Calistoga Post Office Passport Services

Yes, the Calistoga Post Office at 1013 Washington Street does offer on-site passport photo services, making it a convenient one-stop location for your application needs. You can typically get your photos taken directly at Window #1 or Window #2, where passport acceptance agents are stationed. The current cost for two regulation-compliant passport photos is $15.00, payable at the time of service. It’s advisable to mention you need photos when you check in for your passport appointment, or even if you’re a walk-in during less busy hours, to ensure an agent is available. The photos are processed quickly, usually within 5-7 minutes, and meet all U.S. Department of State requirements for size, background, and facial expression, ensuring your application won’t be delayed due to photo issues. This service eliminates the need for a separate trip to a photo studio or pharmacy like Calistoga Pharmacy down on Washington Street, streamlining your entire application process.

Absolutely, both parents are strongly encouraged to apply together for a child’s passport at the Calistoga Post Office, or any passport acceptance facility. For all applicants under 16, both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the child. Each parent needs to present a valid, government-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license from California or another state. They also must provide proof of parental relationship, typically the child’s original birth certificate or a court order. If one parent is unable to attend, they must provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053), explicitly authorizing the absent parent to apply on the child’s behalf. It’s crucial that this form is signed and notarized, accompanied by a photocopy of the front and back of the absent parent’s ID. Without either both parents present or the notarized consent form, the Calistoga Post Office agents cannot process a minor’s passport application, adhering strictly to federal regulations designed to prevent international parental child abduction.

The Calistoga Post Office on Washington Street maintains consistent hours for general postal services, and specific windows for passport application acceptance. For most services, including mail and package drop-offs, the lobby is generally open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. However, passport application acceptance, which requires an appointed agent, typically concludes slightly earlier. Passport appointments are usually available Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It is highly recommended to schedule an appointment in advance via the USPS online scheduler to ensure an agent is available for your passport service. While walk-ins for passport photos might sometimes be accommodated if agents are free, a full application submission almost always requires a scheduled slot. The facility is closed on all federal holidays. Before heading over, especially if you’re traveling from the northern end of Calistoga or from Silverado Trail, a quick check of the USPS website for any holiday hour adjustments is always a prudent step.

Understanding the distinction between routine and expedited passport processing is crucial for planning your international travel from Calistoga. Routine processing at the Calistoga Post Office, as of November 2024, typically averages 7-10 weeks from the date your application is mailed. This timeframe is suitable for those without immediate travel plans. Expedited processing, however, significantly shortens this wait to an average of 3-5 weeks. Choosing expedited service incurs an additional fee of $60 per application, payable to the U.S. Department of State. While the Calistoga Post Office can submit your application with the expedited request, they cannot influence the processing speed once it leaves their facility and enters the national processing centers. For truly urgent travel within a few days or weeks, even expedited service might not be fast enough, necessitating an appointment at a Passport Agency, usually in San Francisco or Los Angeles, which requires certified urgent travel proof. Always factor in the mailing time from Calistoga to the processing center, which can add a few extra days to both routine and expedited timelines.

The cost of a U.S. passport depends on the type of passport product you are applying for and any additional services. For a first-time adult passport book (Form DS-11), the primary fee payable to the U.S. Department of State is $130. If you also wish to obtain a passport card, which is valid for land and sea travel to certain areas, an additional $30 fee applies. Minors under 16 applying for a passport book will pay $100. Separate from these fees, the Calistoga Post Office charges a mandatory $35 acceptance fee for processing all new passport applications, which is paid directly to the post office. If you opt for on-site passport photos, that’s an additional $15. Should you require expedited processing, add $60 to your Department of State fee. Remember, the $130 (or $100 for minors) and $30 fees must be paid via check or money order to ‘U.S. Department of State’, while the $35 acceptance fee and photo fee can typically be paid by credit card or money order at the Calistoga facility. It’s wise to have separate payment methods ready when you visit 1013 Washington Street.

The passport office is located at 1013 WASHINGTON ST, CALISTOGA, CA 94515. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 7079426661.0 to confirm before visiting.

Photos on-site: 1. If available, photos typically cost around $15 in cash.

Routine processing takes 12-13 weeks. Expedited service (additional $60 fee) takes 7-9 weeks. Our expedited service gets your passport in 3-10 days.

Most facilities accept check or money order. You’ll need two separate payments: one to “U.S. Department of State” ($130) and one to “CALISTOGA POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

Handicap access: 1. The facility is ADA compliant with accessible entrances and facilities.

Convenient parking options are readily available when visiting the Calistoga Post Office at 1013 Washington Street. The most direct choice is the dedicated, albeit compact, free parking lot immediately adjacent to the post office on its east side, accessible via Washington Street. This lot typically offers 8-10 spaces, including one ADA-compliant spot, and fills up quickly during peak morning hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. For those spots, there’s no time limit for post office patrons. Alternatively, ample street parking can be found along Washington Street itself, directly in front of and across from the facility. These spaces are generally free with no time restrictions throughout the day, which is a significant advantage over many larger towns. Additional street parking is usually available on Lincoln Avenue, the main thoroughfare, just one block east. While Lincoln Avenue does have some parallel parking, it can be busier, especially near the intersections with Washington Street and Cedar Street. For optimal parking during a passport appointment, arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled time is recommended to secure a spot in the adjacent lot or a convenient street space on Washington Street. During summer months (June-August), when Calistoga sees increased tourist traffic, street parking can be slightly more competitive, but generally manageable. Winter months (December-February) bring fewer parking challenges, though occasional heavy rains might make the closest spots more desirable.

No, passport renewals cannot be done at acceptance facilities. Renewals must be mailed directly to the State Department using Form DS-82, or you can use our expedited renewal service.

If you’re traveling soon, our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 days. We handle everything from document review to delivery, with 24/7 support. Call 800-860-8610 to get started.