Passports in Wyoming
The Wyoming passport application process is straightforward and can be accomplished in no time. Passports are essential documents for people who need or want to travel overseas.
They allow U.S. citizens to fly both domestically and internationally without any restrictions. Citizens may also opt for a passport card, which doesn’t allow for foreign air travel but enables passengers to fly across the country.
Passports serve as useful and acceptable forms of identification for many situations especially those that require proof of citizenship. Individuals can obtain a passport usually in four to six weeks but can be accommodated to receive an expedited passport.
Also, there are options available for those who have misplaced or damaged their passports. This guide will supply you with the knowledge necessary for obtaining a passport in Wyoming.
Where to Get a Passport in Wyoming
There are many US passport locations where you can apply for your own passport document. Passport agencies, located regionally throughout the country, are the headquarters of passport processing.
Agencies require that applicants make appointments and do not offer walk-in hours for first-time passport applicants. Only applicants who need their passports in less than three weeks or are requesting a passport update can make an appointment at an agency.
Passport offices are located locally across cities and counties, thus are more accessible. At offices, individuals can turn in passport applications for both routine and expedited passport services. Some offices even offer to take passport photos.
Offices can be found at post offices, county clerk’s offices and municipal buildings. Some only take appointments or walk-ins, while others accept both. Therefore, it is essential to check with your local office for verification.
Wyoming Passport Books vs. Cards
Some people are not aware that passports come in more than one form. Applicants can choose between passport books vs. cards or opt to get both. What is a passport book versus a card?
The book is a small booklet that can fit into your pocket. It provides information on who you are, where you were born and your American citizenship.
Books also comes with extra pages for visas and stamps at foreign ports of entry. However, the book has the highest US passport fees associated with it.
A passport card is available for those who do not plan on traveling overseas. Cards allow travelers to cross the borders of Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda by land or sea as well as fly across the United States. The passport card cost is less than the passport book cost.
How to Get a Passport in Wyoming
Getting a new passport in WY involves first acquiring a passport application. You can get one online or at an office or agency, but you must sign and submit it in person. When you submit your application, you must also provide proof of citizenship, proof of identity, a color passport photo—if the office does not offer this service—and payment for the application and processing.
Minors follow the same procedure as above to receive a passport card or book but they must have their parents or guardians present at the time of submission. Minors between the ages of 16 and 17 must have at least one parent in attendance.
Younger minors must have both parents present. When parents are not able to attend, they can sign a notarized form of consent and attach a copy of their photo ID to be submitted with the child’s passport application.
U.S. Passport Renewals in Wyoming
Passport renewals in Wyoming are required every 10 years for adults and every five years for minors who want to continue flying internationally. Applicants ask “how much does it cost to renew your passport?” To renew a US passport, you do not have to pay as much as you did when you first applied for a passport.
US passport renewals can be accomplished through mail instead of in person. The following are required to renew your passport:
- Current passport
- Completed passport renewal form
- New 2×2 inch color photo
- Check or money order
- Proof of name change, if applicable
You may not complete a renewal if your passport is damaged, was issued more than 15 years ago, lost or you do not have supporting documents for a name change.
How to Replace a Lost Passport in Wyoming
Getting a passport stolen or damaged is stressful. Misplacing or losing a passport can be equally frustrating. This section outlines how to replace a lost passport in Wyoming as well as the appropriate action plan for damaged or stolen passports.
The first step in replacing a lost passport is to fill out and submit a lost passport form to a passport office. This step is especially essential for a stolen passport. The lost passport form informs the Department of State that your passport is no longer valid and thus can no longer be used.
The next step to replace a lost passport is to complete a new passport application and submit it to a passport agency or office in person. Because passport replacement follows the process as new passports, applicants must pay the appropriate application and processing fees.
A damaged passport follows the same procedures as above except that you do not need to complete the lost passport document. Also, the damaged passport must be submitted with your documents and application followed by a statement about the damage.
How to Complete a Passport Update in Wyoming
People who have undergone a name change or received a poorly printed passport card may be eligible to achieve a passport update free of charge. For name changes, passport holders do not have to pay an extra fee if they request the update within year of receiving their Wyoming passport book.
Passports with printing errors including warped printing, inaccurate or misspelled data are never charged a passport update fee. Individuals who completed their sex change transition may also be eligible to receive a free of charge update to their sex marker. These individuals must have carried a limited-validity passport during their transition and are looking to upgrade it to a full-validity passport.
All passport holders who want to update their passport information must mail in their current passport card or book, a correction request form and supporting documents. Sex marker change applicants are required to supply medical documentation and a photo ID that resembles their new appearance. These procedures can also be accomplished through a Department of State office without an appointment.
Wyoming Expedited Passport Service
Selecting to receive an expedited passport in Wyoming enables applicants to get their passports sooner. Routine passport services take four to six weeks, excluding shipping time, but an expedited passport can arrive in less than that time or, if necessary, in less than two or three weeks.
Expedition services are available to all passport applicants no matter if they are applying for a first-time passport, a passport renewal or seeking to replace a lost passport. For emergency situations such as when a family member is sick or injured, the Department of State may allow you to receive a passport in 72 hours or less. However, to obtain any expedited passport service, you must pay the added fee.