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Ready to explore beyond the borders of South Dakota? Getting a U.S. passport is your first step to international adventure. This guide will walk Brookings residents through the entire process, making it simple to navigate. We’ll cover everything from what paperwork you need to where in town you can get it all done, ensuring your journey starts smoothly.
Before gathering anything, you first need to determine if you’re a first-time applicant or simply renewing an existing passport. This distinction is crucial because it dictates which form you’ll complete and the specific documents required. If this is your very first passport, you’re under 16, or your last passport was issued more than 15 years ago (or was lost/stolen), you’ll be using Form DS-11. For those with an unexpired or recently expired passport (issued within the last 15 years, and you were 16 or older at the time), Form DS-82 is your go-to. Make sure to double-check the State Department’s website for any special conditions that might apply to your situation, like name changes or specific rules for minors.
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.
Now it’s time to play detective and hunt down your core identification documents. For nearly everyone, this means a certified birth certificate (not a hospital one!) or your previous, unexpired passport. You’ll also need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as your South Dakota driver’s license, to prove your identity. Remember, you’ll need the *original* documents for your appointment, plus a photocopy of the front and back of each. For minors, additional parental identification and proof of relationship (like a birth certificate listing both parents) are essential. Having everything organized beforehand will make your submission appointment in Brookings much quicker and less stressful.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Once you know which form you need (DS-11 or DS-82), head over to travel.state.gov to access and fill it out. The forms are designed to be completed online, which helps prevent errors and speeds up processing. Make sure to print your completed form single-sided. Here’s a critical Brookings-specific tip: if you’re filling out Form DS-11, DO NOT sign it yet! You must sign it in person, under oath, directly in front of the acceptance agent at the local passport facility. For DS-82 renewals, you’ll sign it before mailing. Take your time, ensure all information is accurate, and don’t hesitate to consult the official instructions if anything is unclear.
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 has specific requirements: it must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color, 2×2 inches in size, with a white or off-white background. No glasses, no hats (unless for religious purposes and a signed statement is provided), and a neutral facial expression or a slight, natural smile. Don’t try to take this one yourself unless you’re confident in meeting all the stringent criteria! In Brookings, reliable places to get compliant photos taken include the photo departments at Walgreens or Walmart. These establishments are generally familiar with passport photo specifications and can usually provide you with suitable pictures on the spot.
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 first-time applicants or those using a DS-11, you must appear in person. The U.S. Post Office at 405 5th Street in Brookings is an official passport acceptance facility. It’s highly recommended to call ahead and schedule an appointment – don’t just walk in, as acceptance agents might have limited availability. When you go, bring all your original documents, the completed (but unsigned, if DS-11) application form, your passport photo, and your payment for the fees. The agent will review your application, verify your identity, witness your signature, and seal your documents for mailing.
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.
There are two main fees: the passport application fee, which you’ll pay directly to the U.S. Department of State (usually by check or money order), and an execution fee, paid separately to the acceptance facility (often payable by cash or check to the Post Office). Check current fees on travel.state.gov. After your appointment, your application heads off for processing. Routine processing times can vary, so always check the most current estimates online, but plan for several weeks. If you have immediate travel plans, you can opt for expedited service for an additional fee. Once submitted, you can track your application’s status online, so keep that confirmation number handy!
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 BROOKINGS
Make sure you have everything needed for BROOKINGS facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ BROOKINGS 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 BROOKINGS’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 BROOKINGS facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from BROOKINGS.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in BROOKINGS. 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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