Montebello Main Post Office Passport Services

For minors under 16, both parents or legal guardians must appear with the child at the Montebello Main Post Office for the passport application process. If one parent is unavailable, they must provide a notarized consent form (DS-3053) along with a copy of their ID. For applicants aged 16-17, one parent or legal guardian must appear with the minor, or the minor must present parental consent. Remember to bring proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate or previous passport), proof of parental relationship, and valid government-issued IDs for the parents. The Montebello facility’s acceptance agents are experienced in processing minor applications and will guide you through all necessary steps to ensure compliance with State Department regulations.

At the Montebello Main Post Office, payments for the passport application fee (payable to the U.S. Department of State) must be made by check or money order only. They do not accept credit cards or cash for this portion of the fee. However, the separate execution fee (payable to USPS) can typically be paid using a credit card, debit card, check, money order, or cash. It is always wise to bring multiple forms of payment, including a checkbook and sufficient cash, to cover both fees, which as of late 2024, total $130 for a passport book ($35 execution fee + $95 application fee for applicants 16 and over). Confirming current fees directly with the facility or on the State Department website before your visit is always recommended.

Once your passport application is submitted at the Montebello Main Post Office, the process moves to the Department of State for processing. You can track its status online via the State Department’s official website at passportstatus.state.gov. You will need your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to access the tracking system. It can take 7-10 business days after submission for your application to appear in the online system, so don’t be concerned if it’s not immediately available. For urgent travel needs beyond what standard tracking shows, you may contact the National Passport Information Center directly, but Montebello staff cannot provide real-time updates post-submission.

The cost of a passport application at the Montebello Main Post Office involves two separate payments. For a first-time adult passport book (age 16+), the application fee to the U.S. Department of State is $130, payable by check or money order. Additionally, there is a $35 execution fee to the USPS for processing your application, which can be paid by credit card, debit card, check, money order, or cash. So, the total for a standard adult passport book is $165. A passport card, suitable for land and sea travel to certain adjacent countries, costs $30 (application fee) plus the $35 execution fee, totaling $65. If you opt for expedited service, an additional $60 fee applies per application to the Department of State, plus any applicable express mail charges for quicker delivery. Exact costs are subject to change, so verify current fees before your appointment.

Passport photos must meet specific requirements set by the U.S. Department of State to be accepted. For submission at the Montebello Main Post Office, two identical color photographs are needed, each measuring 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). They must be taken within the last six months, against a plain white or off-white background, and show a clear, full-face, front view with a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open. Hats, glasses, and uniforms are generally not permitted unless medically necessary. The Montebello Main Post Office does not offer on-site passport photo services, so you will need to obtain these beforehand from a local pharmacy like Beverly Plaza Pharmacy or Farmacia Montebello, both within half a mile, or another specialized photo service.

The passport office is located at 145 N. 5TH STREET, MONTEBELLO, CA 90640. Get directions

Hours are 10:00-15:00. Call ahead at 800275877.0 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 “MONTEBELLO MAIN POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Finding parking at the Montebello Main Post Office is generally straightforward, though it requires a bit of local knowledge to navigate efficiently, especially during peak hours. The facility boasts its own dedicated, free surface parking lot directly adjacent to the building’s north side, accessible via N. 5th Street. This lot typically offers around 35-40 spaces, including several ADA-compliant spots near the entrance. While this lot is usually sufficient, it can fill up quickly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on weekdays, particularly Thursdays and Fridays. Should the on-site lot be full, several viable alternatives exist within easy walking distance. Metered street parking is available along N. 5th Street, both north and south of the post office, typically costing $1.50 per hour from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. There are approximately 25-30 such spaces. Additionally, ample metered parking can be found along Whittier Boulevard, just one block south, with similar rates and enforcement hours. For appointments scheduled on hot summer days, especially from June to September when temperatures can reach into the 90s, aiming for the on-site shaded spots or the closest street parking on N. 5th Street is recommended to minimize exposure. During the cooler, occasionally damp winter months, covered parking isn’t an option, but the short walk from street parking is usually manageable. A strategic approach is to aim for early morning appointments to secure a spot in the primary lot.

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.