Getting a Passport in Powell, WY: Forms, Photos, Local Facilities

Getting a Passport in Powell, WY

Powell, WY travelers—proximity to Yellowstone National Park drives a surge in passport demand, with Park County facilities often booking 4-6 weeks out during summer peaks when over 4 million visitors flood the region.[1] Northwest College students eyeing study abroad or locals heading to Canada for energy sector jobs or European family trips face these hurdles: limited rural slots, seasonal backlogs, and photo rejections from DIY attempts. Wyoming's international travel spiked 15% post-pandemic, amplifying waits.[^localtravel] This hyper-local guide delivers checklists, tools, and pitfalls—like confusing DS-11 new apps with DS-82 renewals—to get you approved fast, avoiding 25% rejection rates from incomplete docs.[2]

Routine processing: 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (check live times below). Under 14 days? Only life-or-death emergencies qualify for agencies—no routine walk-ins.[3] Plan 3+ months ahead for Yellowstone-timed trips.

Live Processing Times Widget
Embed current U.S. Department of State updates: Check routine/expedited status here (refreshes automatically).

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Mischoosing forms delays 20% of apps—Powell applicants often err by mailing DS-82 renewals when DS-11 in-person is required (e.g., expired >15 years or minors). Use this decision tree:

Decision Help: Scan old passport at State Dept tool. Minor damage (readable data)? Try DS-82 ($130, mail). Severe? DS-11 ($165+, in-person). Minors always DS-11—Powell parents skip notarized DS-3053 consent, causing full returns.

Gather Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Park County rejections spike from missing originals (no photocopies) or Wyoming birth cert delays (2-4 weeks from vital records).[^6] Order certs early via health.wyo.gov.

First-Time Adult (16+)

1. DS-11: Fill online[^7], print unsigned (sign at facility).
2. Citizenship: Original long-form birth cert (raised seal), naturalization cert, or CRBA.
3. ID: WY driver's license (matches name exactly) or passport card.
4. Photo: 2x2" color, <6 months.[^8]
5. Fees: $130/$200 app + $35 execution (separate payments).
6. Photocopies: ID/citizenship front/back.

What to Expect: Facility verifies originals, returns them post-processing.

Minor Under 16

1. DS-11 unsigned.
2. Child's citizenship proof.
3. Both parents' IDs + photos.
4. DS-3053 notarized consent if one absent (or court order).
5. Child photo (head 1-1 3/8").
6. Fees: $100/$135 app + $35.

Pitfall: Single-parent apps rejected without consent—Northwest College families, get notary ahead.

DS-82 Renewal by Mail

1. Signed DS-82.
2. Old passport.
3. New photo.
4. $130/$200 check to "U.S. Dept of State."
5. Name change proof (marriage cert).

Mail certified to Phila, PA 19355-0001. Add $60 expedite + $21.36 1-2 day return.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25% nationwide rejections from glare/shadows—Wyoming sun worsens it.[^11] Use photo tool validator.

Specs:

• 2x2", head 1-1 3/8" (50-69% frame).
• White/off-white background, neutral face, no smiles/glasses/selfies.
• Even light, no headwear unless religious (affidavit).

Powell Options:

• Powell Post Office: On-site service (~$15).
• Big Horn Drug or Walgreens: Instant prints, check sizing.
• Avoid kiosks if off-spec.

(Use State Dept-approved template.)

Local Acceptance Facilities Near Powell, WY

Rural Powell: Limited DS-11 slots; Yellowstone crowds book Cody fast. Search live: iafdb.travel.state.gov.[^13] Call 1-2 weeks ahead; expect 20-30 min visits—bring folder, arrive early, staff guides signing/fees.

Powell Post Office

450 N Bent St, Powell, WY 82435 | (307) 754-2195[^14]
Appointments Mon-Fri; handles new/renewals.

Cody Post Office (20 mi east)

1402 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414 | (307) 587-4231
More capacity for peak demand.

Park County Clerk (Cody)

1002 Sheridan Ave, Cody | (307) 527-8595[^15]
Verify passport acceptance by phone.

Nearest agency: Salt Lake City (300+ mi) for urgents.[^3]

(Street view proxy for local vibe.)

Full Application Process: Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Timeline Check: 3+ mo routine, 6 wk expedite. Live widget above.
2. Docs/Photo: Gather 4-6 wk pre-travel; birth cert first.
3. Forms: PDF fillable[^7]; single-sided print.
4. Book: Phone/facility site; Powell: (307) 754-2195.
5. Attend: Organized docs; sign/pay on-site (cash/check OK). No electronics inside.
6. Mail Renewals: Certified tracking.
7. Track: travel.state.gov or 1-877-487-2778 (postmark +7 days).
8. Pickup: Verify pages/seals; errors? Contact immediately.

Powell Pitfalls: Seasonal no-shows lose slots—reschedule promptly. Rural mail delays: Use USPS priority.

Fees Breakdown

[^9][^10]

FAQs

Powell processing time? 6-8/2-3 wk; Yellowstone peaks +2 wk.[^2]

Child passport sans both parents? DS-3053 notarized; Northwest students use college notaries.[^16]

10-day trip? Agency only, prove life/death.[^3]

WY birth cert? $20 online/mail health.wyo.gov; 2-4 wk.[^6]

Expired >15 yrs? DS-11 new.[^4]

Powell PO walk-ins? No—appoint only.[^14]

Old photo OK? No, <6 mo.[^8]

Name change? DS-5504 + proof.[^5]

Additional Tips for Wyoming Travelers

• Seasonal: Summer Yellowstone = book Cody; winter ski trips = holidays backlog.
• Students/Energy Pros: Northwest College intl office reviews forms; Asia visas need 6+ mo validity.
• Urgents: Document emergencies (death cert); avoid scams—official sites only.
• Track Local: WY intl outbound rose w/ tourism rebound.[^localtravel]

Sources

[^2]: Processing Times
[^3]: Urgent Travel
[^4]: Renew by Mail
[^5]: Name Change
[^6]: WY Vital Records
[^7]: DS-11 Form
[^8]: Photo Requirements
[^9]: USPS Fees
[^10]: Expedited
[^11]: Photo Rejections
[^12]: Photo Tool
[^13]: Facility Search
[^14]: USPS Powell
[^15]: Park County Clerk
[^16]: Minors
[^localtravel]: WY Travel Stats Proxy (Adapted for regional trends)