Getting a Passport in Greenville, WI: Steps & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Greenville, WI

Greenville, WI residents in Outagamie County often need passports for frequent cross-border work trips to Canada via nearby highways, family vacations to Mexico, or European getaways during spring and summer peaks. Winter sees surges for Florida escapes, Packers fans traveling to international games, or quick hops to Chicago business hubs through Appleton Airport. Students from nearby UW campuses contribute to high demand, but limited local appointment slots fill fast—book 8-12 weeks ahead during holidays, spring breaks, or Packers season to avoid delays. Pro tip: Monitor Appleton-area weather for travel disruptions that spike last-minute renewals [1].

This guide offers tailored steps, local tips, checklists, and troubleshooting based on U.S. Department of State rules. Always check current processing times and requirements at travel.state.gov, as they vary by season and demand [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Start here to select the correct application type and avoid common rejections, which delay travel by 4-6 weeks. Use this decision guide:

Quick Decision Checklist:

1. First-time applicant, passport lost/stolen/damaged, or name change not due to marriage?
   Use Form DS-11 (in-person only).
   Common mistake: Trying to mail it—always apply in person. Bring original birth certificate or naturalization certificate (plus photocopy), valid ID, and two passport photos.

2. Eligible to renew your existing passport?
   Use Form DS-82 (mail-in option). Check all these:

   • Issued when you were 16 or older.
   • Issued within the last 15 years.
   • Submitted in your current name (or with legal docs for changes).
   • Not damaged beyond use.
     Common mistake: Using DS-82 if ineligible (e.g., passport over 15 years old)—switch to DS-11 or face rejection. If mailing, use USPS Priority (tracked) to your regional agency.

3. Urgent travel within 14 days?
   Opt for expedited service (+$60, 2-3 weeks routine becomes 5-7 days) or life-or-death emergency (immediate in-person).
   Decision tip: Routine (6-8 weeks) suits most Greenville trips; expedite if Packers playoffs or summer festivals loom. Add $21.36 execution fee for in-person.

4. Child under 16?
   Always DS-11 in-person with both parents' consent (or court order). Valid only 5 years.
   Common pitfall: Forgetting notarized DS-3053 form if one parent can't attend.

Verify eligibility at travel.state.gov/forms to dodge 20% rejection rate from form mismatches. For Greenville folks, prioritize appointments early via the online system to beat local volume.

Quick Decision Checklist

Pro Tip: Use the State Department's online wizard if unsure. For Greenville travelers, mail renewals suit fall/winter to skip busy facilities [1].

First-Time Passport (DS-11)

Apply in person. Download unsigned form from travel.state.gov. Bring: certified U.S. birth certificate (WI-issued original + photocopy), photo ID + copy (WI driver's license OK), 2x2" photo (professional, white background—no selfies), fees. Kids: both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent. Expect 30-60 min at facility: staff review docs, witness signature/oath. Routine: 4-6 weeks in-person; expedite 2-3 weeks (+$60). Common mistake: signing early or using hospital birth certificate [1].

Renewal (DS-82)

Mail if eligible. Attach old passport, new photo, check/money order ($130 adult book). No execution fee. Wisconsin locals renew for Canada drives or Florida winters. Mistake: using expiration vs. issue date. Track online after 7-10 days [1].

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

Report via DS-64 online first. Then DS-82 if eligible (lost OK if otherwise qualifies), or DS-11. For damaged: always DS-11. Urgent? Expedite with itinerary proof for Packers trips or Appleton layovers [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Greenville

Greenville has no on-site agency, but Outagamie County options handle DS-11 apps (not issuances). Expect thorough doc checks, oath, and sealing—arrive organized for 30-60 min visits. Book via iafdb.travel.state.gov; walk-ins rare amid high demand from business travelers and tourists. Peak crowds: Mondays, mid-day, spring/summer, winter breaks. Opt for early mornings/weekdays; call ahead [2].

• Outagamie County Clerk's Office (~15 miles, Appleton): 320 S Walnut St, Appleton, WI 54911. Call (920) 832-5095 [3].
• Appleton Main Post Office: 3901 E Calumet St, Appleton, WI 54915 [2].
• Hortonville Post Office (closest): 105 Veterans St, Hortonville, WI 54944 [2].
• Kaukauna Post Office: 1107 Kelley St, Kaukauna, WI 54130 [2].

Verify hours/appointments at iafdb.travel.state.gov [4]. No nearby agencies; Milwaukee for life-or-death <14 days (book online, prove travel) [1].

Required Documents and Forms

Originals required—no photocopies alone. WI vital records birth certificates ideal (long-form certified) [5].

• Citizenship: WI birth certificate (town/county/state-issued), naturalization cert, prior passport.
• Identity: Driver's license, military ID (WI enhanced OK as ID, not travel doc).
• Photos: 2x2", color, <6 months old, white background, no glasses/hats/shadows/glare. Local: Walmart/CVS in Appleton (~$15). Pitfall: home prints fail paper quality.
• Forms: DS-11/DS-82/DS-64/DS-3053 from travel.state.gov. Photocopies: single-sided B&W.

Fees (check to "U.S. Department of State"; execution ~$35 to facility):

Step-by-Step Application Process

DS-11 In-Person:

1. Fill unsigned DS-11.
2. Gather docs/photos/fees.
3. Book facility slot.
4. Attend: Present, sign on-site.
5. Track after 7-10 days [1].

DS-82 Mail: Include old passport/photo/fees; mail per form.

Minors: Child present; both parents or DS-3053 + ID copy.

Processing Times and Expedited Service

• Routine: 6-8 weeks mail, 4-6 in-person.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60; add mailing buffer).
• Urgent (<14 days): Milwaukee agency for proven life-or-death (not vacations/business). Private services (~$500+) risky [1,6].

Outagamie peaks slow even expedited—apply 3 months early.

Common Pitfalls for Greenville Residents

• Wrong form: First-timers mail DS-82 → rejected.
• Photos/docs: Glare/shadows from WI winters; hospital certs invalid.
• Appointments: Slots gone in peaks—book 4-6 weeks ahead.
• Renewals: Issue date mix-up; lost skip DS-64.
• Minors: Missing consent → 20% rejections.

Special Notes for Families and Students

WI exchange programs/school trips need early apps. Order lost birth certs from DHS Vital Records (2-4 weeks) [5]. Passport cards cheaper for Canada/Mexico land/sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Greenville? No; Milwaukee for qualifying urgents [1].

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited any time (2-3 weeks); urgent agency only [1].

Appointment needed? Yes, most sites [4].

Expiring soon? Renew DS-82 even if valid [1].

Birth certificate? WI DHS long-form [5].

Child on my passport? No, own required [1].

REAL ID for passport? Yes as ID proof [1].

Passport card? WI border favorite [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] USPS - Passport Services
[3] Outagamie County Clerk
[4] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[5] Wisconsin DHS - Vital Records
[6] U.S. Department of State - Private Expeditors