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

Getting a Passport in Plymouth, Wisconsin

Plymouth residents in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, often apply for passports amid busy travel seasons—spring and summer vacations, winter ski trips abroad, or year-round student exchanges. Demand spikes for family emergencies or urgent business, straining local post offices with limited appointments. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough, emphasizing DS-11 vs. DS-82 decisions, common errors like mismatched names on IDs or poor photos, and local tips to streamline your process at facilities like the Plymouth Post Office.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right form prevents delays—using DS-82 for a first-time application, for example, requires restarting in person.

• First-Time Passport (DS-11): Required if you've never had a passport, your prior one was issued before age 16, it expired over 15 years ago, or it's lost/stolen/damaged. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility; no mailing.

• Renewal (DS-82): Eligible only if your passport was issued within the last 15 years when you were over 16, and it's undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Mail it—no in-person needed. Ineligible? Use DS-11 process.

• Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Replacement: File Form DS-64 (free report), then follow DS-11 or DS-82 based on eligibility.

• Child Under 16: Always DS-11 in person; both parents/guardians must appear or submit notarized consent (DS-3053).

• Corrections (Name, Data Errors): Provide proof like marriage certificate; may allow DS-82 by mail if otherwise eligible.

Plymouth applicants often err on renewals—double-check eligibility via travel.state.gov. Avoid third-party form prints; download fresh copies directly.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Your Passport Application

Complete these steps in order, gathering documents first to secure an appointment without rescheduling.

1. Confirm Eligibility and Forms:

   • Use travel.state.gov checklist and forms finder. Download/print DS-11 or DS-82. Do not sign DS-11 until at the facility.

2. Proof of Citizenship and ID:

   • Original/certified birth certificate (from WI DHS Vital Records), naturalization certificate, or old passport. No photocopies.
   • Valid photo ID (WI driver's license preferred; must match citizenship doc name exactly—add marriage certificate if changed).
   • Minors: Both parents' IDs, child's birth certificate, DS-3053 if one parent absent.

3. Passport Photos:

   • 2x2 inches, colo

r, taken within 6 months, white/light background, no glasses/uniforms/selfies. Head size: 1–1⅜ inches; neutral expression, even lighting.

• Plymouth options: Plymouth Post Office or nearby Walgreens/CVS (~$15). Rejections hit 20–30% for glare/shadows—preview State Dept samples.

4. Book Appointment:

   • Start with Plymouth Post Office (3601 Eastern Ave, Plymouth, WI 53073; 920-893-1331).
   • Backups: Sheboygan Post Office (4010 Douglas Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53081) or Sheboygan County Clerk (508 New York Ave #2810, Sheboygan, WI 53081).
   • Search iafdb.travel.state.gov (ZIP 53073); book 4–6 weeks early. Walk-ins rare; call for urgent slots.

5. Fees (Current; verify at travel.state.gov):

   Fee Type	Adult	Child (under 16)
   Passport Book Application	$130	$100
   Execution (at facility)	$35	$35
   Expedited Service	+$60	+$60
   1–2 Day Delivery (optional)	+$21.36	+$21.36

   • Application fee: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State." Execution: Cash/check/credit to facility. First-time/children total ~$165+ adult.

6. Attend Appointment:

   • Arrive 15 minutes early. Agent reviews docs, you sign DS-11 under oath, they seal packet. Expect 20–30 minutes; children need both parents.
   • No on-site issuance—forwarded to processing center.

7. Track Status:

   • Get tracking number. Routine: 6–8 weeks; expedited: 2–3 weeks (check current times at travel.state.gov—peaks extend).
   • Renewals: Mail DS-82 via USPS Priority with tracking (~$20+).

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Plymouth

Consolidated options for Plymouth (ZIP 53073) residents—verify services, hours, and appointments via iafdb.travel.state.gov or phone, as they vary.

• Plymouth Post Office: 3601 Eastern Ave, Plymouth, WI 53073 (920-893-1331). Primary for first-time/child apps; appointments essential.
• Sheboygan Post Office: 4010 Douglas Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53081. Higher capacity for busy periods.
• Sheboygan County Clerk: 508 New York Ave #2810, Sheboygan, WI 53081. County office accepts weekdays.

Plymouth City Hall does not offer passport services. Facilities review/forward apps only—no issuance. Book early for peaks (spring/summer, holidays); early mornings or mid-week best. Arrive complete to skip reschedules.

Wisconsin-Specific Documentation Tips

• Birth Certificates: Certified copies from WI DHS Vital Records (877-967-2751; dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords

). Online/mail/in-person; 5–7 business days standard, rush available. Pre-1907: Sheboygan County Register of Deeds.

• Marriage/Name Changes: From issuing county clerk (Sheboygan for locals).
• Tip: Order extras ($20 each) for backups—shortages common during peaks.

Expedited vs. Urgent Travel: Key Differences

• Expedited ($60): 2–3 weeks vs. routine 6–8; request at appointment. No travel proof needed, but slots limited.
• Urgent (<14 days): Only life-or-death emergencies qualify for Chicago Passport Agency (230 S Dearborn St; appt: 877-487-2778). Tourism/business/vacations ineligible—plan 10+ weeks ahead.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Appointment Shortages: Sheboygan backups fill Plymouth gaps; monitor daily.
• Photo Fails: Pro services over apps; check head size/lighting.
• Minor Apps: Notarize DS-3053 early—student parents often forget.
• Form Errors: DS-82 ineligible? In-person redo wastes time.
• Delays: Peaks add weeks; track weekly, avoid calling facilities (no status info).

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day passport in Plymouth?
No. Chicago agency for emergencies only.

Processing time?
Routine 6–8 weeks, expedited 2–3 (verify current).

Plymouth Post Office appointment?
Yes; call 920-893-1331 or online locator.

Missing parent for child app?
Notarized DS-3053 or court order.

Mail renewal from Plymouth?
Yes, DS-82 eligible to National Passport Processing Center.

Sheboygan County birth cert?
WI DHS primary; county for historical.

Expedited for 14-day trip?
Helps to 2–3 weeks, but no urgent guarantee without emergency.

Photo rejected?
Retake on-site if available; confirm first.

Final Advice for Plymouth Travelers

Apply 10–12 weeks early for peaks or first-timers. Frequent travelers: Renew 9 months before expiration. Always cross-check travel.state.gov.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms and Fees (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html)
[2] Wisconsin DHS - Vital Records (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/index.htm)
[3] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html)
[4] U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Search (https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/)
[5] U.S. Department of State - Urgent Travel (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/emergenci

es.html)
[6] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status (https://passportstatus.state.gov/)
[7] Sheboygan County Clerk (https://www.sheboygancounty.com/clerk/)
[8] Sheboygan County Register of Deeds (https://www.sheboygancounty.com/register-of-deeds/)
[9] Wisconsin Marriage Records (https://www.sheboygancounty.com/register-of-deeds/marriage-licenses/)