Preparing for a trip across the border or flying out of SAN? Navigating San Diego to get your travel documents sorted is a breeze. Whether you are in Carmel Mountain or closer to the university, the San Diego passport acceptance facilities below can process your new Form DS-11 application.
Start Here: Is This the Right Place to Apply?
- Use this San Diego office list if: this is a first-time passport, a child passport, or another situation that requires applying in person with Form DS-11.
- This is usually not the right page if: you qualify to renew your passport by mail or online using Form DS-82, or if you need data corrections using Form DS-5504.
- Need a passport urgently? If you have proof of international travel within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency, review our urgent passport options or the San Diego Passport Agency process.
- Not sure which form you need? Start with our passport requirements guide.
How to use this page: The offices below are local passport acceptance facilities. They can accept DS-11 applications with routine or expedited service, but they do not provide service faster than standard expedited processing. Always confirm appointments, office hours, and photo service availability before visiting.
San Diego Passport Acceptance Facilities
These are the San Diego-area offices where applicants can submit a new passport application in person. For more locations outside the city, see the full California passport acceptance facility list.
| Facility | Address | City | State | ZIP | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARMEL MOUNTAIN POSTAL STORE | 11251 RANCHO CARMEL DR. | SAN DIEGO | CA | 92199 | (858) 674-0205 |
| COLLEGE GROVE POSTAL STORE | 3426 COLLEGE AVE | SAN DIEGO | CA | 92115 | (619) 583-9486 |
| NAVAJO STATION POST OFFICE | 6519 BISBY LAKE AVE. | SAN DIEGO | CA | 92119 | (800) 801-9801 |
| OTAY MESA CARRIER ANNEX POST OFFICE | 2960 FERN AVENUE | SAN DIEGO | CA | 92154 | (619) 429-8446 |
| RANCHO BERNARDO POSTAL STORE | 16767 BERNARDO CENTER DRIVE | SAN DIEGO | CA | 92128 | (858) 674-4067 |
| RIVERFRONT CARRIER ANNEX | 2600 CAMINO DEL RIO, NORTH | SAN DIEGO | CA | 92108 | (619) 296-2661 |
| SAN DIEGO CITY CLERK | 202 C STREET | SAN DIEGO | CA | 92101 | (619) 533-4000 |
| SAN DIEGO CO CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS | 1600 PACIFIC HIGHWAY | SAN DIEGO | CA | 92101 | (619) 531-5500 |
| SDSU INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CENTER - PASSPORT OFFICE | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CENTER | SAN DIEGO | CA | 92182 | (619) 594-3800 |
| UNIVERSITY CITY FINANCE POST OFF - SAN DIEGO | 3298 GOVERNOR DRIVE | SAN DIEGO | CA | 92122 | (858) 453-6142 |
How to Get a New Passport Fast
Step 1: Visit a local office above.
Step 2: Get your application witnessed and sealed.
Step 3: Let a registered courier expedite your processing and return your passport in days, not weeks.
San Diego Passport Agency
The San Diego Passport Agency only serves customers who are traveling internationally or submitting their passports for foreign visas on an urgent timeline. To apply at the Agency, you must schedule an appointment and meet the strict travel window criteria.
- 14-Day Rule: You must have proof of international travel within 14 calendar days.
- 28-Day Rule: You must have proof of international travel within 28 calendar days and require a foreign visa.
Local Tip: The San Diego Passport Agency is located in the Columbia Center building on West A Street downtown. Give yourself extra time to find parking, as street parking is heavily monitored and nearby lots can be expensive. Be prepared to clear strict, airport-style security in the lobby.
San Diego Passport Expediting Services
Don't want to fight the downtown traffic or wait in long lines at the federal building? A registered San Diego passport expediter can submit your paperwork on your behalf, saving you time, and the costs associated with travel and missed work.
These San Diego passport expediting services are registered with State Department agencies and can submit applications for expedited passports on a daily basis. If you have an emergency and need to obtain your passport within 2 weeks or less but are unable to personally visit a regional agency, utilizing a private courier service is an excellent solution.
Before Visiting a San Diego Passport Acceptance Facility
- Complete Form DS-11, but wait to sign it until instructed at your appointment.
- Bring physical proof of U.S. citizenship and supporting documents.
- Bring a current government-issued photo ID and a photocopy of the front and back.
- Bring a photocopy of your citizenship evidence.
- Bring one official passport photo.
- Be prepared to pay two separate passport fees: the U.S. Department of State passport application fee and the local execution/acceptance fee.
Many USPS and county acceptance facilities require appointments, so it is smart to call ahead or check the National Passport Information Center guidelines before visiting. Note: The Department of State does not charge a fee to book an appointment. Beware of third-party scheduling scams.
Watch: How to Fill Out Form DS-11
This quick walkthrough can help first-time applicants avoid common mistakes before heading to a San Diego acceptance facility.
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San Diego Passport FAQs
Usually no. These San Diego passport acceptance facilities are mainly for Form DS-11 applicants, including first-time applicants, children, and others who must apply in person. Many renewal applicants should renew by mail or online instead.
Many acceptance facilities do require appointments. Before visiting a San Diego location, confirm the current appointment rules, office hours, and whether passport photo service is available. Follow the steps in our guide to scheduling a passport appointment.
If travel is very close, a local acceptance facility may not be the fastest path. Review our urgent passport options, the San Diego Passport Agency process, or registered courier options if your situation qualifies.
Most DS-11 applicants should bring an unsigned Form DS-11, proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID, photocopies of citizenship evidence and ID, one passport photo, and the required fees. Our passport requirements guide can help with the full checklist.
First-time applicants submitting Form DS-11 must pay two separate fees: a passport application fee payable to the U.S. Department of State, and a local execution/acceptance fee payable to the facility. Review the current passport fees before your visit.
Standard processing times vary, but routine service typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. You can request expedited service at the facility for an additional government fee to receive your passport in 2 to 3 weeks. If you need it even faster, consider an urgent passport service.
Yes. All minors, including infants, must appear in person at the acceptance facility. For children under 16, both parents or guardians must authorize the issuance of the child's passport.
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?
Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.
You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.
