U.S. Passport Services in Wisconsin: State Hub

This state hub provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. passport services available to Wisconsin residents. Managed by the U.S. Department of State, passport services are handled through a network of acceptance facilities across the state, including post offices, county clerks of court, libraries, and other authorized locations. These facilities do not issue passports; they verify applications and forward them to the National Passport Processing Center for review and production.

Wisconsin residents can apply for first-time passports, renewals, replacements for lost or stolen passports, and corrections. All applications require in-person submission at an acceptance facility, except for eligible renewals by mail. Processing times vary based on service level, and demand can fluctuate seasonally. Always check the official travel.state.gov website for the most current processing times, forms, and requirements before applying.

This hub covers statewide processes, timelines, common pitfalls, and planning advice. For location-specific details, refer to the linked city guides (listed at the end).

Eligibility and Types of Passports

U.S. citizens and non-citizen nationals are eligible for a U.S. passport. Wisconsin residents typically apply using their current legal residence, such as a driver's license or utility bill as proof.

Passport booklets are valid for international air, sea, and land travel. Passport cards are a wallet-sized alternative for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Children under 16 receive passports valid for five years; adults receive 10-year validity.

Key types:

• First-time applications: Use Form DS-11.
• Renewals: Use Form DS-82 if eligible (passport not damaged, issued within 15 years, received before age 16? No).
• Replacements: DS-64 for lost/stolen reporting; DS-11 or DS-82 for new book.
• Corrections: DS-5504 within one year of issuance.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Complete the Form: Download from travel.state.gov. DS-11 must be signed in front of an acceptance agent. DS-82 can be mailed if eligible.
2. Gather Documents: Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate), ID, photo, and name change evidence if applicable.
3. Get a Photo: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within six months. Many acceptance facilities offer photo services for a fee ($10–$20).
4. Book an Appointment: Most facilities require one; walk-ins are rare.
5. Submit In-Person: Pay fees (check or money order; some accept cards).
6. Track Status: Use the online tracker on travel.state.gov after 7–10 days.

For mail renewals, send to the address on DS-82 with payment.

Acceptance Facilities in Wisconsin: How They Work Statewide

Wisconsin has over 100 acceptance facilities, coordinated through the U.S. Department of State and partners like the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and county governments. These are passport acceptance facilities (PAFs), not issuance agencies. They review applications for completeness, administer oaths, and mail them to a processing center.

Statewide Network and Operations

• Primary Types:

  Type	Examples	Availability
  Post Offices (USPS)	Most major post offices statewide	Widespread; appointments common
  Clerks of Circuit Court	Every county courthouse	Handles vital records integration
  Public Libraries	Milwaukee Public, Madison Public	Limited hours; urban focus
  Universities/Colleges	UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee	Student-friendly; seasonal
  Other (e.g., clerks)	City/town clerks in smaller areas	Rural coverage

• How They Function:

  • Verification: Agents check citizenship evidence (originals returned), ID (photocopy front/back on white paper), and form accuracy.
  • Oath and Signature: Mandatory for DS-11; no photocopies of forms.
  • Fees Collection: Execution fee ($35) paid to the facility; application fee to State Department.
  • Mailing: Facility mails to processing center (typically Philadelphia or New Hampshire). You provide prepaid return envelope for passport delivery.
  • Hours and Capacity: Vary; post offices often 9 AM–4 PM weekdays. Rural facilities may have limited slots.
  • Statewide Coordination: No central booking system, but the USPS locator and State Department locator list all. Counties like Dane (Madison) and Milwaukee have high-volume facilities.

Facilities do not offer expedited service beyond collecting the fee; processing occurs centrally. For urgent needs (travel within 14 days), seek a regional passport agency (nearest: Chicago, ~3-hour drive from Milwaukee).

Appointments are booked via facility websites or phone. Peak times (spring/summer) require 4–6 weeks advance booking. Some facilities offer group sessions or mobile units during surges.

Processing Timelines: Routine vs. Expedited

Timelines start when the State Department receives your application from the facility (1–2 weeks after submission). Check travel.state.gov/passports/how-apply/processing-times for real-time estimates.

• Routine: Standard processing; no tracking until online checker activates.
• Expedited: Request at facility or agency. Includes tracking number. Not guaranteed if incomplete.
• Factors Affecting Time: High demand (e.g., post-COVID backlogs peaked at 18 weeks), errors, or peak seasons (March–August).
• Passport Agencies: Chicago (IL) serves Wisconsin; appointment via 1-877-487-2778. Proof of travel (ticket + itinerary) required.

Add 1–2 weeks for mailing to/from facilities. Plan 10–12 weeks total for routine from application date.

Fees and Payment Methods

Fees are non-refundable and split:

• Application Fee (to State Dept.): Book $130 (adult), $100 (child); Card $30/$15.
• Execution Fee: $35 (all in-person).
• Expedited: $60.
• 1–2 Day Delivery: $21.36 (books only).
• Optional Photos: $10–$20 at facility.

Pay application fee by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State." Execution varies (cash, card at post offices). No personal checks for execution at some clerks.

Required Documents and Passport Photos

Citizenship Proof (original + photocopy):

• U.S. birth certificate (Wisconsin vital records office).
• Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship.
• Previous undamaged passport (15+ years old OK).

ID Proof (current, photocopy):

• WI driver's license, military ID, government employee ID.

Photos: One per applicant. Strict rules: Head 1–1⅜ inches, neutral expression, no glasses/selfies, recent.

Get at CVS, Walgreens, USPS, or facilities. Wisconsin vital records can provide birth certificates ($20+).

Common Mistakes and Planning Tips

Frequent Errors

1. Incomplete Forms: Unsigned DS-11 or wrong form (e.g., DS-82 for first-time). Fix: Review twice; use fillable PDF.
2. Photo Issues: Wrong size, glare, smiles. 20% of apps rejected. Fix: Professional photo; check State Dept photo tool.
3. Document Mismatches: Name discrepancies (e.g., marriage certificate missing). Fix: Include all name docs.
4. Payment Errors: Wrong payee or cash where checks required. Fix: Two checks for expedited.
5. No Appointment: Turned away at busy facilities. Fix: Book early.
6. Mailing Delays: No prepaid return envelope. Fix: Use USPS Priority with tracking.
7. Overlooking Children: Both parents' consent or court order needed.

Rejections add 4–6 weeks; 10–15% of apps returned.

Planning Checklist

• Timeline: Apply 3–6 months before travel.
• Gather Early: Order birth certificate 4–6 weeks ahead (WI DHS: $20, 1–2 weeks).
• Track Demand: Use State Dept wait tool.
• Backup Plans: Consider passport card for land travel.
• Seasonal Prep: Summer applicants: Book Jan–Feb.
• Digital Tools: Online renewal eligibility quiz, form filler.

Pro Tip: Print two full sets of docs/photos as backup.

Renewals and Replacements

Renewals (DS-82): Eligible if passport issued 15+ years ago? No—within 15 years, not damaged, signed by you. Mail from Wisconsin; no interview. $130 book.

Replacements: Report lost/stolen via DS-64 (free). New app if urgent.

Passports for Children Under 16

DS-11 required. Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent (DS-3053). Evidence of parental relationship. Higher rejection rate (25%).

State Overview vs. City Guides

This state hub provides a high-level, uniform view of processes, timelines, and requirements applicable everywhere in Wisconsin. It emphasizes statewide patterns, such as the role of county clerks and USPS dominance, without location-specific hours or addresses.

City guides (e.g., for Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay) drill down into local facilities:

• Exact addresses, phone numbers, appointment links.
• Facility quirks (e.g., Milwaukee Courthouse walk-ins vs. Madison library photos).
• Local traffic/parking tips.
• High-volume wait times.
• City-specific events (e.g., Milwaukee Summerfest surges).

Use the hub for planning; city guides for execution. City guides link back here for forms/fees.

How to Use the City Guides in Wisconsin

1. Identify your nearest city (e.g., via zip code).
2. Click the guide for facility lists and booking.
3. Cross-reference with this hub's checklists.
4. Update via locators if facilities change.

City Guides: Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Eau Claire, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha, Janesville, Fond du Lac, Rural Counties Hub (link).

Regional Agencies and Urgent Services

For travel in 14 days: Chicago Passport Agency (John C. Kluczynski Federal Bldg., 230 S. Dearborn St.). Book via phone; bring itinerary. Minneapolis-St. Paul also serves northern WI.

Resources and Contacts

• Track Application: travel.state.gov, 1-877-487-2778.
• WI Vital Records: dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords, 608-266-1370.
• Forms: travel.state.gov/forms.
• Complaints: npnc@state.gov.

This hub updated [current date]. Verify at official sources.

• approximately 2,250. Content based on U.S. Department of State guidelines as of 2024.)*