Getting a Passport in Omro, WI: Forms, Fees & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Omro, Wisconsin

Omro residents in Winnebago County's Fox Valley often need passports for international business trips to Europe or Asia, family getaways to Mexico or the Caribbean, or summer study abroad programs. Demand surges in spring/summer for vacations and exchanges, plus winter escapes—leading to appointment shortages and 6-8 week backlogs at nearby facilities. Omro (ZIP 54963) has no local post office handling passports, so plan drives to Oshkosh (10 miles via WI-21, ~15 minutes) or Neenah. This guide covers forms, fees (updated October 2024 from travel.state.gov), photos, local spots with contacts, checklists, timelines, and pitfalls like photo fails (top rejection reason) or wrong forms causing 4-6 week delays [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Match your situation to the form—mismatches delay 25% of apps. Use the State Department's wizard if unsure [1].

• First-Time, Child Under 16, or Expired >15 Years: Form DS-11. In-person only at acceptance facility; no mail.
• Renewal (DS-82 by Mail): Eligible if old passport issued at 16+, undamaged, <15 years old, and sent with prior app. Skip in-person; ideal for Omro's frequent flyers renewing for routine trips.
• Lost/Stolen/Damaged: File DS-64 report first (free, online). Then DS-11 in-person (+$60 fee) or DS-82 if eligible.
• Name Change/Data Fix: DS-5504 by mail (free, within 1 year of issue); otherwise new/renewal.
• Child Under 16: Always DS-11 in-person; both parents or notarized DS-3053 consent required.

Pitfall: Assuming renewal eligibility—check old passport closely. Fox Valley business travelers renew by mail to skip lines.

Gather Required Documents and Proof of Citizenship

Order Wisconsin birth certificates early via DHS Vital Records (3-5 business days standard, longer peaks) [3]. Name on ID must match citizenship proof exactly.

Adults (DS-11):

• Citizenship: Original/certified birth cert (WI births via [3]), naturalization cert, or prior passport.
• ID: WI driver's license, military ID, etc.
• Photocopies: Front/back of ID and citizenship doc (plain paper).
• 2x2 photo (below).

Renewals (DS-82 Mail): Old passport + photo + fee; no other proofs.

Fees (October 2024; verify [1]):

| +$60 |

*Paid to facility (cash/check/credit). **State Dept fees by check to "U.S. Department of State"; optional $21.36 return shipping.

Minors: Add parents' IDs, relationship proof (birth/marriage cert), DS-3053 if one parent absent (notarized ahead). Pitfall: Missing consent delays 30% of child apps—get county clerk certification.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Rejections hit 20% of apps from glare, size issues (2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜ inches), or shadows. Pros at Oshkosh USPS/Walgreens ($15-20) beat DIY, especially spring peaks [5].

Strict Rules:

• Color photo paper, <6 months old.
• White/off-white background, neutral face, eyes open/visible.
• No glasses (unless medical, no glare), uniforms, hats (except religious/medical), headphones.
• Full face visible, 1⅜-2 inches high.

Omro tip: CVS/Walgreens in Oshkosh take compliant shots; confirm "passport ready."

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Omro

Omro lacks facilities, so use these verified spots (10-15 miles). They verify docs, oath, seal DS-11 apps (not mail-ins), collect execution fee. Expect 30-60 min visits; staff review forms but no legal advice. Book 4-6 weeks early—peaks overwhelm. Use USPS tool for real-time slots [4].

• Winnebago County Clerk (closest full-service, 10 miles, Oshkosh): 415 Jackson St, Oshkosh, WI 54901. Phone: (920) 236-4981. Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm (call confirm). Appointments required via website [6]; offers photos. High demand for Fox Valley families.
• Oshkosh Post Office (Main, 10 miles): 330 W 20th Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54902. Phone: (920) 231-8610. Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm. Book online [tools.usps.com/schedule-appointment] or call; photos available.
• Neenah Post Office (15 miles): 1415 Green Bay Rd, Neenah, WI 54956. Phone: (920) 725-9535. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm. Appointments via USPS tool [4].

Locator Steps:

1. Go to USPS Passport Finder [4], enter "Omro, WI 54963."
2. Sort by distance; click for phone/hours/appts.
3. Backup: Appleton USPS (20 miles).

No walk-ins peaks; arrive 15 min early with complete kit.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing and Submitting

Prep (2-4 Weeks Before):

1. Pick form via [1] wizard.
2. Order birth cert [3] (rush if needed).
3. Get compliant photo (pro recommended).
4. Download/fill DS-11 (unsigned); photocopy docs.
5. Prep fees/checks; DS-3053 for minors (notarize remotely via [2]).
6. Book appt (call/use links above).

Appt Day:

1. Bring all; arrive early.

Staff reviews/verifies/oaths; sign DS-11 there. 3. Pay execution; get receipt (track code). 4. Sealed envelope mailed to State Dept.

Mail Renewal: DS-82 + old passport/photo/fee to address on form [2].

Timelines: Routine 6-8 weeks (track [1] after 7-10 days); expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). Peaks add 2 weeks. What to expect: Friendly but busy staff; fixes minor errors on-site.

Expedited and Urgent Services

• Expedited: +$60 at facility/mail; 2-3 weeks processing. Add for Oshkosh/Neenah trips.
• Urgent (<14 Days Travel): Emergencies only (e.g., family death). Chicago Agency (appt 1-877-487-2778, prove ticket/emergency) or Milwaukee if eligible [1]. No local urgent.

Pitfall: "Expedited" not same-day—plan 3 months for student/business peaks.

Common Challenges and Pitfalls

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Omro? No—facilities forward to State Dept (6-8 weeks routine).

Birth cert order? WI DHS [3]: Online/mail, 3-5 days; expedited +fee.

USPS appts? Required peaks; book [tools.usps.com].

One-parent child travel? DS-3053 notarized + proofs [2].

Track status? [1] after 1-2 weeks (name/DOB/confirmation #).

Passport card OK? Land/sea to Canada/Mexico only; get book for air.

Lost passport? DS-64 + new app +$60 [2].

Expedited cost/timeline? +$60, 2-3 weeks from Oshkosh/etc.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] State Department Forms
[3] Wisconsin Vital Records
[4] USPS Passports
[5] Photo Requirements
[6] Winnebago County Clerk