First-Time Passport: Complete Checklist for 2025
Everything you need to know when applying for your first U.S. passport, including required documents and fees.
Read More →Expert expedited service from $147 — Processing in as fast as 3 days with zero errors guaranteed
Ask me anything about getting your passport in BLANDING — instant expert answers
We’ll handle everything from your BLANDING home or office. Expert review, compliant photos included, delivered in 1-3 days.
Based on verified reports from BLANDING applicants (last updated: )
Blanding, Utah, getting ready for your international adventure? Securing a passport is a crucial step! This guide simplifies the process, providing clear instructions and local insights to help you navigate the paperwork and procedures right from your corner of San Juan County. Let’s get that travel document in your hands!
Your first task is figuring out if you’re a first-timer or simply refreshing an expired document. If you’ve never had a U.S. passport before, or your last one was issued when you were under 16, or it’s been lost, stolen, or expired for more than 15 years, you’ll be using Form DS-11. If you qualify for a straightforward renewal (adult passport issued within 15 years, undamaged, in your possession), you’ll opt for Form DS-82. This initial decision shapes your entire application pathway.
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.
Gathering your foundational proofs is next. For a new passport, you absolutely need an original document proving U.S. citizenship, such as your birth certificate (issued by the city, county, or state), or a previous, undamaged passport. Alongside this, prepare a valid government-issued photo identification, like your current Utah driver’s license. Remember to bring a photocopy (front and back) of both your citizenship proof and your ID. The acceptance agent will inspect your originals and keep the copies. If renewing by mail, your old passport is typically all that’s required for proof.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Head directly to the official Department of State website (travel.state.gov) to access and complete the appropriate application. If you determined you’re a first-timer or need to apply in person, that’s Form DS-11. For mail-in renewals, it’s Form DS-82. Filling it out online and then printing it is highly recommended; this minimizes errors and ensures readability. A critical reminder for DS-11 applicants: *Do not sign the form* until you are explicitly instructed to do so by the passport acceptance agent during your in-person visit. An unsigned DS-11 will be signed in their presence.
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 must adhere to very specific federal guidelines: it needs to be a recent (taken within the last six months) color photo, exactly 2×2 inches in size, with a plain white or off-white background. You must maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural, unexaggerated smile, with both eyes open. No glasses are permitted. While Blanding itself might not have a dedicated photo service, your best bet is often traveling a short distance. The Walgreens in Monticello (approximately 20 minutes north) is a common choice for these specialized passport photo services. Call ahead to confirm their availability.
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 anyone applying for a new passport (using Form DS-11), an in-person submission is mandatory. Your local official acceptance facility is typically the **Blanding Post Office**, located at 124 E Center St, Blanding, UT 84511. It’s a smart move to call them at (435) 678-2201 well in advance to inquire about their passport acceptance hours and whether an appointment is required. Be sure to bring all your original documents, your *unsigned* DS-11 form, your compliant passport photo, and your method of payment for the fees.
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 separate fees to prepare for: the application fee, which goes to the U.S. Department of State (typically paid by check or money order), and an execution fee, paid directly to the acceptance facility (often cash, check, or money order accepted). Current fee amounts are always listed on travel.state.gov. After your application is submitted, you’ll receive a tracking number. Use this number on the same government website to monitor your passport’s processing status. Remember that processing times can fluctuate, so always check the latest estimates, especially if you’re considering expedited service.
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 BLANDING
Make sure you have everything needed for BLANDING facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ BLANDING 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 BLANDING’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 BLANDING facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from BLANDING.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in BLANDING. 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 BLANDING residents choose the right option
We compiled a list of answers to address your most pressing questions regarding our Services.
Please contact us, if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for.
Stay informed with our latest guides and tips
Everything you need to know when applying for your first U.S. passport, including required documents and fees.
Read More →Discover which destinations welcome U.S. passport holders without additional visa requirements.
Read More →A comprehensive guide to different visa categories and when you might need them for international travel.
Read More →