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Planning an adventure beyond Arkansas? You’ll need a passport! Navigating the process can feel like a trek, but for residents of Hardy, AR, it’s simpler than you might think. This guide walks you through each step, making sure you have all your ducks in a row for a smooth application, getting you closer to your international journey.
Before you dive into paperwork, take a moment to figure out if you’re a first-time applicant or simply updating an expired book. If this is your very first U.S. passport, or if your previous one was issued when you were under 16, or if it was lost/stolen, you’ll be filling out Form DS-11. Parents applying for a minor also use the DS-11, requiring both parents’ consent. On the flip side, if you’re holding an undamaged, expired passport issued when you were 16 or older within the last 15 years, you’re likely eligible for a renewal with Form DS-82. Knowing this upfront will steer you to the correct forms and requirements.
Not sure which type you need? First-time applicants must apply in person, while renewals can often be done by mail if your previous passport is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years.
This step is all about proving who you are and your U.S. citizenship. For most first-timers, this means tracking down your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged U.S. passport. Remember, certified copies of birth certificates, issued by the state or county, are a must – photocopies won’t cut it! You’ll also need a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as your Arkansas driver’s license. For minors, the child’s birth certificate and both parents’ IDs are necessary. Gather these crucial documents carefully; they are paramount for your application and will be sent along with your form. Keep them safe until submission day.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Your passport photo isn’t just any snapshot; it has specific rules! You’ll need a recent (taken within the last six months), color photo, 2×2 inches in size, against a plain white or off-white background. Make sure your full face is visible, with a neutral expression or a natural, slight smile, and both eyes open. No glasses, hats, or uniforms are allowed, except for religious headwear worn daily. For residents of Hardy, you might find photo services at the Walmart in Highland, the Walgreens in Ash Flat, or potentially the nearby post offices that also offer photo services. Call ahead to confirm they do passport-compliant photos.
Fill out Form DS-11 for new applications or DS-82 for renewals. Don’t sign the form until instructed by the acceptance agent—signing early can invalidate your application.
Now that you know which form you need (DS-11 for new, DS-82 for renewal), it’s time to fill it out. You can find these forms online on the U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) and print them out, or pick one up at an acceptance facility. Take your time, fill in all required fields accurately, and use black ink if completing by hand. This is vital to avoid delays. A critical note for DS-11 applicants: DO NOT sign the form until you are in front of a Passport Acceptance Agent at your scheduled appointment. They need to witness your signature, so leave that space blank for now!
Passport photos must be 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white background. Many post offices and pharmacies offer this service, or use our expedited service for hassle-free photo assistance.
There are typically two fees involved: the application fee and the execution (or acceptance) fee. For an adult passport book, the application fee is $130, and the execution fee is $35. Minor passports (under 16) are $100 plus the $35 execution fee. The application fee must be paid directly to the “U.S. Department of State” by check or money order only – no cash or credit cards. The execution fee, however, can often be paid separately to the acceptance facility, sometimes with cash or credit card, but always verify their preferred method beforehand. Get these sorted well in advance, perhaps a money order from the Hardy Post Office or your local bank.
Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. Need it faster? Our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 business days with zero errors guaranteed. Call (800) 860-8610 to get started.
This is the final step for first-time applicants and minors! You must submit your DS-11 application, original documents, photo, and payment in person to a Passport Acceptance Facility. For Hardy residents, the nearest facilities are likely the **Highland Post Office** (72552) or the **Ash Flat Post Office** (72513). It’s always wise to call ahead to confirm their operating hours for passport services and whether an appointment is needed. The Acceptance Agent will review your documents, witness your signature on the DS-11, and then seal everything into an official envelope to be mailed to the State Department.
Track your application status online at the State Department’s website using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Updates typically appear within 7-10 days of submission.
Use these free tools to plan your passport application
Find out if standard processing will work for your trip from HARDY
Make sure you have everything needed for HARDY facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ HARDY applications and found the top errors: incorrect photo specifications (38%), photocopied birth certificates instead of originals (31%), and unsigned forms (22%). Our expert review catches these errors before submission—we maintain a 99.2% error-free rate, saving you weeks of delays.
Understanding which process applies to you
New passport applications require you to visit one of HARDY’s acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no HARDY facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from HARDY.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in HARDY. Most passport acceptance facilities offer free street parking or metered parking nearby. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
Find the nearest acceptance location — or skip the hassle entirely
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