Santa Ana Sdc Post Office Passport Services

Yes, securing an appointment for passport services at the Santa Ana Sdc Post Office is highly recommended and, in many cases, essential to guarantee service. While the post office is open for general mail services, passport processing requires dedicated time with a trained acceptance agent. The demand for passport appointments can fluctuate, but booking ahead via the USPS online scheduling system, accessible through the official USPS website, ensures you have a confirmed slot. Attempting a walk-in can lead to significant wait times or even a denial of service if the schedule is fully booked or staffing is insufficient. For instance, between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the facility experiences its highest foot traffic, making pre-booked appointments particularly critical. Always confirm your appointment details and bring the printed confirmation for a smoother experience.

Walking in for passport services at the Santa Ana Sdc Post Office without a prior appointment is generally discouraged. While some facilities might accommodate walk-ins during extremely slow periods, the Santa Ana Sdc Post Office prioritizes scheduled appointments to maintain efficiency and manage staff workloads effectively. The passport acceptance agents have specific availability, and interruptions from unscheduled applicants can delay those with confirmed times. Patrons attempting walk-in service during peak hours, such as weekday mornings or early afternoons, will likely be asked to schedule an appointment online or return at a less busy time. To avoid a wasted trip or lengthy wait, it is strongly advised to utilize the online appointment scheduler. Calling the post office directly at (800) 275-8777 immediately before your visit might provide a real-time assessment of walk-in possibilities, but this is not a guarantee of service.

The Santa Ana Sdc Post Office can facilitate the expedited *submission* of your passport application to the U.S. Department of State, but the actual expedited *processing* occurs at the passport agency level. When you apply at this facility, you can request expedited processing by marking the appropriate box on Form DS-11 and paying the additional $60 fee directly to the Department of State. Furthermore, you have the option to pay for overnight delivery of your application to the passport agency, and for overnight return delivery of your completed passport from the agency. These fees are separate from the standard application fee and the $35 acceptance fee paid to the Post Office. It’s crucial to understand that while the facility ensures your application is sent quickly, the actual processing timeline (as of November 2024, expedited averages 2.5 weeks) is determined by the State Department, not the local post office.

The total cost for a U.S. passport involves two separate payments: one to the U.S. Department of State and another to the Santa Ana Sdc Post Office as the acceptance facility. For a standard passport book, the Department of State fee is $130 for adults (or $100 for minors under 16), payable by check or money order only. If you also desire a passport card, it’s an additional $30 (adult) or $15 (minor). Separately, the Santa Ana Sdc Post Office charges a mandatory $35 acceptance fee for processing your application. This fee can typically be paid via credit/debit card, cash, or money order directly at the counter. For example, a first-time adult applicant seeking both a passport book and card would pay $160 to the Department of State and $35 to the Post Office, totaling $195. Be prepared with two distinct payment methods for these separate transactions.

At the Santa Ana Sdc Post Office, payment for your passport application is split into two distinct transactions with different accepted forms. The first payment, for the passport application fee itself (e.g., $130 for a passport book), must be made payable to the ‘U.S. Department of State.’ For this portion, only personal checks, certified checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders are accepted. Cash or credit cards cannot be used for the Department of State fee. The second payment is the $35 execution/acceptance fee charged by the Santa Ana Sdc Post Office for reviewing and sealing your application. This fee can be paid with a wider range of options, including credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), debit cards, cash, or money orders. Ensure you have the correct payment methods for both components to avoid delays during your appointment.

The passport office is located at 2201 N. GRAND AVE, SANTA ANA, CA 92711. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 7146676734.0 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 “SANTA ANA SDC POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Santa Ana Sdc Post Office at 2201 N. GRAND AVE is generally quite manageable due to a generously sized, free surface lot directly adjacent to the building. This primary lot, accessible directly off North Grand Avenue, offers approximately 85 marked spaces, including several ADA-compliant spots near the main entrance. For passport appointment holders, arriving 10-15 minutes prior is usually sufficient to secure a convenient space, even during busier midday hours. Should the main lot be unexpectedly full, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on weekdays, an overflow option exists. You can often find unmetered street parking along East Fairhaven Avenue, approximately two blocks south, which provides a straightforward 0.3-mile walk back to the post office. Another alternative is the small commercial strip lot across Grand Avenue, though specific rules and tenant-only restrictions may apply. During the summer months, Santa Ana experiences significant heat, often exceeding 90°F, so parking closer and minimizing walking distance is advisable. In the infrequent event of winter rain, overhead coverage is minimal, so a short dash from your vehicle to the main entrance on the south side of the building is common. Strategic parking means you can focus entirely on your passport application 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.