First things first—are you a first-time applicant or renewing an existing passport? First-timers need to appear in person at our local facility, while renewals offer more flexibility. If you’ve got a passport issued in the last 15 years and you were over 16 when it was issued, you might qualify for mail renewal. Pro tip: check your documents near the Delta Cultural Center display for good luck!

Gather those documents like you’re prepping for rice harvest season. You’ll need proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization papers), a valid photo ID, and a clear, recent photo. Our local businesses like McGehee Drug know exactly what makes a perfect passport pic—sharp, professional, no rice field backgrounds allowed!

Time to fill out form DS-11 for new passports or DS-82 for renewals. Be precise—McGehee folks pride ourselves on accuracy, just like we measure our rice yields. Double-check every box, every signature. One tiny mistake can send you back to square one, and nobody wants that kind of delay.

Your photo matters! Get it taken at McGehee Drug or the courthouse. They understand passport photo requirements better than anyone. No wide grins, neutral expression, plain background. Think ‘serious farmer checking crop conditions’ rather than ‘summer picnic selfie’.

Head to our local courthouse with all documents. Bring payment—check or money order, no cash. Current fees range from $130 to $165 depending on book or card. Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks, or expedite for an extra fee. Our courthouse staff treat each application like it’s their own family member traveling.

Once submitted, track your passport online. Most McGehee travelers receive theirs within 2 months. When it arrives, celebrate at Wansley’s Grocery—maybe grab a celebratory snack. You’re not just getting a travel document; you’re proving that small-town McGehee connects to the entire world!