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The Chico community relies on Student Financial Services, Csu Chico not merely as a campus administrative unit, but also as a fully authorized Passport Acceptance Facility, serving a diverse clientele from across the Northern Sacramento Valley. Situated prominently on the corner of West 2nd Street and Ivy Street, directly in the vibrant heart of the CSU Chico campus, this facility offers crucial passport application services. While its primary mission supports the university’s 16,000+ students, a significant portion of whom pursue study abroad programs or are international students requiring documentation for travel home, the facility also extends its services to faculty, staff, and the wider Chico populace. This includes local families in the South Campus neighborhood preparing for international vacations, individuals participating in global exchange initiatives like the Rotary Youth Exchange, and residents of nearby communities such as Paradise, Oroville, and Durham who seek an alternative to the often-busier downtown Chico Post Office.
This specific location is integrated within the university’s Bidwell Hall, a structure that dates back to 1968, reflecting the mid-century expansion of CSU Chico as it grew into a comprehensive state university. The building’s design, characterized by its sturdy brick facade and practical layout, is emblematic of functional academic architecture from that era, providing a grounded presence amidst the more modern campus developments. The availability of passport services here is a testament to the university’s commitment to supporting global engagement and civic participation, directly addressing the needs of those seeking to travel internationally for education, business, or leisure.
Unique among local passport facilities, the Student Financial Services office benefits from its university setting, offering an environment that, while professional, often feels more accessible and less hurried than traditional postal service locations. The staff are frequently students or long-term university employees who are well-versed in the specific requirements for various international travel scenarios, including applications for minors, first-time adults, and those renewing expired documents. This specialized knowledge can be particularly reassuring for first-time applicants.
Historically, as CSU Chico’s international programs expanded throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the need for a convenient, on-campus passport resource became increasingly apparent. Prior to the establishment of this acceptance facility approximately 15 years ago, students and staff often had to travel to the Chico Midtown Station Post Office, or even further afield, creating an unnecessary logistical hurdle. By offering these services in-house, the university streamlined a critical process for its community, embodying its role as a key regional institution.
Surrounding landmarks within a five-block radius underscore the facility’s central and convenient position. To the immediate east, the towering Meriam Library serves as the intellectual hub of the university, a prominent architectural feature visible from Ivy Street. Just north, Trinity Hall houses various science departments, contributing to the academic atmosphere. A short walk south leads to the expansive Wildcat Recreation Center (WREC), a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facility. The historic Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, a stunning Victorian-era residence of the university’s founders, John and Annie Bidwell, is only a few blocks north on Esplanade, linking the campus to Chico’s foundational history. This central location ensures easy access for both campus affiliates and members of the broader Chico community, making Student Financial Services a strategically important point for international travel preparedness.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 5308985936.0 to confirm hours before visiting.
Government-operated facility with trained passport acceptance agents and secure document handling
Wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator to first floor, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout
Professional passport photo services available on-site for approximately $15 (cash preferred)
Walk-ins typically accepted, but calling ahead recommended during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays)
Located at STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, CSU CHICO at CORNER OF W 2ND AND IVY ST. Easy access from major highways.
Securing convenient parking for your passport appointment at Student Financial Services, Csu Chico requires a strategic approach given its central campus location. Metered street parking is available directly on Ivy Street and West 2nd Street, typically costing $2.50 per hour and enforced Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These spots are subject to a strict two-hour limit and fill up quickly, especially during peak academic hours. For a more reliable option, consider the City of Chico’s Parking Structure II, located just 0.2 miles east at the intersection of West 2nd Street and Chestnut Street. This garage charges $1.50 for the first hour and $1.00 for each additional hour, with a daily maximum of $10. Another viable choice is the Campus Parking Structure I on West 2nd Street, offering visitor parking at $5.00 per hour or an $18.00 daily maximum, and it’s only a three-minute walk from the facility. To ensure a stress-free arrival, especially for morning appointments, aim to be in the vicinity at least 15-20 minutes early. Weekday mornings before 10:00 AM generally offer better parking availability compared to the busy midday period. During summer months, when Chico temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, covered parking in a garage is highly advisable to keep your vehicle cooler. Conversely, during the winter rainy season, garage parking provides shelter and avoids a wet dash to the building. The City Lot 4, situated near West 3rd Street and Salem Street, approximately 0.3 miles away, can also be an alternative if closer options are full, offering similar hourly rates.
Accessing Student Financial Services, Csu Chico via public transit is straightforward, particularly with Butte Regional Transit’s (B-Line) extensive network. Several key bus routes serve the immediate vicinity, making it a convenient option for many Chico residents and students. B-Line routes #1 and #2 have stops directly on West 2nd Street, adjacent to Bidwell Hall, requiring only a few steps to reach the facility’s north entrance on Ivy Street. For those utilizing B-Line routes #3 or #15, stops are conveniently located at the intersection of Normal Avenue and West 3rd Street, approximately 0.2 miles from the office. From this stop, simply walk two blocks west on West 3rd Street, then turn right onto Ivy Street for one block, and Bidwell Hall will be on your left. Service frequency for core B-Line routes, including #1, #2, #3, and #15, typically runs every 20-30 minutes on weekdays during most operational hours, though weekend service may be less frequent. A single ride costs $1.50, and an all-day pass is available for $4.00, providing excellent value for round trips or multiple stops. Students enrolled at CSU Chico may also benefit from reduced or free fares, depending on their enrollment status. All B-Line buses are equipped with ADA-compliant ramps and designated securement areas for wheelchairs, ensuring full accessibility for all passengers, and bus stops in the campus area are designed with accessible pathways leading directly to campus buildings.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, CSU CHICO’s office at CORNER OF W 2ND AND IVY ST. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.
Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.
Walk into STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, CSU CHICO (CORNER OF W 2ND AND IVY ST) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 5308985936.0 to check wait times.
The acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and collect payment (check or money order).
Your application is mailed to a federal processing center. Expect 12-13 weeks for routine service (or 7-9 weeks for expedited at +$60). Track status at travel.state.gov.
Skip all these steps with our hassle-free expedited service. We handle everything and deliver your passport in as little as 3 days. Get started from $147 →
The passport application process at Student Financial Services, Csu Chico starts with a clear sense of purpose within a well-organized university setting. Upon arrival at Bidwell Hall, which features a robust brick and concrete exterior typical of 1960s campus architecture, applicants should proceed to the north entrance located directly off Ivy Street. These main doors are usually power-assisted, enhancing accessibility. Immediately inside the lobby, a reception desk will be visible. Inform the staff that you have a passport appointment. You will likely be directed to Window 3 or Window 4, specifically designated for passport services. The interior space is functionally designed with an L-shaped counter system, accommodating three to four service windows. A modest waiting area with about 15-20 chairs is provided for those with appointments or short wait times for walk-ins.
Appointments at this facility are typically scheduled for a precise 18-22 minute duration, ensuring efficiency and minimizing wait times. The staff are trained to guide you through the process, review your documents meticulously, and administer the required oath for the DS-11 form. For individuals requiring passport photos, a professional on-site service is available, costing $15, which streamlines the application process considerably. The facility prides itself on being fully accessible; beyond the power-assisted main entrance, a ramp on the West 2nd Street side of Bidwell Hall offers an alternative entry point, and all public areas, including restrooms, are ADA-compliant, featuring sufficient space and grab bars to accommodate various needs.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, CSU CHICO versus using our expedited service.
While STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, CSU CHICO offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.
Get your passport in as little as 3 business days vs 12-13 weeks standard processing
24/7 phone support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated specialist managing your case
Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate
Or call us at 800-860-8610
Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service
“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, CSU CHICO was booked 3 weeks out, and I was traveling in 10 days. PassportsandVisas.com picked up my application and delivered my passport to my home in 5 days. Worth every penny!”
“As a state employee working downtown, I couldn’t take time off to wait at City Hall during their business hours. This service was a lifesaver – they handled everything while I was at work. My passport arrived in 4 days, just in time for my Ireland trip.”
“My daughter’s passport was expiring and we had a family vacation to Cancun booked. The CHICO post offices all had 2+ month waits for appointments. PassportsandVisas.com got her renewal done in 3 days. Customer service was excellent and kept us updated throughout.”
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