Dana Point Post Office Passport Services

At the Dana Point Post Office, applicants choose between routine and expedited processing based on their travel urgency. Routine processing involves standard wait times for your passport application, which, as of November 2024, are averaging around 7.2 weeks. This option is suitable if you have no immediate travel plans and are applying well in advance. Expedited processing, however, significantly shortens this waiting period. For an additional government fee of $60, plus any applicable express shipping costs, your application will be fast-tracked, reducing the processing time to an average of 2.5 weeks as of November 2024. This quicker service is highly recommended for those with confirmed travel dates within the next two to three months. When completing your application at 24551 Del Prado, the passport acceptance agent will guide you through selecting the most appropriate option for your situation, ensuring all forms reflect your preference accurately.

While some post offices may accommodate walk-in passport services, the Dana Point Post Office at 24551 Del Prado operates primarily by appointment for passport applications to ensure efficient service and minimal wait times for all customers. Demand for passport services, particularly during peak travel seasons like summer and around holiday breaks, is consistently high. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you schedule an appointment in advance through the USPS online appointment scheduler or by calling the facility directly. Walk-ins are generally discouraged and cannot be guaranteed service. If you arrive without an appointment, you may be asked to schedule one for a later date or time, potentially experiencing a significant delay or even being turned away if the passport acceptance agents are fully booked. Planning ahead ensures a smooth and stress-free application process here in Dana Point.

Yes, the Dana Point Post Office offers convenient passport photo services right here at 24551 Del Prado. This is a significant advantage for applicants, as it eliminates the need to visit a separate location for photos before your passport appointment. For a fee of $15, a postal clerk can take your official 2×2 inch passport photos on-site, ensuring they meet all federal requirements for size, background, and facial expression. This service is available during regular passport acceptance hours and can be completed just before your scheduled application processing. It’s a real time-saver, preventing potential rejections due to improperly taken photos from other vendors. Just mention you need photos when you check in for your appointment, and the staff will assist you efficiently, making the entire process seamless.

If you find yourself in an urgent situation requiring a passport faster than the typical expedited processing at the Dana Point Post Office, which averages 2.5 weeks, you have a few options. For travel within 2-3 weeks, you can apply for expedited service at 24551 Del Prado and pay for overnight shipping both ways, reducing the total processing to potentially under three weeks. If your international travel is scheduled within 14 calendar days, or within 28 days if you also need a foreign visa, you must apply in person at a regional Passport Agency. The closest Passport Agency to Dana Point is the Los Angeles Passport Agency, located in West Los Angeles. You will need to make an appointment online or by phone and must present proof of imminent international travel. The Dana Point Post Office cannot process applications that require such immediate turnaround beyond standard expedited services.

For all U.S. passport applications processed at the Dana Point Post Office, your passport photos must adhere to strict federal guidelines regarding size and quality. Specifically, each photograph must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size. The image itself must be free of shadows, glare, or reflections, with a white or off-white background. Your head, from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm). Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera with a neutral facial expression or a slight, natural smile. Remember to remove eyeglasses, hats, or anything that obstructs your face for the photo. As mentioned, the Dana Point Post Office provides this service on-site for $15, ensuring all these precise requirements are met.

The passport office is located at 24551 DEL PRADO, DANA POINT, CA 92629. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 9494962787.0 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 “DANA POINT POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Finding parking for your passport appointment at the Dana Point Post Office at 24551 Del Prado is generally straightforward, though planning ahead is advisable, especially during peak summer months or around the holidays. The facility offers a dedicated, free 47-space surface parking lot directly adjacent to the building’s main south entrance. This lot is accessed via a clearly marked driveway off Del Prado, just after the traffic light at Golden Lantern heading south. During weekday mornings, particularly between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, the lot can fill up quickly, so arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment is a sound strategy to secure a convenient spot. If the primary lot is full, supplemental street parking is often available along Del Prado itself, both north and south of the post office. Metered street parking on Del Prado costs approximately $1.50 per hour, typically enforced Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though these spaces are less common directly in front of the post office. Another option involves the larger public parking lot for Lantern Bay Park, located just two blocks west on Blue Lantern Street, offering approximately 70 free spaces, a comfortable 0.3-mile walk from the post office. Be mindful of Dana Point’s intense summer sun; selecting a shaded spot in the main lot, if available, can make a difference. Conversely, during winter, particularly on rainy days, the asphalt can be slick, so exercise caution when walking from your vehicle.

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.