Sturgeon Bay, WI: Guide to Passport Forms, Photos, Facilities

Guide to Getting a Passport in Sturgeon Bay, WI

Nestled in Door County, Wisconsin's scenic peninsula, Sturgeon Bay draws business travelers to Canada trade events, families escaping winter to Mexico, and students from nearby campuses for study abroad. Peak tourism from May to October strains local facilities, with summer ferry crowds and fall color tours amplifying demand. High-volume periods like spring break or holidays can fill appointment books weeks ahead. This guide streamlines your application with Door County-specific tips, official checklists, and pitfalls—like mismatched forms causing 25% of rejections or minor photos rejected for glare from sunny peninsula lighting—to ensure smooth processing [1].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Select the correct form upfront to avoid resubmission delays. Use the State Department's wizard for confirmation [4].

• First-Time or Ineligible for Renewal: Form DS-11, apply in person at a facility. Required if no prior passport, issued before age 16, or expired over 5 years.

• Renewal: Form DS-82 by mail if passport issued within 15 years, received in last 5 years, undamaged, and you were 16+ at issuance. Pitfall: Using DS-11 delays processing; mail saves $35 execution fee [2].

• Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report via DS-64 online. Replace with DS-11 in person or DS-82 if eligible. Minor damage (e.g., creases) may allow mail renewal—inspect closely [1].

• Minors Under 16: DS-11 in person always; both parents or notarized consent via DS-3053. Valid 5 years only [3].

• Corrections: DS-5504 for name/data changes within 1 year (free with proof like marriage certificate) [1].

Door County residents: Factor seasonal rushes—apply 6-8 weeks early for routine service.

Required Documents and Eligibility

U.S. citizens only; originals required (plus single-sided photocopies on 8.5x11 white paper).

Citizenship Proof:

• Wisconsin birth certificate (order from Door County Register of Deeds or state Vital Records [14]).
• Naturalization certificate or prior passport.

Identity Proof:

• WI driver's license or state ID.

Minors:

• Parents'/guardians' IDs; DS-3053 if one absent.

Photos: One 2x2-inch color (details below) [5].

Fees [6]:

nal) | +$60 | - |

Check/money order only; no cash/cards at most facilities.

Pitfall: Missing photocopies or minor birth certificate gaps reject 20-30% of apps [1].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

State Dept. rejects 25%+ for specs violations [5]. Head must fill 50-69% of frame; neutral expression, eyes open.

• Plain white/off-white background.
• No shadows/glare (common in bright Door County sunlight—use indoor services).
• No glasses/hats unless medical/religious (glasses: side profile proof).
• Taken within 6 months; digital prints OK if certified.

Local spots: Sturgeon Bay Walgreens (63 N 8th Ave), CVS (1800 Michigan St), Post Office ($15-20). Summer crowds backlog pharmacies—call ahead or visit off-peak (Tues-Thurs mornings). Selfies fail from poor lighting; rejections add 4-6 weeks.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Sturgeon Bay and Door County

Facilities verify docs, witness signatures, and forward to agencies—no on-site processing. Expect 15-30 minute visits: ID check, oath, digital photo (some locations), sealed envelope. Appointments required everywhere—no walk-ins—to manage Door County tourism surges. Book 4-6 weeks early via phone/online; peaks (May-Oct) fill fastest [1].

• Sturgeon Bay Post Office (1561 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235): Mon-Fri appointments. Call (920) 743-9393 or USPS scheduler [7]. Handles DS-11, minors, replacements.

• Door County Clerk of Courts (County Government Center, 1205 N 18th Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235): Appointments only; call (920) 746-2530. Very busy May-Oct [8].

Nearby overflow (20-40 min drive): Algoma Post Office, Sister Bay Clerk, or Green Bay agencies. Use State Dept. Locator.

Busy Times Tips: Avoid Mondays (weekend pileup) and midday; target early AM/late PM on Tues-Thurs. Verify hours/policies directly—seasonal changes common.

Urgent (<14 days)? Facilities forward expedites, but agencies prioritize life-or-death [11].

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Applications (DS-11)

For first-time/minors/replacements. Complete online, print unsigned [9].

1. Confirm need via wizard [4].
2. Collect citizenship/ID proofs, photos, DS-3053 (minors).
3. Fill DS-11 online; print single-sided.
4. Photocopy ID/citizenship (front/back per page).
5. Prep separate fees

/checks. 6. Book facility appointment (call early). 7. Arrive 15 min early with everything; parents together for kids. 8. Sign DS-11 on-site; agent reviews/seals. 9. Get receipt; track after 7-10 days [10].

Mail Renewals (DS-82): Sign form, include old passport/photo/fees; mail per instructions—no facility visit [2].

Common Pitfalls: Unsigned forms, unsealed envelopes, wrong fees—double-check.

Expedited and Urgent Services

• Expedited (2-3 weeks): +$60 fee; request at facility or online. Ideal for 3-6 week trips [1].
• Urgent Life-or-Death (<14 days) or Urgent Travel (<5 weeks): Submit routine first, then call 1-877-487-2778 with proof (itinerary, death cert). Nearest agency: Chicago (3+ hr drive). No guarantees in peaks [11].

Door County factor: Ferry schedules/tourism delay locals—plan 10 weeks buffer.

Processing Times and Realistic Expectations

From State Dept. [13]:

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (receipt to delivery).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks.

Peaks add 2-4 weeks; track weekly [10]. Past data: <72-hour rare outside emergencies. Mail from Sturgeon Bay PO for renewals.

Special Considerations for Minors and Renewals

Minors: Full reapplication every 5 years; parental consent top rejection (use DS-3053 proactively). Exchange students: Align with Door County school calendars.

Renewals: Ineligible if >5 years expired/damaged—switch to DS-11.

Lost/Stolen: Report ASAP [12]; same timelines apply.

Name Changes: DS-5504 free <1 year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Sturgeon Bay? No; Chicago agency for urgents (appt/proof needed) [11].

Lost Door County birth cert? Order from Register of Deeds or WI Vital Records (1-4 weeks; rush option) [14].

Appointment at Post Office? Required—no walk-ins [7].

Expired 10 years—mail renewal? No; DS-11 in person [2].

Peak season photos? Walgreens/CVS/USPS; call ahead [5].

Expedite guarantee? No, peaks delay [1].

Child travel sans passport? No for air/sea; full docs needed [3].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail
[3] U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[4] [U.S. Department of State - Passport Application Wizard](h

ttps://pptform.state.gov/)
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[6] U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[7] USPS - Passport Services
[8] Door County Clerk of Courts
[9] U.S. Department of State - Form DS-11
[10] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
[11] U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[12] U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport
[13] U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[14] Wisconsin DHS - Vital Records