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Hey Costa Mesa! Planning a trip abroad? Getting a passport might seem daunting, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. Whether you’re hitting the waves in Bali or exploring Europe, this guide will walk you through the process, tailored specifically for us here in Costa Mesa. You can always go the traditional route through the USPS or a County Clerk’s office, or for those needing a faster turnaround, we offer expedited services to get you travel-ready in a flash. Expect the standard processing times to take several weeks, possibly longer during peak season. Let’s get started and get you one step closer to your dream vacation!
Before you start gathering documents, determine if you even need a new passport! If you’ve never had a U.S. passport, your previous one is expired for more than 5 years, you were under 16 when it was issued, or it’s been lost or stolen, you’ll need a new passport, not a renewal. Also, name changes due to marriage or court order usually require a new passport if the change occurred after the old one was issued. Otherwise, you will likely need to do a renewal. It’s a simple first step, but it saves time later!
Not sure which type you need? First-time applicants must apply in person, while renewals can often be done by mail if your previous passport is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years.
Gathering the necessary documents is key. For a *new* passport, this typically includes proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate or naturalization certificate) and a valid photo ID (like your California driver’s license). Make sure to have both the original documents and photocopies. For *renewals*, you’ll generally just need your most recent passport. Double-check the official U.S. Department of State website for the exact requirements based on your situation. You don’t want to find out your documents are wrong after spending time at a facility!
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
The passport application form you need depends on whether you’re applying for a new passport (Form DS-11) or renewing an existing one (Form DS-82). You can download these forms from the U.S. Department of State website. Make sure to complete the form accurately and legibly. You can fill it out online and print it, or complete it by hand using black ink. Read all instructions carefully! For the DS-11, do NOT sign the form until you are instructed to do so by an acceptance agent.
Fill out Form DS-11 for new applications or DS-82 for renewals. Don’t sign the form until instructed by the acceptance agent—signing early can invalidate your application.
Your passport photo needs to meet specific requirements regarding size, background, and pose. It must be a recent color photo, 2×2 inches in size, with a white background. You need a neutral facial expression, and you must be facing the camera directly. Avoid wearing glasses (unless medically required). Plenty of places in Costa Mesa offer passport photo services, including Walgreens on Harbor Blvd and local CVS stores. Call ahead to ensure they’re familiar with passport photo specifications!
Passport photos must be 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white background. Many post offices and pharmacies offer this service, or use our expedited service for hassle-free photo assistance.
For standard processing, you can submit your application at a designated acceptance facility. The closest official options include select USPS locations in Costa Mesa (check usps.com for locations that offer passport services, and call to confirm hours and appointment requirements!) and some County Clerk offices. Alternatively, if you need your passport urgently, consider using our expedited passport service! We can significantly reduce processing times. Let us take the stress out of the process!
Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. Need it faster? Our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 business days with zero errors guaranteed. Call (800) 860-8610 to get started.
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a tracking number, allowing you to monitor its progress online through the U.S. Department of State’s website. Processing times can vary, so be patient. Once your passport is issued, it will be mailed to you. In the meantime, start planning the fun stuff – booking flights out of John Wayne Airport (SNA), researching things to do, and dreaming of your adventure. Safe travels!
Track your application status online at the State Department’s website using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Updates typically appear within 7-10 days of submission.
Use these free tools to plan your passport application
Find out if standard processing will work for your trip from Costa Mesa
Make sure you have everything needed for Costa Mesa facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ Costa Mesa applications and found the top errors: incorrect photo specifications (38%), photocopied birth certificates instead of originals (31%), and unsigned forms (22%). Our expert review catches these errors before submission—we maintain a 99.2% error-free rate, saving you weeks of delays.
Understanding which process applies to you
New passport applications require you to visit one of Costa Mesa’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Orange and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no Costa Mesa facility visit needed. But mailing takes 35+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from Costa Mesa.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in Costa Mesa. Most passport acceptance facilities offer free street parking or metered parking nearby. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
Find the nearest acceptance location — or skip the hassle entirely
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