Descanso Post Office Passport Services

Once your passport application has been accepted at the Descanso Post Office, it is physically mailed to a passport processing center. You will receive a tracking number from the Department of State, not directly from the local post office, typically within 7 to 10 business days after your appointment. The most reliable method to track its progress is through the official Department of State website, using the provided tracking number or your personal information. While the dedicated staff at the Descanso facility will ensure your application is correctly packaged and dispatched, they do not have real-time access to the State Department’s internal processing system beyond the initial mailing. For any status inquiries, the national passport tracking tool online is your primary resource.

Absolutely, parking is readily available and complimentary at the Descanso Post Office, making your visit exceptionally convenient. We offer a dedicated, spacious asphalt parking lot immediately adjacent to the west side of our building, providing ample spaces for visitors throughout the day. You’ll find direct access to this lot right off Viejas Grade. Additionally, if the main lot happens to be full during a particularly busy period – which is rare for our community-focused branch – there’s usually plenty of free street parking available along Viejas Grade itself. You can easily find a spot within a very short walk, often just steps from our main entrance. There are no hourly fees, meters, or complex parking regulations to worry about.

Yes, for a portion of the passport application fees, the Descanso Post Office does accept credit cards. Specifically, the mandatory $35 execution fee (also known as the acceptance facility fee) paid directly to the USPS can be paid using major credit cards, debit cards, checks, or money orders. However, it’s critical to remember that the substantial passport application fee, which is remitted directly to the U.S. Department of State, must be paid by check or money order. Personal checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders should be made payable to ‘U.S. Department of State.’ We recommend preparing two separate payments before your appointment: one for the State Department fee and another for the USPS execution fee, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

The Descanso Post Office operates with specific hours tailored to best serve our rural community. For passport acceptance services, we are typically available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We strongly recommend scheduling an appointment in advance to guarantee a dedicated time slot, as walk-ins are accommodated only if staffing and existing appointments allow, which can be less predictable. Please note that the facility is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on all federal holidays. Before planning your visit, especially if you’re traveling from a more remote part of Japatul Valley or Pine Valley, it’s always prudent to confirm our current hours of operation and holiday closures by calling us directly or checking the official USPS website for the Descanso location.

For urgent travel needs, the Descanso Post Office can certainly assist you in applying for expedited passport processing. While we cannot issue same-day passports, our role is to accurately accept and quickly forward your application to the Department of State with the expedited service request clearly marked. This means your application will be processed at a faster pace once it reaches the federal agency. You will need to pay an additional $60 expedited fee to the Department of State, in addition to the standard application fees. You may also opt for 1-2 day delivery service for an extra charge when the passport is mailed back to you. Remember, even with expedited service, you’ll still need an appointment at our facility to submit your documents, and current processing times for expedited applications are averaging 2.5 weeks as of November 2024.

The passport office is located at 24680 VIEJAS GRADE, DESCANSO, CA 91916. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 6194452046.0 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 “DESCANSO POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Descanso Post Office is straightforward and, crucially, free, a significant benefit compared to urban facilities. The primary parking provision consists of a dedicated 35-space asphalt lot situated immediately to the west of the post office building, directly accessible from Viejas Grade. This lot offers ample room for most visitors, even during peak operational hours in the late morning and early afternoon. For those arriving when the main lot is particularly busy, additional free parallel street parking is often available along Viejas Grade itself, both directly in front of the post office and extending a short distance in either direction. There are no parking meters or permit requirements within several blocks of the facility. For your passport appointment, arriving 10 to 15 minutes ahead of schedule is recommended to comfortably secure a spot and ensure you’re not rushed. The convenience of parking directly adjacent to the building means a walking distance of essentially 0 blocks from your vehicle to the main entrance. Seasonal considerations are important: Descanso summers can be intensely hot, often exceeding 95°F, so parking in a shaded spot, if available, or preparing for a warm walk to your car is advisable. Conversely, winter months can bring occasional rain and even light fog, making surfaces along Viejas Grade slightly slick. Always ensure your vehicle is securely locked, though the area is generally very safe.

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.