Idyllwild Post Office Passport Services

When you visit the Idyllwild Post Office for passport services, you will need to present proof of U.S. citizenship, which could be your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged U.S. passport. You’ll also need a valid, government-issued identification document, such as a California driver’s license, alongside a clear photocopy of both the front and back of that ID. Don’t forget to bring your completed, but unsigned, DS-11 Passport Application form, which is available online. Having these core documents ready and organized ensures a smooth process with the passport acceptance agent at Window 2.

Absolutely, for a minor under 16 applying at the Idyllwild Post Office, both parents or legal guardians are required to appear together with the child. Each parent must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. You will also need to provide proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship, like their original birth certificate, and evidence of your parental relationship to the child. If only one parent can appear, the absent parent must provide a consent form (DS-3053) that has been notarized, along with a photocopy of their identification. This dual-parent requirement ensures legal consent for the child’s passport issuance.

The Idyllwild Post Office does offer on-site passport photo services, making it a convenient one-stop shop for your application needs. For a fee of $15.00, the clerks can take a compliant 2×2 inch photo immediately prior to your passport appointment. This eliminates the need to visit a separate photography studio or drugstore, which can be particularly helpful in a smaller community like Idyllwild where such services might be less common or require an extra drive. It’s advisable to confirm photo service availability when scheduling your appointment, especially if you have specific requirements.

The Idyllwild Post Office primarily serves as an acceptance facility for new passport applications and for minors’ passports (Form DS-11). If you are renewing an adult passport (Form DS-82), meaning your previous passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were at least 16 when it was issued, and it is undamaged, you typically do not need to apply in person. You can simply mail in your renewal application directly to the National Passport Processing Center. However, if your previous passport has been significantly damaged, lost, or stolen, or if it was issued more than 15 years ago, you would need to apply as if it were a new passport using the DS-11 form here in Idyllwild.

When applying for a passport at the Idyllwild Post Office, you have two primary processing options: routine and expedited. Routine processing involves the standard timeframe for passport issuance, which, as of November 2024, averages approximately 7.2 weeks. This is suitable if you have no immediate travel plans. Expedited processing, however, significantly shortens this wait, typically bringing the average down to 2.5 weeks for an additional fee of $60. This option is recommended for individuals with upcoming international travel within a few months. Both options incur standard application fees plus a $35 execution fee payable to the USPS, and expedited shipping can be added for faster delivery of your new passport.

The passport office is located at 54391 VILLAGE CENTER DRIVE, IDYLLWILD, CA 92549. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 9516591969.0 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 “IDYLLWILD POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking directly at the Idyllwild Post Office on Village Center Drive is a practical and straightforward affair. The facility provides a dedicated, free surface parking lot immediately adjacent to the building. This lot typically offers between 12 to 15 spaces, ensuring reasonable availability for most visitors, even during busier periods. The primary entrance to this lot is directly off Village Center Drive, allowing for easy ingress and egress. For passport appointments, arriving 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time is usually sufficient to secure a spot without undue stress. Should the primary lot be full, which is infrequent, supplementary parking options exist within a very short walking distance. There are additional free public parking spaces along Village Center Drive itself, generally within a 0.1 to 0.2-mile radius, particularly near the intersections with North Circle Drive. Furthermore, the Idyllwild Town Centre, located immediately west of the Post Office, offers a larger public lot that can be utilized, requiring a mere 1-minute walk to the Post Office entrance. Seasonal considerations are important for parking in Idyllwild. During winter months, especially from December to March, snow accumulation can reduce the effective number of available spaces, and ice can make walking treacherous. It’s prudent to account for extra time for parking and walking during these periods, and ensure your vehicle is prepared for mountain road conditions. Conversely, during peak summer tourist season (July-August), the village can be quite busy, making early arrival for appointments particularly beneficial. Always check local weather advisories before heading out.

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.