Los Gatos Post Office Passport Services

After submitting your application at the Los Gatos Post Office, you can typically track its status online via the U.S. Department of State’s website. You’ll need the locator number, which is provided on the receipt you receive from the acceptance agent at 101 S Santa Cruz Avenue. It usually takes 7-10 business days for your application to be entered into the system and become trackable. The tracking system will update you on whether your application is ‘In Process,’ ‘Approved,’ or ‘Mailed.’ It’s important to keep your receipt safe as it contains critical information for this process.

While the Los Gatos Post Office prioritizes scheduled appointments for passport services to ensure efficient processing for all applicants, walk-ins are generally not accommodated. The agents at 101 S Santa Cruz Avenue manage a precise daily schedule, and attempting a walk-in without prior arrangement usually results in being asked to schedule an appointment for a later date. To avoid unnecessary trips, it’s highly recommended to utilize the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler online well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your dedicated slot. This ensures you receive the full attention required for proper document review.

The primary difference between routine and expedited processing for a U.S. passport lies in the speed of delivery. Routine service, which is the standard option, has a longer processing window, typically suitable for applicants without immediate travel plans. Expedited service, on the other hand, significantly shortens the processing time but comes with an additional government fee. When applying at the Los Gatos Post Office, you specify your preference on the application form. For urgent travel, expedited service is crucial, though you may still need to consider a separate express mail fee to shorten shipping times after processing. Always factor in transit times to and from the passport agency.

For your passport application at the Los Gatos Post Office, you’ll need several key documents. This includes proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate or previous passport), a valid government-issued identification (like a driver’s license), a photocopy of both sides of your ID, and a recent passport photo (taken within the last six months). If you are applying for a minor, specific consent forms and additional documentation for both parents will also be necessary. Ensure all original documents are present, as photocopies alone are not sufficient for verification by the acceptance agent at 101 S Santa Cruz Avenue.

Yes, parking is available, but understanding the options in downtown Los Gatos is key for a smooth visit to the Post Office. There is a small, limited parking lot directly at 101 S Santa Cruz Avenue, offering approximately 10 spaces, which are often quickly occupied. More consistently, metered street parking can be found along S Santa Cruz Avenue and neighboring E Main Street; these meters usually have a two-hour limit and accept card payments via the ParkMobile app. For longer durations or during peak times, the Los Gatos Town Plaza Parking Garage, a short 0.3-mile walk north, provides reliable hourly parking. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to secure a suitable spot.

The passport office is located at 101 S SANTA CRUZ AVE, LOS GATOS, CA 95030. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 4083957526.0 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 “LOS GATOS POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking in downtown Los Gatos, particularly around 101 S Santa Cruz Avenue, requires strategic planning due to its popularity. Directly adjacent to the Post Office, a small, unmetered lot offers approximately 10-12 spaces, but these fill up very quickly, especially during peak morning hours (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) and lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM). A more reliable option is metered street parking available along S Santa Cruz Avenue and the connecting side streets like E Main Street and W Main Street. These meters typically charge $1.50 per hour, with a two-hour limit, and accept coins or payment via the ParkMobile app (Zone 9501). Expect to pay between $0.75 and $1.50 for your passport appointment. For longer visits or if street parking is scarce, the Los Gatos Town Plaza Parking Garage, located at 230 N Santa Cruz Avenue, offers more ample space. This garage charges $1.00 per hour for the first two hours, then $2.00 per hour thereafter, with a daily maximum of $10.00. From this garage, the Post Office is a straightforward 0.3-mile walk, approximately 5-7 minutes, heading south on Santa Cruz Avenue. Another nearby option is the Bank of America lot at 10 N Santa Cruz Avenue, offering limited public parking for customers but occasionally open to the public for short durations. During summer months, be mindful of direct sunlight exposure if parking on open streets, and in winter, although rare, frost can make early morning driving slightly slick on unshaded residential streets near the downtown core.

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.