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Dreaming of adventures beyond Lake Morey? A passport is your ticket to explore the world! Here’s how folks in Fairlee can navigate getting one without a hitch, whether it’s your first time or a simple renewal. Let’s get you ready for international travel with these easy-to-follow steps.
Before anything else, figure out your passport status. Are you a first-timer, or is your old passport just expired? If it’s your very first passport, or for a child under 16, you’ll use Form DS-11. This requires an in-person appointment. If you’re simply renewing an adult passport that’s less than 15 years old, still in good condition, and issued after your 16th birthday, you can likely use Form DS-82 and mail it in. This initial check saves you time and ensures you gather the correct items for your specific situation. Knowing this first step guides the rest of your preparation, making the process smoother for Fairlee residents.
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 for the scavenger hunt! You’ll need solid proof of your U.S. citizenship. For most, this means your original birth certificate – not a photocopy – issued by the city, county, or state of birth. Ensure it has the registrar’s raised, embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal, and the date it was filed. If you have an expired, undamaged passport, that often serves as proof, too! Naturalization certificates are another option for those who weren’t born citizens. Make sure whatever document you choose is the *original* because a copy won’t fly. Keep these vital papers safe in your Fairlee home until your application is ready to go.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Next up, proving who you are! A valid, government-issued identification document is essential. For most Fairlee adults, this will be your Vermont driver’s license. It needs to be current and undamaged. If you’re presenting a learner’s permit or an out-of-state ID, you might need supplemental ID, like a social security card or employee ID. For children, the parents’ identification is crucial. Make sure your ID matches the name on your citizenship document perfectly. A quick check now can prevent frustrating delays later on, ensuring your identity is clearly established for Uncle Sam.
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.
Time for your close-up! Your passport photo has strict requirements: a recent (within 6 months), color photo, 2×2 inches, against a plain white or off-white background. No glasses, no hats (unless for religious purposes, with a signed statement), and a neutral facial expression or natural smile. Don’t try to take it yourself with a phone unless you’re a pro! Consider professional places like CVS or Walgreens, which might be a bit of a drive to nearby Bradford, VT, or Hanover, NH. These places often guarantee compliance, saving you a potential rejection and another trip from Fairlee.
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.
Now, tackle the form itself. Head to travel.state.gov to find and fill out either Form DS-11 (for first-timers or minors) or DS-82 (for renewals). Fill it out online, then print it single-sided. **Crucial Fairlee tip for DS-11 users:** DO NOT SIGN the DS-11 form until you are in front of an acceptance agent! They need to witness your signature. For DS-82 renewals, you’ll sign it before mailing. Double-check every field for accuracy; mistakes can cause significant delays. Gather all your supporting documents alongside the form, ready for its big journey.
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.
The final stretch! If you’re using Form DS-11, you need to visit a passport acceptance facility. The **Orford Post Office** (just across the river in Orford, NH) or the **Bradford Post Office** are your closest options from Fairlee. Call ahead to confirm hours and if appointments are needed. Bring your unsigned DS-11, original documents, photo, and payment. Fees are typically separate: one for the application (check or money order to ‘U.S. Department of State’) and one for the execution (cash, check, or money order to the facility). For DS-82 renewals, mail everything to the address on the form. Congratulations, you’re almost ready for your global adventures!
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 FAIRLEE
Make sure you have everything needed for FAIRLEE facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ FAIRLEE 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 FAIRLEE’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 FAIRLEE facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from FAIRLEE.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in FAIRLEE. 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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