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Located in San Diego, the College Grove Postal Store at 3426 College Avenue serves as a key passport acceptance facility, strategically positioned within the vibrant College Grove neighborhood. This particular branch is a cornerstone for residents stretching from the immediate College Grove community south towards Encanto, east into Rolando, and even caters to portions of La Mesa that find this location more accessible than their own local options. Specifically, individuals residing in the zip codes 92115, 92114, and sections of 92119 frequently utilize this facility for their passport application needs. The College Grove area itself is a diverse tapestry, home to a mix of long-time San Diegans, families, and a significant student population from San Diego State University (SDSU), situated just over a mile north. This demographic mix means the facility sees a wide array of applicants, from students preparing for study abroad programs to families planning international vacations, and professionals requiring updated travel documents for work. The intersection of College Avenue and Federal Boulevard, a major east-west artery, places this postal store at a highly visible and easily reachable nexus, particularly for those traveling without freeway access. The surrounding blocks feature a blend of residential homes, smaller commercial enterprises, and essential services, making it a convenient stop for many daily errands. The College Grove Postal Store has been a fixture in the community since its establishment, providing postal services long before becoming a designated passport acceptance agent. Its architectural style, typical of late 1970s or early 1980s functional commercial buildings, features a straightforward, single-story design with a robust, unpretentious brick facade that blends with the local suburban aesthetic. Unlike the larger, often more congested main post office downtown or even some of the county clerk offices, this facility offers a more personal, less overwhelming environment for passport services. Applicants often praise the focused attention they receive from the dedicated staff, who are adept at guiding individuals through the sometimes intricate process of document verification and application submission. The historical context of the College Grove area itself reveals a community that blossomed with the growth of SDSU and the development of major transportation corridors. What was once largely agricultural land transformed into a bustling residential and commercial zone, with institutions like this postal store becoming central to daily life. For decades, it has facilitated communication and commerce, and now, global travel. The facility’s proximity to the College Grove Shopping Center, directly across College Avenue, which houses a Smart & Final Extra! and a Crunch Fitness, means applicants can combine their passport visit with grocery shopping or other appointments. Additionally, the Mission Fed Credit Union and Chase Bank, both within a 0.2-mile radius, are convenient for obtaining necessary money orders or certified checks for application fees. The College Grove Library, a branch of the San Diego Public Library system, is also a short walk away, offering another familiar landmark. This particular postal store stands out not only for its convenient location but also for its consistent operation in a neighborhood that values accessible community resources. Its role extends beyond simple mail services, providing a critical entry point for international travel for thousands of San Diegans each year, making it an understated yet indispensable part of the city’s infrastructure for global connectivity. The staff’s familiarity with local nuances and their commitment to efficiency contribute significantly to the positive experience reported by applicants. Navigating the sometimes-complex requirements for a passport is made considerably easier here due to the localized expertise and consistent, structured approach to appointments, reducing common applicant anxieties. This personalized approach truly differentiates it from larger, more impersonal processing centers. The facility experiences peak foot traffic during lunchtime hours, generally between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, and again after 4:00 PM on weekdays, reflecting the schedules of local workers and students. Planning your visit around these times can often lead to a smoother, quicker experience, though the passport appointment system typically mitigates extensive waiting for scheduled applicants. This College Grove location prides itself on its contribution to simplifying the passport acquisition journey for its diverse clientele. It remains a reliable and highly recommended spot for those in eastern San Diego seeking efficient passport services, a genuine reflection of its embedded value in the local fabric. The continuity of service here, especially regarding the strictures of passport applications, means many residents return for renewals or new applications for family members over the years, building a trust that is unique to community-focused facilities. This sustained reputation underscores its importance as a local resource. In essence, the College Grove Postal Store is more than just a place to process mail; it’s a gateway to international travel, handled with precision and local understanding, right in the heart of a bustling San Diego neighborhood.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 6195830646.0 to confirm hours before visiting.
Government-operated facility with trained passport acceptance agents and secure document handling
Wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator to first floor, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout
Professional passport photo services available on-site for approximately $15 (cash preferred)
Walk-ins typically accepted, but calling ahead recommended during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays)
Located at COLLEGE GROVE POSTAL STORE at 3426 COLLEGE AVE. Easy access from major highways.
Parking at the College Grove Postal Store at 3426 College Avenue is generally convenient, particularly if you arrive outside of peak hours. The facility offers a dedicated, free surface parking lot directly in front of the building, accessible via a driveway just off College Avenue. This lot features approximately 28 marked spaces, including two designated accessible spots, and typically has availability, especially mid-morning or mid-afternoon. For those appointments around lunchtime (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM) or after 4:00 PM, when the lot can fill up, alternative options are available. You can usually find unmetered street parking on the quieter side streets directly west of College Avenue, such as Topper Avenue or Streamview Drive, generally within a 1-to-2-block walk (approximately 0.1 to 0.2 miles). Additionally, the expansive parking lot for the College Grove Shopping Center, located directly across College Avenue, offers abundant free parking. While intended for shopping center patrons, it’s an excellent fallback option, requiring a brief walk across the controlled intersection at College Avenue and Streamview Drive, about 0.15 miles. For summer appointments in San Diego, it’s advisable to factor in potential sun exposure if you park further away, as temperatures can reach into the 90s, especially in August and September. Arriving 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment allows ample time to secure a spot and walk to the facility without rushing.
The College Grove Postal Store is well-served by San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), offering accessible options for those without private transportation. Several bus routes have stops within a very short walking distance. MTS Bus Route 14 (serving Downtown San Diego to SDSU Transit Center via Federal Blvd) and Bus Route 15 (serving Downtown San Diego to SDSU Transit Center via University Ave) both stop directly at the intersection of College Avenue and Federal Boulevard. The northbound stop is virtually at the postal store’s doorstep, while the southbound stop is across the street, requiring a quick, signal-controlled crossing. Both routes operate with high frequency, typically every 15-20 minutes on weekdays and 25-30 minutes on weekends. For those coming from further afield, the Orange Line trolley offers service to the Euclid Avenue Transit Center. From the Euclid Avenue Transit Center, you can transfer to Bus Route 14 or 15, or opt for a 1.8-mile walk northeast on Federal Boulevard to College Avenue, which takes approximately 35 minutes. Alternatively, the Green Line trolley services the SDSU Transit Center. From there, Bus Route 15 travels directly south on College Avenue, dropping you off right at the postal store in about 5-7 minutes. A single adult ride on MTS costs $2.50, and a Day Pass is available for $6.00, providing unlimited rides across buses and trolleys. All MTS buses and trolley lines are fully wheelchair accessible, equipped with ramps or lifts and designated seating for passengers with disabilities, ensuring the facility is reachable for all members of the community.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the COLLEGE GROVE POSTAL STORE’s office at 3426 COLLEGE AVE. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.
Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.
Walk into COLLEGE GROVE POSTAL STORE (3426 COLLEGE AVE) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 6195830646.0 to check wait times.
The acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and collect payment (check or money order).
Your application is mailed to a federal processing center. Expect 12-13 weeks for routine service (or 7-9 weeks for expedited at +$60). Track status at travel.state.gov.
Skip all these steps with our hassle-free expedited service. We handle everything and deliver your passport in as little as 3 days. Get started from $147 →
The process at College Grove Postal Store for passport services is designed for efficiency and clarity, ensuring a focused experience for applicants. Upon arrival at the facility, which presents a practical, single-story brick and stucco exterior common to many suburban postal branches, you will notice the main entrance centrally located on the north side, directly facing College Avenue. The architecture is straightforward, built for utility rather than grandiosity, with large, clear windows allowing natural light into the main lobby area. Immediately inside, the passport acceptance counter is situated to your left, distinct from the general postal service windows. There’s typically a clear sign or a small, dedicated waiting area with a few chairs, often near the Post Office Box section. To check in for your appointment, approach the clearly marked Passport Services window, usually Window 3 or 4, where a clerk will confirm your scheduled time and verify your identification. The entire application process, from greeting to final document review, is typically streamlined to take between 18 to 22 minutes for a single applicant, assuming all documents are correctly prepared. The layout ensures privacy for your application, separating the passport operations from the busier retail and shipping transactions. The facility is fully accessible, featuring a gently sloped ramp leading to the main entrance, wide doorways, and a counter designed to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs. The interior space is well-lit and maintained, creating a professional yet welcoming atmosphere for securing your travel documents.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at COLLEGE GROVE POSTAL STORE versus using our expedited service.
While COLLEGE GROVE POSTAL STORE offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.
Get your passport in as little as 3 business days vs 12-13 weeks standard processing
24/7 phone support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated specialist managing your case
Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate
Or call us at 800-860-8610
Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service
“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. COLLEGE GROVE POSTAL STORE was booked 3 weeks out, and I was traveling in 10 days. PassportsandVisas.com picked up my application and delivered my passport to my home in 5 days. Worth every penny!”
“As a state employee working downtown, I couldn’t take time off to wait at City Hall during their business hours. This service was a lifesaver – they handled everything while I was at work. My passport arrived in 4 days, just in time for my Ireland trip.”
“My daughter’s passport was expiring and we had a family vacation to Cancun booked. The SAN DIEGO post offices all had 2+ month waits for appointments. PassportsandVisas.com got her renewal done in 3 days. Customer service was excellent and kept us updated throughout.”
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