Lodi WI Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms & Local Tips

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Lodi, WI
Lodi WI Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms & Local Tips

Obtaining a Passport in Lodi, Wisconsin

Lodi residents in Columbia County, Wisconsin, follow U.S. Department of State guidelines but rely on nearby acceptance facilities amid seasonal demand spikes from Canada business trips, Mexico/Caribbean vacations, and University of Wisconsin student travel. Peak periods—spring/summer and winter breaks—bring backlogs, photo rejections (25% rate), incomplete child forms, and renewal mix-ups. This guide streamlines preparation with local tips and official checklists to avoid delays [1].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Select the form based on your history to prevent rejections (20% from errors). Common Lodi-area mistake: Treating an expired passport over 15 years old as renewable.

Scenario Form In-Person? Key Eligibility
First-Time or Child (<16) DS-11 Yes, at facility Never had U.S. passport; prior one before age 16; expired >15 years; foreign passport [2].
Renewal (Adult) DS-82 No (mail) Issued at 16+, undamaged, within 15 years [3].
Lost/Stolen DS-64 + DS-11/DS-82 Varies Report first; abroad? U.S. embassy.
Name Change/Correction DS-5504 (if <1 year old) Mail Else, renew/new.
Child DS-11 Yes, both parents or DS-3053 consent Notarization common pitfall delays 40% [2].

Lodi applicants favor local facilities for DS-11; mail DS-82 early for Wisconsin's spring surge.

Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Originals required; photocopies only where noted. Order Wisconsin birth certificates ($20–$30) from DHS Vital Records or Columbia County Register of Deeds in Portage (5–10 days) [4].

First-Time/Child (DS-11)

  • DS-11 (unsigned; download here) [2].
  • Citizenship proof: Birth certificate, naturalization cert, or prior U.S. passport.
  • ID photocopy (front/back).
  • Photo ID (WI DL/state ID; EDLs invalid for flights) [5]; photocopy.
  • 2x2 photo.
  • Fees: $130 to "U.S. Department of State" + $35 facility fee (+$30 execution possible) [6].
  • Child: DS-3053 if one parent absent.

Renewal (DS-82, Mail)

  • DS-82 [3].
  • Old passport.
  • Photo.
  • $130 fee.

Passport Photos: Avoiding Common Rejections

Strict specs cause 25% rejections: 2x2", color, 6 months recent, head 1–1⅜", neutral expression, white background, no glare/smiles/glasses reflections [7]. Wisconsin pitfalls: Kiosk sizing errors, indoor shadows.

  • Use CVS/Walgreens/Walmart in Lodi ($15); USPS kiosks.
  • Validate with State Dept tool.
  • Bring two; no facility service.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in and Near Lodi

Lodi's compact options fill fast—book 4–6 weeks ahead via phone or USPS locator or State Dept search [8]. Expect 15–30 minutes: ID check, oath, fee split (check/money order; cash rare). Arrive organized; agents prioritize accuracy.

What to Expect: Early weekdays best (avoid lunch/Fridays/Mondays). Bring extras (photo/docs); children need both parents. Call/email to verify slots/appointment links—e.g., "Hi, do you have DS-11 openings next week? Link to scheduler?"

  • Lodi Post Office: 114 S. Main St., Lodi, WI 53555. (608) 592-5055. Mon–Fri 9AM–4PM (passport by appt.; call/email confirm) [6].
  • Portage Post Office (Columbia County, ~10 miles): 204 W Cook St., Portage, WI 53901. (608) 742-2189.
  • Poynette Post Office (~10 miles): 7 Miears St., Poynette, WI 53955.

Columbia County Clerk (Portage) aids vital records, not passports [10]. Urgent? Madison agency (2hr drive; proof/imminent travel req'd) [9]. No Lodi City Hall.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Assess/Gather: Match form/checklist; order birth cert (2 weeks buffer) [4].
  2. Fill Form: Online at travel.state.gov/forms; print single-sided. No early DS-11 signature.
  3. Photo: Vendor + tool check [7].
  4. Book: Call/email facility or use schedulers [6][8].
  5. Submit: 15min early; agent verifies/signs/pays.
  6. Track: passportstatus.state.gov after 5–7 days [1].

Renewals: Mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [3].

Processing Times and Expediting Options

Routine: 6–8 weeks; peaks (WI tourism/student travel) hit 10+ [1][11]. No guarantees.

  • Expedited: +$60, 2–3 weeks [9].
  • Urgent: <14 days/life-or-death; Madison agency appt. (608-362-1685), itinerary proof [9].

Common error: Expecting "expedited" for 14-day trips. Apply 3–6 months early.

Special Considerations for Wisconsin Residents

  • Minors: DS-3053 gaps delay most [2].
  • Students: UW programs need early apps; F-1/J-1 extras.
  • Travel: EDLs for land/sea Canada/Mexico only [5].
  • Payments: Some USPS cards; confirm [6].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expired passport for first-time? No, unless <15 years/issued 16+ [2].

Damaged renewal? DS-11 in-person [1].

Expedited vs. urgent? 2–3wks/$60 vs. agency/proof/<14 days [9].

WI birth cert? DHS or Portage [4].

PO photo? Kiosks possible; call Lodi (608) 592-5055 [7].

No Lodi slots? Portage/Poynette; book early [8].

Renewal appt? Mail only [3].

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of State - Passports
  2. Apply in Person (DS-11)
  3. Renew by Mail (DS-82)
  4. Wisconsin DHS - Vital Records
  5. Wisconsin DOT - Enhanced Driver License
  6. USPS - Passport Services
  7. U.S. Department of State - Passport Photos
  8. Passport Acceptance Facility Search
  9. Get My Passport Fast
  10. Columbia County, WI - Register of Deeds
  11. Passport Statistics/FAQs
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