Walworth WI Passport Guide: Facilities, Fees, Steps & Tips

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Walworth, WI
Walworth WI Passport Guide: Facilities, Fees, Steps & Tips

Getting Your Passport in Walworth, WI

Nestled in Walworth County near the Illinois border, Walworth benefits from Lake Geneva's tourism surge and UW-Whitewater's study abroad programs, driving passport demand from residents heading to manufacturing jobs abroad, family ties in Mexico, or vacations in Europe and the Caribbean. Peaks hit March-May (spring break, graduations) and November-December (holidays), filling facilities fast—aim for 9-13 weeks ahead, as routine processing averages 6-8 weeks (10+ in peaks) per State Department stats. Dodge the biggest mistake: procrastination forcing Chicago passport agency runs (~45-60 minute drive) or steep expedites.

This streamlined guide covers Walworth-specific steps, facilities, forms, fees, timelines, checklists, pro tips, and FAQs. Always cross-check travel.state.gov for updates.

Table of Contents

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Mismatch your form? Expect rejections, delays, and extra fees—rampant during Lake Geneva tourist rushes or student deadlines. Start with the State Department's wizard at pptform.state.gov.

Scenario Form Where Walworth Fit
First-time, minor <16, lost/stolen/damaged, >15 years expired DS-11 In-person acceptance facility Mexico drives, UW-Whitewater exchanges, family trips
Eligible renewal (issued ≥16, <15 yrs old, undamaged, in hand, expiring ≤1 yr) DS-82 Mail Quick for business renewals amid tourism shifts
Lost/stolen (any) DS-64 (report first online), then DS-11/DS-82 Varies ID theft safeguard for locals
Name/gender change DS-5504 (<1 yr post-issue) or DS-82/DS-11 Mail/in-person Post-marriage updates common here

Renew early (up to 1 year before expiry) for overlapping validity. Urgent (<2 weeks)? Chicago agency or call 1-877-487-2778 for life-or-death emergencies—proof required.

Passport Acceptance Facilities

Walworth lacks a

full-service agency, so DS-11 apps go to these certified spots (they verify ID, administer oath, collect fees, and forward to State). Expect 15-45 minutes: photo ID scan, form review, signature/oath, payment split. Book 4-6 weeks ahead via phone; walk-ins rare in peaks. Mondays mid-morning and spring/summer swarm—arrive early weekdays. For DS-82 renewals, skip facilities entirely.

Facility Address Phone Hours (Passport-Specific; Confirm) Notes
Walworth Post Office 450 N Walworth St, Walworth, WI 53184 (262) 275-2266 Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM Appts required; ideal first stop
Walworth County Clerk 114 E State St, Elkhorn, WI 53121 (~10 mi) (262) 741-4241 Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM Great for families/minors
Delavan Post Office 441 N 7th St, Delavan, WI 53115 (~12 mi) (262) 728-6982 Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM Solid backup
Lake Geneva Post Office 435 Broad St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (~10 mi) (262) 248-2221 Mon-Fri 10AM-3PM Tourist-season pressure

Verify via iafdb.travel.state.gov or USPS tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport. Chicago agency (~45-60 min): travel.state.gov for urgents <14 days.

Required Documents

No originals? No passport. Photocopies of ID/citizenship OK (front/back, 1-sided if possible).

Adults (DS-11): Form (unsigned until there), citizenship evidence (certified birth certificate), photo ID (WI driver's license/Real ID), photo, photocopies.

Minors <16 (DS-11): Child's birth cert, both parents'/guardians' IDs + proofs, DS-3053 consent (notarized <90 days) if one parent absent, photo.

WI birth certs (~$20, 1-2 weeks): dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords. Pro tip: Order extras for photocopies.

Passport Photos

Rejection rate: 25% from poor quality. Specs: 2x2", color, white/cream background, head 1-1⅜" high, neutral expression, no glasses/uniforms/selfies (taken <6 months).

Local options: Walworth PO ($15), CVS/Walgreens in Elkhorn/Delavan, or kiosks. Avoid DIY pitfalls like shadows or glare.

Quick Checklist:

  • Even lighting, direct forward gaze.
  • Matte paper, no filters.
  • Match travel.state.gov samples.

Fees and Payment

Two payments: State Dept check/money order ("U.S. Department of State"); $35 acceptance fee (cash/check/card at fac

ility). No personal checks to State.

Type State Fee (Book/Card) Acceptance Fee Add-Ons
Adult (10 yr) $130 / $30 $35 Expedite $60; 1-2 day delivery $21.36
Minor <16 (5 yr) $100 / $15 $35 Same
DS-82 Renewal $130 / $30 None (mail) Expedite $60

Routine adult book: ~$165 total. Execution fee included in acceptance.

Processing Times and Expediting

  • Routine: 6-8 weeks (10-13+ peaks).
  • Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks (mark form, separate check).
  • Urgent (<14 days): Chicago agency appt + itinerary/flight proof.
  • 1-2 day: +$21.36 return shipping (expedite required).

Track at passportstatus.state.gov (serial # needed). Walworth timeline: Apply 10+ weeks pre-trip for student/spring peaks.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

  1. Assess needs: Use pptform.state.gov wizard for form/service.
  2. Gather docs/photo: Birth cert, ID, photocopies (see checklists).
  3. Fill forms: Download from travel.state.gov; leave DS-11 unsigned.
  4. Book appt: Call facility 4-6 weeks early.
  5. Attend: Present everything, sign/oath/pay (15-45 min).
  6. Track/wait: Online status; passport mails ~6-8 weeks.

Expedited path: Add fee at step 5; agency for ultra-urgent.

Common Mistakes and Pro Tips

  • Mistake: Wrong form: DS-82 ineligible (e.g., damaged)? Pivot to DS-11—no refunds.
  • Mistake: Expired docs: Notarize DS-3053 fresh (<90 days).
  • Mistake: Bad photos/docs: Use pros; order WI certs early.
  • Pro tip: Poll backups (Delavan/Lake Geneva) weekly during peaks.
  • Pro tip: UW-Whitewater students—group employer desks or virtual USPS consults.
  • Pro tip: REAL ID DL covers photo ID but pair with citizenship proof.
  • Local hack: Early AM appts beat tourism/student rushes; Chicago for O'Hare flights <2 weeks out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Walworth? No—nearest agency in Chicago for urgents.

Passport book or card? Book for air/international; card cheaper for land/sea to Canada/Mexico.

Lost my passport? Report DS-64 online, then DS-11/DS-82.

Post office appts? Yes—call ahead, no walk-ins typically.

Need WI birth cert? Order at dhs.wisconsin.gov or county registrar (Elkhorn).

Expedite by mail? Yes, +$60 for DS-82.

Enough with just Real ID? No—add citizenship proof.

Minor solo parent? DS-3053 + other parent's docs.

Sources

[1] USPS Passports: usp

s.com/international/passports.htm
[2] Processing Times: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
[3] Forms: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html
[4] Renewals: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/renew.html
[5] Lost/Stolen: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/lost-stolen.html
[6] Wizard: pptform.state.gov
[7] Agencies: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/agencies.html
[8] Walworth Clerk: walworthcounty.gov/154/County-Clerk
[9] Facility Search: iafdb.travel.state.gov
[10] USPS Finder: tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport
[11] WI Vitals: dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/index.htm
[12] ID Rules: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/identification.html
[13] Photos: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[14] Fees: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
[15] Status: passportstatus.state.gov

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