Portola Po Passport Services

Obtaining a passport for a child under 16 at Portola Po involves specific federal requirements to protect minors. Both parents or legal guardians must generally appear in person with the child. You’ll need to present proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship (like an original birth certificate), proof of your parental relationship (also the birth certificate), and your own valid government-issued identification. Additionally, a completed DS-11 form, unsigned, and two compliant 2×2 inch passport photos of the child are essential. The acceptance agents at 440 S. Gulling St are experienced with these procedures and can guide families through each step, ensuring all documents are correctly verified before submission. It’s a careful process, and the Portola staff excel at making it as smooth as possible for local families.

For most adult passport renewals, you typically cannot complete the process at Portola Po. If you have an undamaged passport that was issued when you were 16 or older, and it was issued within the last 15 years, you are generally eligible to renew by mail using Form DS-82. This form, along with your old passport, new photos, and payment, is mailed directly to the National Passport Processing Center. However, if your passport is significantly damaged, was issued more than 15 years ago, or you were under 16 when it was issued, you will need to apply in person using Form DS-11. In these specific circumstances, Portola Po at 440 S. Gulling St can assist you as if you were a first-time applicant, requiring an appointment and all supporting documentation.

Yes, it is highly recommended and often required for both parents to apply together in person for a child’s passport at Portola Po. This ensures that parental consent is clearly established for the child’s passport application. When you come to 440 S. Gulling St, bring your child’s original birth certificate (proving citizenship and parental relationship), both parents’ valid government-issued photo IDs, and two identical 2×2 inch photos of the child. Both parents must sign the DS-11 form in front of the passport acceptance agent. If one parent cannot be present, specific documentation, like a notarized consent form (DS-3053) from the absent parent, will be necessary. The friendly staff here are accustomed to these family applications and can provide specific advice during your scheduling call.

Passport photos must adhere to strict federal guidelines to be accepted with your application at Portola Po. The required size for U.S. passport photos is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). They must be in color, taken within the last six months, and against a plain white or off-white background. It’s crucial that your face is clearly visible, centered, and you maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural, slight smile, with both eyes open. Eyeglasses are no longer permitted in passport photos. Please note that Portola Po does not offer on-site photo services, so you must bring two identical, compliant photos with you to your appointment at 440 S. Gulling St. Local options like the Dollar General on Commercial Street may offer passport photo services, but it’s always wise to call ahead to confirm.

The processing times for passport applications can fluctuate, but as of late 2024, routine processing for applications submitted through Portola Po averages approximately 7 to 9 weeks from the day your application is received by the Department of State. If you require your passport sooner, expedited service is available for an additional fee, which generally reduces the processing time to about 2 to 3 weeks. These timeframes do not include mailing times to and from the processing centers. After your appointment at 440 S. Gulling St, you’ll receive a tracking number that allows you to monitor the status of your application online. It is always recommended to apply well in advance of any planned international travel to avoid unnecessary stress or additional costs.

The passport office is located at 440 S. GULLING ST, PORTOLA, CA 96122. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 5308324262.0 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 “PORTOLA PO” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at Portola Po, located at 440 S. Gulling St, is generally uncomplicated, reflecting the relaxed pace of a smaller town. The facility offers a dedicated, free on-site parking lot directly in front of the building on the south side, providing approximately 12 designated spaces. This lot is convenient and usually has availability, especially if you arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled passport appointment. Should the small on-site lot be full, ample free street parking is readily accessible along S. Gulling Street itself, typically within 50-100 feet of the entrance. Additional unrestricted street parking can be found on nearby West Street, just one block west, and on Commercial Street, one block north. Both offer plentiful options with no meters or time limits, making it a stress-free experience. For appointments during Portola’s winter months, which can see significant snowfall, it is advisable to arrive earlier, as street parking might be limited by snowdrifts, and the on-site lot will be plowed but spaces may be slick. During the summer, Portola can experience warm temperatures, so prompt arrival helps ensure a quick in-and-out process.

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.