Getting a Passport in Cody, WY: Facilities, Steps & Timelines

Getting a Passport in Cody, WY

Cody, Wyoming—the heart of cowboy culture at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and prime launchpad for Yellowstone National Park adventures—attracts passport seekers year-round. Demand surges in spring and summer as travelers extend U.S. road trips to international destinations like the Canadian Rockies or European reunions. Winter breaks and student programs add bursts too. During peak Yellowstone season (May-September), appointments fill weeks ahead—aim for 9+ weeks' lead time to dodge delays. This guide draws from U.S. Department of State guidelines to deliver Cody-tailored steps: eligibility checks (DS-11 new vs. DS-82 renewal), checklists, timelines, facility intel, and pitfalls like photo rejections or consent glitches.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Skip the guesswork that strands Cody applicants mid-process. Many show up for "renewals" only to pivot to DS-11. Quick decision tree:

• First-time, under 16, or ineligible renewal: DS-11 in person only. No mail; both parents/guardians for minors.
• Adult renewal: DS-82 by mail if your passport was issued at 16+, within last 15 years, undamaged, and name/gender unchanged. Otherwise, DS-11.
• Lost/stolen/damaged: File DS-64 (free report), then DS-11 or DS-82.
• Name/gender change: DS-5504 if within 1 year of issuance; otherwise reapply.
• Urgent (<14 days): Expedited service (2-3 weeks) or life-or-death emergency (passport agency only)—no guarantees on speed.

Fill forms online at travel.state.gov/forms but hold off signing DS-11 until witnessed.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Cody, WY

Cody lacks a passport agency (closest: Denver, 7+ hour drive, urgent-only by appointment). Rely on these local outlets for DS-11—verify acceptance, hours, and slots via official facility locator or phone, as services can change. Walk-ins scarce during Yellowstone rush; book early.

• Cody Main Post Office (1421 Rumsey Ave, Cody, WY 82414)
  Phone:

(307) 587-4291

• Park County Clerk's Office (414 N Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY 82414)
  Phone: (307) 527-8540

Backup: Powell Post Office (414 W Coulter Ave, Powell, WY; ~20-min drive).

At the Facility: Arrive 15 minutes early with docs sorted. Expect 10-20 minutes for staff review of citizenship/ID/photos, DS-11 witnessing, fee collection, and sealing. No on-site processing—you'll get a confirmation receipt. Track online after 7-10 days.

Step-by-Step Document Checklist

Up to 30% of apps bounce for sloppy copies or proofs—use this:

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original + front/back photocopy (e.g., Wyoming long-form birth certificate, naturalization certificate, old passport).
2. Photo ID: Original + copy (Wyoming driver's license ideal; passports, military ID OK).
3. Photos: Two identical 2x2" color prints (taken within 6 months).
4. Form: Completed but unsigned (DS-11/DS-82).
5. Fees: Separate payments (check/money order; cash for execution fee).
6. Minors (<16): Both parents/guardians present or DS-3053 consent form + proof of relationship.
7. Expedited: +$60 fee + travel itinerary/proof.

Printable Checklist:

• Citizenship document (orig + copy)
• Valid ID (orig + copy)
• Two compliant 2x2" photos
• Unsigned application form
• Fees prepared (split)
• Minor extras (if applicable)
• Expedite proof (if needed)

Use plain 8.5x11" paper for copies.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Choose service (use table above).
2. Prep materials: Gather docs/photos; complete form at [pptform.sta

te.gov](https://pptform.state.gov/). 3. Book appointment: Call 4-6 weeks ahead (8+ for summer); use locator. 4. Attend in person (DS-11): Sign/pay under supervision; receive receipt. 5. Mail renewals (DS-82): Include old passport/fees to address on form. 6. Track progress: After 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov. 7. Receive passport: Routine mail (4-6 weeks); select hold-for-pickup if preferred.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Cody's top app killer: DIY glare, off-size heads (must measure 1-1 3/8" from chin to top), or smiles/glasses/shadows. Strict specs: 2x2" on white background, neutral expression, even lighting, no uniforms/headwear (unless religious/medical). Get pro shots at Walgreens, CVS, or AAA (~$15)—call to confirm passport compliance. Rejections add 4+ weeks.

Details: State photo guide.

Fees, Processing Times, and Expediting

Current Fees (verify via official fee calculator):

Pay application/optional fees by check/money order; execution often cash OK. No cards at most facilities.

Processing Times (check live at travel.state.gov/processing-times): Routine 4-6 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60 + itinerary; no <14-day promise). Yellowstone season adds mail delays—apply 3+ months early for summer travel. True urgents: Denver agency with proof.

Special Considerations for Minors and Wyoming Residents

Minors: Both parents or notarized DS-3053 required; sole custody docs if applicable. Cody exchange programs spike demand—plan 10 weeks ahead. Wyoming birth certificates via WY Vital Records ($20+; $40 expedited). Park County Clerk covers recent vital records but not all births.

Common Challenges and Tips for Cody Applicants

• Booking Crunches: Facilities open early—call at 8 AM for Yellowstone slots; Powell as Plan B.
• Eligibility Snags: Double-check DS-82 rules to avoid unnece

ssary DS-11 trip.

• Photo/Document Fails: Measure head size; photocopy everything twice.
• Timeline Risks: Routine + shipping = 6-8 weeks total; buffer for peaks.
• Expedite Confusion: Fees speed processing, not agency access—drive to Denver for <2 weeks.
• Pro Tip: Renew eligible passports early to skip lines; verify all via facility locator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Cody residents renew by mail?
Yes, if eligible for DS-82: full details.

Fast child passport?
Expedited 2-3 weeks minimum; both parents mandatory: under-16 guide.

Expedite vs. urgent?
Expedite: Paid faster processing (2-3 weeks); urgent <14 days: Agency visit only: fast passports.

Get WY birth certificate?
Order from health.wyo.gov/registrar.

Track application?
Use passportstatus.state.gov.

Lost passport abroad?
Report DS-64 + contact U.S. embassy: lost/stolen info.

Post office walk-ins?
Unreliable in peaks; always book: USPS passports.

Sources

1. U.S. Department of State - Passports
2. Lost/Stolen Passports
3. Passports for Children Under 16
4. Get a Passport Fast
5. Passport Forms
6. USPS Passports
7. Park County Clerk
8. Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
9. Wyoming Vital Records
10. Passport Photo Requirements
11. Passport Fees
12. [Application Status Tracker](https://passportstatus.

Visit travel.state.gov to use the official passport application locator tool. Enter your Cody-area ZIP code (e.g., 82414) to find nearby acceptance facilities like post offices or county clerks that handle in-person submissions—most are within a short drive in rural Wyoming.

Practical Steps:

1. Confirm eligibility: First-time applicants, minors under 16, or those needing name changes must apply in person; renewals can often be mailed if your old passport was issued as an adult within 15 years.
2. Prepare documents: Bring proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate), valid photo ID (driver's license or military ID), a completed DS-11 form (do not sign until instructed), and two passport photos (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months—many pharmacies offer this service).
3. Check processing times: Routine is 6-8 weeks; expedited (extra fee) is 2-3 weeks. Add 1-2 weeks for mailing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using expired or photocopied documents—originals only.
• Poor photos (smiling, glasses off, head size 1-1⅜ inches)—rejections are frequent.
• Signing the form early or forgetting fees ($130 adult first-time + $35 acceptance fee; pay separately, check/money order preferred).
• Assuming walk-ins: Call ahead to confirm hours/appointments, as rural facilities have limited slots.

Decision Guidance:

• Local application best for urgency or in-person needs; mail renewals to save time if eligible (track via USPS).
• If travel is imminent (<6 weeks), request expedited service or check for private courier options via the site (higher cost).
• Wyoming residents: Factor in potential drive times; start 10+ weeks early to avoid stress.