San Mateo Main Post Office Passport Services

Yes, the San Mateo Main Post Office accepts a variety of payment methods for the passport acceptance fee, which is a separate $35 fee paid directly to the USPS. You can use major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, as well as debit cards. For the actual passport book or card fee, which goes to the U.S. Department of State, you will need a check or money order. It’s critical to remember these are two distinct payments, often to different entities, so prepare accordingly. Bringing both a checkbook and a credit card ensures you are ready for both transactions at the 1630 South Delaware Street facility.

Absolutely, the San Mateo Main Post Office at 1630 South Delaware Street offers on-site passport photo services for your convenience. This service ensures your photos meet the strict Department of State requirements for size, background, and facial expression, which can be tricky to get right elsewhere. You can typically get your photos taken right before or during your passport appointment, streamlining the entire application process. The cost for two compliant passport photos is generally around $15-$18, payable with cash, credit, or debit card at the main counter. This eliminates the need to visit a separate photo studio or drugstore beforehand.

If you require your passport urgently, you have a few options when applying at the San Mateo Main Post Office. During your appointment, you can opt for expedited processing, which significantly reduces the Department of State’s processing time for an additional fee of $60 per application. You can also pay for expedited shipping from the Department of State to receive your passport faster once processed. For extreme urgency, such as international travel within 2-3 weeks, you would generally need to contact the National Passport Information Center directly or schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency, like the one in San Francisco, as the San Mateo facility is an acceptance facility, not an issuing agency, and cannot guarantee ultra-fast turnaround beyond the expedited service.

Yes, securing an appointment for passport services at the San Mateo Main Post Office is highly recommended and, in most cases, required. While some post offices might occasionally accommodate walk-ins during very slow periods, the San Mateo facility, due to its central location and high demand, primarily operates on an appointment-only basis for passport applications. Scheduling an appointment ensures that a trained acceptance agent is available to assist you without extensive wait times and allows you to plan your visit efficiently. You can typically schedule an appointment through the USPS online appointment scheduler or by calling the facility directly during business hours. Arriving without a prior appointment often results in being turned away or facing a lengthy wait, making advance booking essential for a smooth process.

For a minor’s passport application (under 16), both parents or legal guardians must generally appear in person with the child at the San Mateo Main Post Office. They will need to present proof of their relationship to the child (like a birth certificate), valid photo identification for themselves, and demonstrate parental consent. If one parent is unable to attend, they must provide a notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent. This strict two-parent consent requirement is in place to prevent international parental child abduction and ensures that both parents are aware of and agree to the child’s passport application, safeguarding the child’s welfare during international travel.

The passport office is located at 1630 SOUTH DELAWARE STREET, SAN MATEO, CA 94402. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 6503588490.0 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 “SAN MATEO MAIN POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the San Mateo Main Post Office at 1630 South Delaware Street is generally manageable, especially with strategic planning. The facility provides a dedicated, free surface parking lot directly adjacent to the building on its north side, accessible via a driveway from South Delaware Street. This lot features approximately 47 marked spaces, including several ADA-compliant spots closest to the main entrance. While typically sufficient, this lot can fill quickly during peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on weekdays. If the main lot is full, alternative street parking is available on South Delaware Street itself, where metered spaces are common. These meters generally charge around $1.50 per hour from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, though availability varies. Further options exist on the residential side streets immediately west of South Delaware, such as Saratoga Drive or Monte Diablo Avenue, which often offer unrestricted, free street parking within a 2-3 block radius. For a passport appointment, arriving 15-20 minutes early is highly recommended to secure a spot in the primary lot or comfortably find street parking without rushing. During the summer months, be prepared for significant sun exposure in the lot, and in winter, particularly after a rain, puddling can occur, so choose your spot carefully. There are no nearby parking garages within a convenient walking distance, so street or lot parking are your primary considerations.

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.