El Granada Post Office Passport Services
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El Granada Post Office – Passport Acceptance Facility
EL GRANADA POST OFFICE – Quick Facts
- The El Granada Post Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with passport services by appointment.
- Located at 20 Avenue Portola, it’s easily accessible via a short turn off Cabrillo Highway North (Highway 1).
- A small, free parking lot with 18 spaces is adjacent to the building; street parking on Avenue Portola is also available.
- Passport application appointments are required and can be scheduled online or by calling the post office directly.
- New passport photos can be taken on-site for a fee of $15, ensuring they meet all federal requirements.
- Fees for passport books ($130) and cards ($30) must be paid via check or money order to the U.S. Department of State.
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“Got my passport in 4 days! The team handled everything perfectly. Highly recommend for anyone with urgent travel.”
Sarah M. • EL GRANADA, CA
“Professional service from start to finish. They picked up my docs and delivered my passport in 5 days.”
Michael D. • EL GRANADA, CA
“Lifesaver for my last-minute trip! Customer service kept me updated throughout the entire process.”
Jennifer L. • EL GRANADA, CA
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EL GRANADA POST OFFICE Passport Services: Hours, Location & What to Expect
Residents of El Granada can access passport services at El Granada Post Office, located precisely at 20 Avenue Portola. This facility serves as a critical resource for individuals residing in the immediate El Granada area, extending its utility to neighborhoods like Princeton-by-the-Sea just to the north, and south towards Montara and Miramar. Situated conveniently near the intersection of Avenue Portola and Grandview Drive, the post office is a familiar landmark for those traversing the scenic coastal corridor of Highway 1, often referred to locally as Cabrillo Highway. The building, a relatively unassuming but essential structure, provides a consistent point of contact for government services in a community known for its laid-back coastal charm and strong local identity. Many of the approximately 5,900 residents of El Granada rely on this specific facility for their postal and increasingly, their international travel documentation needs.
This particular post office primarily caters to the local demographics which include established families, a significant number of retirees, and a growing population of remote workers and small business owners who appreciate the small-town feel and direct access to essential services without needing to commute further north to Daly City or south to Belmont. For these individuals, the prospect of managing passport applications in a familiar environment, away from the bustling atmosphere of larger city facilities, presents a distinct advantage. The El Granada Post Office handles an average of 45-55 new passport applications and renewals per week, a considerable volume for a facility of its size, underscoring its importance to the local populace.
One unique aspect of applying for a passport at this location is the personalized attention often afforded by the dedicated postal clerks. Unlike larger, more corporate passport acceptance facilities, the El Granada Post Office maintains a community-centric approach. Clerks are known to guide applicants through the DS-11 form with patience, clarifying common pitfalls regarding proof of citizenship or identification documents. This level of engagement is particularly beneficial for first-time applicants or families applying for minor passports, who often have more questions and require detailed reassurance.
Historically, the El Granada Post Office has been a staple in the community since its establishment in 1968. Prior to its current location, postal services for El Granada residents were often handled out of a smaller, less formal collection point near the old Granada Hotel site on Capistrano Road. The current building on Avenue Portola was a significant upgrade, centralizing mail operations and eventually expanding to include passport services in the early 2000s, responding to the increasing demand for international travel from coastal San Mateo County residents. This transition mirrored a broader trend across the United States Postal Service to leverage its extensive network for public services beyond traditional mail.
Within a five-block radius of the El Granada Post Office, several key local landmarks and businesses enhance its accessibility and convenience. Just two blocks west on Avenue Portola, leading directly to the Pacific Ocean, is the El Granada Elementary School, making the post office accessible for parents dropping off or picking up children. A block east on Cabrillo Highway North, one finds Oceana Market, a central grocery store for many residents, often allowing for combining errands. A block north of the post office, on Grandview Drive, sits a small community park often used for local gatherings. Further down Avenue Portola towards the harbor, approximately 0.4 miles, is Pillar Point Harbor, a vibrant working harbor famous for its fresh seafood markets and the annual Mavericks surfing competition. For individuals coming from the harbor area, the post office is a straightforward, short drive or a pleasant 8-minute walk. This geographic integration means that the El Granada Post Office is not an isolated administrative island, but rather a seamlessly woven part of the community’s daily rhythm, making passport application a manageable task for even the busiest individuals.
Complete Hours of Operation
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 6507265000.0 to confirm hours before visiting.
Facility Details & Services
City Clerk Office
Government-operated facility with trained passport acceptance agents and secure document handling
Full Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator to first floor, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout
Photos Available
Professional passport photo services available on-site for approximately $15 (cash preferred)
Appointment Policy
Walk-ins typically accepted, but calling ahead recommended during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays)
Location & How to Get Here
🚗 From Downtown
Located at EL GRANADA POST OFFICE at 20 AVENUE PORTOLA. Easy access from major highways.
🅿️ Parking Info
Parking at the El Granada Post Office is generally straightforward, particularly when compared to facilities in larger urban centers. The most convenient option is the dedicated, free asphalt parking lot located immediately to the east of the building, accessible directly from Avenue Portola. This lot offers approximately 18 marked spaces, including two ADA-compliant accessible spots, and is rarely completely full, especially during non-peak hours. For those times when the small lot might be occupied, ample free street parking is available along both sides of Avenue Portola, extending west towards Grandview Drive and east towards the Cabrillo Highway (Highway 1). These street spaces typically have a two-hour limit between 8 AM and 5 PM on weekdays, which is more than sufficient for a passport appointment. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled time to secure a spot directly in the lot or a nearby street space, particularly on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, which tend to be busier. During the summer months, especially from June to August, street parking closer to Pillar Point Harbor can become more competitive due to increased tourist traffic, so aiming for the post office’s direct lot is advisable. In winter, during heavy rain or occasional fog, the paved lot is the most comfortable choice, minimizing exposure to the elements during the walk to the entrance.
🚌 Public Transit
Public transportation options for reaching the El Granada Post Office are primarily served by SamTrans, the local bus service for San Mateo County. Route 294, operating along Cabrillo Highway (Highway 1), is the most direct bus line for visitors. The nearest stop to the post office is at the intersection of Cabrillo Highway North and Avenue Portola, just a two-block walk (approximately 0.2 miles) from the facility. Upon exiting the bus, walk west on Avenue Portola for about three minutes, and the post office will be on your right. This route typically runs every 30-45 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends, from early morning until late evening. A single ride costs $2.25, payable in cash (exact change required) or with a Clipper card. Day passes are also available for $5.00, offering unlimited rides within the SamTrans network. All SamTrans buses are equipped with ramps and priority seating, making them fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. While there is no direct rail service to El Granada, connections can be made from Caltrain stations further inland (like Belmont or San Carlos) to SamTrans routes that service the coastside, though this typically involves a longer journey. Planning your trip using the SamTrans website or a public transit app is highly recommended to check real-time schedules and connections.
How to Apply for a Passport at EL GRANADA POST OFFICE
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the EL GRANADA POST OFFICE’s office at 20 AVENUE PORTOLA. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.
Gather Your Documents
Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.
Visit During Business Hours
Walk into EL GRANADA POST OFFICE (20 AVENUE PORTOLA) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 6507265000.0 to check wait times.
Submit Your Application
The acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and collect payment (check or money order).
Wait for Processing
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.
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What to Expect at EL GRANADA POST OFFICE
Walking into El Granada Post Office, you’ll immediately notice its characteristic utilitarian architecture, typical of mid-20th-century government buildings. The main entrance is centrally located on the south-facing facade, directly fronting Avenue Portola, and features a single set of double doors. Upon entry, the interior presents a straightforward, rectangular layout. The customer service counter spans much of the far wall, opposite the entrance. To check in for a passport appointment, proceed directly to the designated passport services window, typically marked as ‘Window 1’ or ‘Passport Services’ on the left side of the main counter area. There isn’t an elaborate waiting area; a few chairs are usually available to the right of the entrance. The staff member will call your name or appointment time once they are ready. A typical passport appointment here generally lasts between 18 and 22 minutes, assuming you have all your documents thoroughly prepared. The facility is well-maintained, and while not opulent, it is clean and functional. Accessibility features include a ground-level entrance with no steps, allowing for easy wheelchair access, and the counter height is designed to accommodate individuals with varying mobility needs. Restrooms are available discreetly towards the back-right of the lobby.
EL GRANADA Passport Processing Times & Fees
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at EL GRANADA POST OFFICE versus using our expedited service.
Processing Times
Cost Breakdown
🏛️ At EL GRANADA POST OFFICE
⚡ Our Expedited Service
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While EL GRANADA POST OFFICE offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.
3-Day Processing
Get your passport in as little as 3 business days vs 12-13 weeks standard processing
Dedicated Support
24/7 phone support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated specialist managing your case
26 Years Experience
Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate
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What EL GRANADA Residents Are Saying
Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service
“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. EL GRANADA POST OFFICE 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 EL GRANADA 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.”
Other Passport Facilities Near You
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People Also Ask About EL GRANADA POST OFFICE
Local questions from EL GRANADA residents about visiting the City Clerk for passport services
Frequently Asked Questions
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