Running Springs Passport Services

Passport photos must adhere to strict U.S. Department of State guidelines to ensure your application isn’t delayed. At the Running Springs facility, the acceptance agents expect photos to be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size, printed on matte or glossy photo paper. Crucially, your head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. The background must be plain white or off-white, with no shadows or patterns. Many applicants find it convenient to have their photos taken at a professional studio or pharmacy, such as Rite Aid on Hilltop Boulevard just a few blocks away, to guarantee compliance before their appointment at the Palo Alto Way Post Office.

For residents of Running Springs requiring an urgent passport, the Post Office at 2641 PALO ALTO WAY can facilitate expedited service. When submitting your DS-11 application, you’ll need to clearly indicate your need for expedited processing and include the additional $60 fee, along with any applicable overnight delivery costs for both sending the application to the passport agency and receiving the final document back. While this facility cannot issue same-day passports, opting for expedited service significantly reduces the processing time. As of November 2024, routine processing averages 7.2 weeks, whereas expedited service typically brings this down to 2.5 weeks. If your travel is truly imminent (within 14 days), you may need to contact the National Passport Information Center directly to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency, such as the one in Los Angeles, which is a significant drive from Running Springs.

Yes, absolutely. To ensure efficient service and minimize wait times for all residents of Running Springs, the passport acceptance facility at 2641 PALO ALTO WAY operates strictly by appointment for all passport application services. Walk-ins for passport applications are generally not accommodated, as dedicated time slots are reserved for each applicant to allow for thorough document review and oath administration. You can schedule your appointment directly through the USPS online appointment scheduler or by calling the Post Office during business hours. It’s highly recommended to book your slot several weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like summer or before major holidays, as available times can fill up quickly in our smaller mountain community.

Yes, for a minor applicant (under 16), both parents or legal guardians are strongly encouraged to appear together at the Running Springs Post Office on Palo Alto Way when submitting the DS-11 application. Both parents must present valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, and provide proof of their parental relationship to the child (e.g., a birth certificate). If only one parent can appear, the absent parent must provide a notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, along with a copy of their valid ID. This stringent requirement is in place to prevent international parental child abduction and ensures the child’s safety, a protocol strictly followed by the acceptance agents here.

When visiting the Running Springs Post Office for your passport application, a specific set of documents is required for a smooth process. You’ll need your completed, but unsigned, Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport. Crucially, bring original proof of U.S. citizenship, such as your original birth certificate or previous, undamaged passport. You’ll also need a valid government-issued identification document, like your California driver’s license, and a clear photocopy of both the front and back of this ID. Finally, two recent, identical 2×2 inch passport photos are mandatory. Having all these items meticulously prepared before your appointment at 2641 PALO ALTO WAY will help the acceptance agent expedite your service efficiently.

The passport office is located at 2641 PALO ALTO WAY, RUNNING SPRINGS, CA 92382. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 9098677278.0 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 “RUNNING SPRINGS” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Running Springs passport facility at 2641 PALO ALTO WAY is straightforward, primarily utilizing the dedicated, free asphalt lot directly in front of the building. This lot provides approximately 15-20 spaces, which are usually sufficient even during busier periods. For applicants with appointments, aiming for a spot in the primary lot is recommended for the shortest walk to the entrance. Additional overflow parking can often be found along Palo Alto Way itself, particularly on the north side, where parallel parking is permitted. These street spots are also free of charge and typically add no more than a 30-second walk to the facility’s front door. If for some reason both these options are full, the small lot for the adjacent Running Springs Village building, located just 0.1 miles west, often has available spaces; a short, flat walk across the paved lot connects the two areas. During winter months, especially after a significant snowfall, the main lot is regularly plowed, but applicants should still exercise caution due to potential icy patches, particularly in the shaded areas near the building’s north side. Arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment allows ample time to secure a convenient parking spot and account for any weather-related conditions without feeling rushed.

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.