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Planning an exciting international journey from Spearfish? Getting your passport might seem like a big hurdle, but it’s simpler than you think! This guide walks you through each step, offering practical advice and local tips to ensure your application goes smoothly, so you can focus on enjoying the beautiful Black Hills before your next adventure.
Before gathering anything, figure out which path you’re on. If you’ve never had a U.S. passport, are applying for a minor, or your previous passport was lost/stolen, you’ll complete Form DS-11. This requires an in-person application. If you have a passport that’s less than 15 years old, was issued when you were 16 or older, and is in good condition, you can likely renew by mail using Form DS-82. It’s crucial to verify your eligibility for renewal to save yourself a trip. Head over to the official U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) to double-check the latest requirements for your specific situation.
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 involves rounding up your critical documents. For proof of U.S. citizenship, you’ll need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate (issued by the city, county, or state), a previous undamaged passport, or a naturalization certificate. A regular hospital birth record isn’t usually enough, so check the issuing authority. You’ll also need a valid government-issued identification document, such as your South Dakota driver’s license or a state ID. Remember, for a DS-11 application, you must bring the *original* documents. It’s a wise move to make photocopies of everything, front and back, to keep for your records.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Now it’s time to tackle the actual application form. You can find and fill out either the DS-11 or DS-82 form online at travel.state.gov, then print it out. Filling it electronically and printing ensures legibility, preventing potential delays from handwriting issues. Pay meticulous attention to every detail, ensuring all information matches your supporting documents exactly. For Form DS-11, and this is very important, *do not sign it* until you are in the presence of an authorized passport acceptance agent. They will witness your signature at the time of submission.
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 strict guidelines, so don’t just snap a selfie! It must be a recent (within the last six months) 2×2 inch color photo, taken against a plain white or off-white background. Make sure you’re facing the camera directly, with a neutral expression or a slight, natural smile, and both eyes open. No glasses, hats, or uniforms are permitted. Luckily, getting this done in Spearfish is straightforward. You can visit the Walgreens on North Main Street (1100 N Main St) or even inquire at the Spearfish Post Office; they often provide passport photo services. Call ahead to confirm their current offerings and hours.
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.
This is where your application officially begins its journey! For new passports (DS-11), you’ll need to submit everything in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. Your local hub for this is the **Spearfish Post Office**, located at 601 N Main St. It’s highly recommended to call them beforehand at (605) 642-2633 to inquire about their passport service hours and if appointments are necessary. Bring all your original documents, the completed unsigned DS-11 form, your passport photo, and your payment. The acceptance agent will review your materials, witness your signature, and seal your application 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.
Understanding the costs involved is the final step before submission. There are two primary fees. First, the passport book fee, which must be paid by check or money order made out to the “U.S. Department of State.” Second, there’s a separate execution fee (for DS-11 applications) paid directly to the acceptance facility (e.g., the Post Office). This execution fee can often be paid via cash, credit card, or a check made out to the facility. Check travel.state.gov for the most current fee schedule, as prices can change. If you’re in a hurry for your Spearfish escape, consider adding the expedited service fee for faster processing.
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 SPEARFISH
Make sure you have everything needed for SPEARFISH facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ SPEARFISH 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 SPEARFISH’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 SPEARFISH facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from SPEARFISH.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in SPEARFISH. 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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