DS-82.
• First-time, child <16, old passport ineligible? In-person DS-11.

Pro Tip for Germantown: Milwaukee Airport connections favor early apps for Europe/Canada; avoid summer peaks when county slots vanish.

First-Time or New Applications (DS-11)

Required in person for first passports, minors <16, or prior passports >15 years old/issued <16. Don't sign form until before agent.

Checklist:

1. Fill DS-11 (download from travel.state.gov)—do not sign.
2. Proof of citizenship: Certified U.S. birth certificate (order from WI DHS Vital Records or Washington County Register of Deeds).
3. Valid photo ID (WI Real ID works).
4. 2x2-inch passport photo.
5. Fees (see table).

Common Mistakes: Signing early (restart needed), selfies (rejections hit 25-30%), missing originals, or one-parent minor apps (delays exchanges).

Renewals (DS-82)

Mail if eligible—no in-person needed for busy pros prepping summer trips.

Checklist:

1. Confirm: Issued <15 years ago, age 16+, undamaged, in hand.
2. Fill DS-82 online/print.
3. Add photo (write name/DoB on back), old passport, fees.
4. Mail to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged

Report via DS-64 online, then renew (DS-82 if eligible) or new (DS-11). Expedite for urgency.

Required Documents and Forms

DS-11 Core:

• Citizenship: WI birth certificate from DHS (dhs.wisconsin.gov) or county.
• ID: Driver's license.
• Photo: Specs below.
• Unsigned DS-11.
• Fees: $130 adult/$100 minor application + $35 execution.

DS-82: Old passport, photo, $130.

Minors <16: Both parents or notarized DS-3053; child's birth certificate.

Step-by-Step In-Person Checklist

1. Select form/service via travel.state.gov wizard.
2. Gather docs/photo/fees (check usps.com).
3. Book appointment at facility.
4. Arrive early: Sign DS-11 on-site, oath taken.
5. Track after 7-10 days at travel.state.gov.

For expedited: Add $60; <14 days needs Milwaukee Passport Agency proof.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

2x2 inches, color, white background, head 1-1⅜ inches, <6 months old, no glasses/selfies/uniforms. WI pitfalls: Indoor glare/shadows.

Local Spots: Walgreens/CVS in Germantown (instant checks). Validate free at epassportphoto.com.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Germantown and Washington County

Book via iafdb.travel.state.gov. Expect 15-30 minutes; peaks (spring/summer Mondays 10am-2pm) mean appointments essential.

• Germantown Post Office (W225 N784 Walnut St, Germantown, WI 53022): DS-11/82, Mon-Fri by appointment.
• Washington County Clerk (432 E Washington St, West Bend): Full services including minors; call 262-335-4175.
• Nearby: Menomonee Falls PO, Hartford Village Hall.

Check villageofgermantown.org for pop-ups. Urgent? Milwaukee Agency only.

Custom pins: Germantown Post Office & Washington County Clerk. Zoom/adjust as needed.

Fees Breakdown

Execution to facility; rest to State Dept (check/money order). Cards at USPS.

Special Cases: Minors and Families

Both parents or DS-3053 notarized. Germantown exchange students: Apply early for deadlines. No eye-obscuring props in photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Germantown? No; Milwaukee Agency for <14-day urgents with proof.

Lost birth certificate? WI DHS or Washington County Register (1-2 weeks).

Name change? Marriage/divorce docs; note on form.

Renew expiring soon? Yes if eligible; check 6-month validity for destinations.

Village Hall passports? No; use listed facilities.

Sources

[1] Travel.State.Gov - Processing Times
[2] Travel.State.Gov - Renew by Mail
[3] Travel.State.Gov - Lost/Stolen
[4] Travel.State.Gov - Apply In Person
[5] WI DHS Vital Records
[6] USPS Passports
[7] Washington County Register of Deeds
[8] Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[9] Travel.State.Gov - Get Fast
[10] Travel.State.Gov - Photos
[11] Washington County Clerk
[12] Village of Germantown