Oconto WI Passport Guide: DS-11, DS-82, Local Facilities

Passport Guide for Oconto, Wisconsin Residents

Oconto residents often seek passports for cross-border fishing in Canada, Caribbean cruises, or flights from Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. Packers game trips, student exchanges, and family vacations create spring, summer, and holiday rushes, filling local slots quickly. Avoid delays from photo flaws, minor consent gaps, or DS-82 misuse— this guide delivers Oconto-focused checklists, timelines, and fixes [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

DS-11 (New, In Person): Required for first-timers, kids under 16, passports over 15 years old (or pre-age 16), lost/stolen/damaged, or major name changes. Apply at a facility; hold signature until directed [1].

DS-82 (Renewal by Mail): Eligible if issued at 16+, less than 15 years old, undamaged, and matches your name. Skip the facility—mail directly [2].

Upgrade to In-Person: Use DS-11 for passport cards, expedites, or urgent needs, even if renewal-eligible.

Oconto tip: Many locals mail invalid DS-82s, facing 4-6 week rejections. Run the State Department's wizard first [1].

Gather Required Documents and Forms

• Citizenship: Original/certified birth certificate (WI Vital Records: 2-4 weeks standard; online orders speed it up), naturalization cert, or old passport. Photocopy on 8.5x11" [5].
• ID: Driver's license or military ID (photocopy both sides).
• Name Change: Marriage/divorce decree or court order.
• Minors: Both parents/guardians present or DS-3053 (notarized); child must attend with IDs/proof [3].

Forms: DS-11 (unsigned for new), DS-82 (mail), DS-64 (lost/stolen) [1].

Common Error: Wisconsin apps fail 25% on minor affidavits—secure consents weeks ahead for school trips [3].

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

30% of local apps bounce for glare, wrong size, or smiles. Specs [6]:

• 2x2 inches (head 1-1⅜ inches high).
• Color photo, off-white/light background, <6 months old.
• Neutral expression, no glasses/hats/uniforms (exceptions: medical/religious docs).

Oconto options: Pharmacies like Walgreens/CVS or shipping stores. $10-15. Test via State Dept tool; pros beat phone cams [6].

Passport Acceptance Faci

lities Near Oconto

No passport agency here—handle routine DS-11s at acceptance spots (Milwaukee for urgent). Verify via locator [9].

• Oconto Post Office: 121 Park Ave, Oconto, WI 54153. (920) 834-2461 [7].
• Oconto County Clerk of Courts: 301 Washington St, Oconto, WI 54153 [8].

Backup: Oconto Falls Post Office, Stiles, or Green Bay/Marinette.

Visit Reality: 20-45 minutes. Staff check docs, oversee oath/signature, take fees, hand tracking receipt. Passports mail later—no same-day. Phone for slots [9]; walk-ins scarce. Peaks (spring/summer/holidays) surge 50%—book 4-6 weeks out. Off-peak: Mornings or afternoons [1].

Fees and Payment

Dual payments: Check/money order to State Dept; facility takes cash/check/credit [1].

Processing Times and Expedited Paths

• Routine: 4-6 weeks facility, 6-8 weeks mail (peaks +2-4 weeks) [1].
• Expedited: +$60 for 2-3 weeks target; add 1-2 day return.
• Urgent (<14 days): Milwaukee agency only (1-877-487-2778); prove itinerary/death [11].

Track post-5 days [10]. Oconto winters + holidays push 3-month buffers.

Step-by-Step Checklists

Prep:

1. Wizard check [1].
2. WI birth cert [5].
3. Valid photo [6].
4. Unsigned form + photocopies.
5. Fees ready (separate).
6. Facility booked [9].

Appointment Day:

1. 15 mins early, organized.
2. Submit unsigned DS-11/photo/payments.
3. Staff verifies; sign there.
4. Surrender old passport.
5. Get tracking [10].

Mail DS-82: Form + old book/photo/fees [2].

Minors and Family Specifics

DS-11 only; both parents o

r DS-3053; child present. Renews as "new" every 5 years. Oconto families: Factor custody papers; abroad programs need 3-6 months [3].

Track, Receive, and Fixes

Online with receipt [10]. Declines: Facility pickup. Mail loss: DS-64 [1].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DS-11 vs. DS-82? DS-11 for anything but qualifying adult renewals [1].
Same-day? No locally; Milwaukee urgent [11].
Photo fail? Retake pro-style [6].
Must book? Yes—call facilities [7].
Birth cert source? WI DHS [5].
Passport card for cruises? Yes, closed-loop routes [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - DS-82
[3] U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[4] U.S. Department of State - Apply in Person
[5] Wisconsin DHS - Vital Records
[6] U.S. Department of State - Photos
[7] USPS - Oconto Post Office
[8] Oconto County Clerk
[9] Facility Locator
[10] Track Application
[11] Passport Agencies