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Dreaming of adventures beyond McCone County? Getting your U.S. passport from Circle, MT, is your first step! Our small town charm means a few extra considerations for your travel documents. Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through each piece of the puzzle, getting you ready for your next big journey.
Before anything else, figure out if you’re applying for your very first U.S. passport or simply renewing an existing one. If you’ve never held a passport, or if your last one was issued when you were under 16, expired more than 15 years ago, or was lost/stolen, you’re a ‘first-timer.’ This means you’ll use Form DS-11. If you’re over 16, your passport is less than 15 years old, and you still have it in good condition, you’re likely a ‘renewal,’ needing Form DS-82. Double-check these categories on travel.state.gov to ensure you start with the correct form. This distinction impacts how and where you submit your materials.
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.
Next up, it’s time to round up your essential documentation. Everyone needs proof of U.S. citizenship, which typically means an original, certified birth certificate (not a photocopy!) or your previous, undamaged passport. You’ll also need a valid government-issued ID, like your Montana driver’s license, along with a front and back photocopy of that ID. If you’re using your birth certificate, make sure it’s a certified copy with a raised seal; you can usually get one from the county health department where you were born, or the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services if born in-state. Keep all these crucial documents safe until your appointment.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Now that you know your application type and have your documents, it’s time to complete the actual form. Head over to travel.state.gov to access either the DS-11 (new applicants) or DS-82 (renewals). It’s highly recommended to fill out the form online; this helps prevent errors and generates a clean, scannable document. Print it single-sided. If you’re a first-time applicant using DS-11, *do not sign* the form until you are in front of a Passport Acceptance Agent at your submission facility. For renewals (DS-82), you can sign and date it before mailing. Accuracy is key, so take your time!
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.
Your passport photo needs to meet very specific requirements: 2×2 inches, plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression, and taken within the last six months. Finding a compliant photographer in Circle can be tricky given our size. Your best bet might be a trip to a larger nearby town like Sidney, Glendive, or Miles City, where pharmacies or print shops often offer passport photo services. Alternatively, if you’re handy with a camera and understand the guidelines perfectly, you can attempt to take one yourself, but ensure it meets all official criteria to avoid delays. Double-check the rules on the Department of State website!
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.
For new applicants (DS-11), your application must be submitted in person at an official Passport Acceptance Facility. Unfortunately, Circle, MT, doesn’t have one, so you’ll need to plan a short road trip. Your closest options are likely the Post Offices in Miles City, Glendive, or Sidney. It’s crucial to use the online Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page at travel.state.gov to find the most current locations and, importantly, to call ahead and schedule an appointment. Don’t just show up! They often require you to book a slot, ensuring they have an agent available to process your materials correctly.
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.
When you arrive at your chosen acceptance facility with all your documents, form, photo, and payment (check or money order for the application fee; the facility often has its own execution fee), the agent will review everything. If you’re using Form DS-11, you’ll sign it right there, under oath, in front of the agent. They’ll then seal your original documents and application into an envelope for mailing to the National Passport Processing Center. For DS-82 renewals, you typically mail your application yourself. After submission, keep an eye on travel.state.gov for processing times and to track your application status online. Patience is key!
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 CIRCLE
Make sure you have everything needed for CIRCLE facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ CIRCLE 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 CIRCLE’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 CIRCLE facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from CIRCLE.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in CIRCLE. 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
Honest comparison to help CIRCLE residents choose the right option
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