Fortuna Post Office Passport Services

When applying for a passport at the Fortuna Post Office, you’ll encounter two distinct fees. The first is the acceptance fee, which is a $35 charge paid directly to the U.S. Postal Service. For this specific fee at the Fortuna location, you can conveniently use a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), a debit card, or a money order. Cash and personal checks are also accepted for the acceptance fee. The second fee is for the passport application itself, paid to the U.S. Department of State. This fee must be paid by personal check or money order only. They do not accept cash or credit/debit cards for the State Department portion, so ensure you arrive prepared with a checkbook or a money order already purchased. This dual payment system requires careful attention to avoid delays during your visit to 699 13th Street.

While the Fortuna Post Office does accommodate general postal services on a walk-in basis, passport application acceptance operates strictly by appointment. To ensure dedicated staff time and a smooth, efficient process, it is essential to schedule your passport service in advance. Attempting to walk in without a pre-booked slot, especially for complex applications like a child’s first passport (DS-11), will likely result in being turned away or asked to schedule for a later date. You can schedule an appointment online through the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or by calling the Fortuna Post Office directly at (707) 725-3372 during their retail hours. Planning ahead prevents unnecessary travel and ensures you can complete your passport application without unexpected delays at 699 13th Street.

Yes, expedited service is available for passport applications processed at the Fortuna Post Office. When completing your DS-11 form, you’ll have the option to check the box for ‘Expedited Service,’ which currently incurs an additional $60 fee per application, paid directly to the Department of State via personal check or money order. It’s crucial to understand that this fee accelerates the processing at the national level, not at the local Fortuna facility. For truly urgent travel, you can also opt for 1-2 day delivery for your completed passport book for an extra $19.53, again paid to the Department of State. While the staff at 699 13th Street will ensure your application is submitted promptly, they cannot influence the processing speed once it leaves their hands. Be sure to discuss your travel timeline with the acceptance agent during your appointment to confirm expedited service aligns with your needs.

Passport photos must adhere to very specific U.S. Department of State guidelines to be accepted. For applications processed at the Fortuna Post Office, your photos must be 2×2 inches in size, printed on glossy or matte photo quality paper, and taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. They need to be in color, taken against a plain white or off-white background, and show a full-face, front view with a neutral facial expression or a natural, slight smile. Crucially, there should be no shadows on your face or the background, and you must not wear eyeglasses, hats, or head coverings unless for religious or medical purposes with a signed statement. The Fortuna Post Office at 699 13th Street offers on-site passport photo services for $15, ensuring your pictures meet all these stringent requirements before your application is submitted, which can save you a return trip.

The Fortuna Post Office serves as an acceptance facility primarily for new passport applications, children’s passports, and replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged passports, all of which require the DS-11 form. If you are renewing an adult passport (issued when you were 16 or older) that is less than 15 years old, in your possession, and undamaged, you are generally eligible to renew by mail using the DS-82 form. This means you would mail your application directly to the Department of State and would not need to visit the Fortuna Post Office for this specific transaction. However, if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, is more than 15 years old, or is significantly damaged, you would need to apply in person with a DS-11 form, effectively applying as if for a first-time passport, and the Fortuna facility at 699 13th Street can certainly assist with that.

The passport office is located at 699 13TH STREET, FORTUNA, CA 95540. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 7077259306.0 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 “FORTUNA POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Fortuna Post Office at 699 13th Street is relatively convenient, especially compared to larger urban centers. The facility offers a dedicated, free parking lot directly adjacent to the building on its west side, accessible from L Street. This asphalt lot provides approximately 15 marked spaces, including two designated ADA-compliant spots directly facing the main entrance. While usually sufficient, these spaces can fill up during peak postal hours, particularly mid-morning between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. For those times, ample free street parking is available along 13th Street, directly in front of the post office, and on L Street, which runs along the west side of the building. These street spots generally offer unrestricted parking for up to two hours, more than enough time for any passport appointment. If street parking directly adjacent is occupied, further options can be found one block south on 12th Street or one block east on Main Street, though these might add a 0.1 to 0.2-mile walk. During Fortuna’s rainy winter months, typically November through March, it’s advisable to utilize the closest available spots in the on-site lot or directly on 13th Street to minimize exposure to the elements.

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.