Like any other state in the US, getting a passport is not different in California. You can submit your application at any of the 523 passport offices and three regional offices to get a passport. The passport offices are in post offices, county clerks’ offices, county courthouses, and public libraries. At any of these sites, you can select routine processing or expedited processing. Either option will get you a passport.
Post Offices, County Clerks’ Offices, Courthouses, and Public Libraries
When you visit any of these places, you must submit your application,
supporting documents, and
fee. Once accepted, you can get a passport in 4 to 8 weeks by using routine processing at any of these sites. If you prefer it earlier, you can choose expedited, and you will have it in 2 to 3 weeks. It will cost an additional $60.00 at all these places.
Regional Passport Agency
To get a passport in as little as 24-48 hours, visit a
Regional Passport Agency. In California, there are three passport agencies. They are the
San Diego Passport Agency, the
San Francisco Passport Agency, and the
Los Angeles Passport Agency. You must get an appointment at the
National Passport Information Center before going to an agency.
Private Expeditor
A private expeditor offers the same service as the regional passport agency. What makes an expeditor more favorable is you do not have an appointment to get service. Most offices have a walk-in policy. Also, some do not require your presence. That means it can be done via phone or internet and you submit your information via mail. You must provide your proof of travel like a flight itinerary to use an expeditor.
So, you have many options to get a passport in California. If you are not in a rush, you can go to your post office or any of the other acceptance facilities. But if you are in a hurry and need a passport in less than two weeks, hire an expeditor or visit a regional passport agency. Remember, the cost is more to process an application in a short time.
