When applying for a Montana passport, you must know about the necessary documentation and the different timelines for processing. It is always safer to apply for a passport in advance, but expediting services exist if you need to have one in a rush. 

How to Apply In-person

To apply for a passport in Montana, you must be seen at an Acceptance Facility. This includes your local Post Office, County Clerk, or Public Library. Other resources approved by the U.S. Department of State may be senior or community centers. All official Acceptance Facilities will accept and verify documents, applicant signature, and identity. This information, including the official photo, will be sealed in a legal “adjudicated envelope.” The envelope is then forwarded to the U.S. Department of State for processing. This routine service can take up to six weeks.

Documents You Will Need to Apply

In Montana contact your local acceptance facility for an appointment. You can complete the application form online as PDF or complete it in person at the facility. To apply, you must have your original proof of citizenship. This includes:

• U.S. Birth Certificate
• Naturalization Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Expired Passport 

You will also need to present a valid form of ID, such as:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Valid State-issued ID
• Military ID
• Expired Passport

The applicant must be present when applying. If applying for a minor’s passport, you will need consent from both parents/guardians. If one parent/guardian cannot be present, the non-applying parent must submit an original notarized consent form. Proper identification must be presented. A parent with sole custody must give the original court order. 

Most Acceptance Facilities take passport photos. However, you can take your photo at CVS or Walgreens ahead of time.

Allow 7-10 weeks for processing and receipt of your new passport. For an extra $60 fee, a 3-5 week expedited service is available. 

Getting a Montana Passport in a Rush 

American Passport

Americanpassport.com is an online passport expeditor with many years of passport processing. Regardless of where you live, you can get a passport according to when you need it. This online expeditor offers rush processing so you can get a passport in a day. Also, you will have additional processing options that range from the same day and up to two weeks.

So, if you need a passport for the first time (adult or child), replace any expired, damaged, lost or stolen one, speak with the agent about the process of getting your new document. 

How Does it Work?

Select Your Passport Type

As a customer, you get to choose from a list of the passport you will apply for. For example, will you apply as a first-time applicant, for a child passport, for a passport renewal, or to replace a lost or stolen passport.

Select the Processing Option

Then, you get the processing options. Will you need the passport the same day, in 2-7 days, or 10-15 days. The choices you select will determine the price you will pay.  

Provide Your Documents

You must provide a complete application that includes the form, supporting documents, and the fees. Package all the papers and send them by UPS or FedEx using overnight shipping. Include a prepaid envelope with your address to get your new passport.

Your Return Documents

Once Americanpassport.com receives your passport, it will be forwarded to you. Any package received without a prepaid envelope must pay for the return postage. You will receive all the supporting documents in the return envelope.

Renew an Expired Passport 

To renew an expired passport, your passport must have been issued for ten years and expired for less than five years. If you were a minor when your visa was issued, you must apply for a new passport. If you meet the guidelines to apply for a renewal, you could apply by mail. You will mail your current passport, passport photo, application, and your Government Fee.  

The process of applying for a passport will change depending on how fast you need it, but the documentation will stay the same. Regardless, applying in advance will save you time, stress and money.