Santa Monica Main Post Office Passport Services

Yes, the Santa Monica Main Post Office at 1653 7th Street is a designated acceptance facility for passport renewals, provided you meet the specific criteria for renewal by mail. If your most recent passport was issued less than 15 years ago, you were at least 16 years old when it was issued, and you can submit it undamaged, you can typically renew by mail using Form DS-82. However, if your previous passport is lost, stolen, or expired more than 15 years ago, or if you were under 16 when it was issued, you must apply in person using Form DS-11, which this facility can assist with. It’s always best to bring all relevant documents and be prepared for either scenario to ensure a smooth process here in Santa Monica.

The cost of a new passport book application at the Santa Monica Main Post Office totals $130 for the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, plus a separate $35 execution fee paid directly to the USPS facility. If you also require a passport card, that adds an additional $30 for the application fee. For expedited service, an extra $60 fee is added per application, paid to the Department of State. Furthermore, for those needing immediate travel, an optional 1-2 day return delivery service for the finished passport costs $19.53, which is paid to the Department of State. The on-site photo service at this facility is typically $15, a convenient option if you haven’t secured photos beforehand.

The primary distinction between routine and expedited processing for a passport lies in the processing timeframe and associated cost. Routine processing, as of November 2024, generally takes 7-10 weeks for delivery after your application is submitted at the Santa Monica Main Post Office. This standard service costs $130 for a passport book. Expedited processing, however, significantly reduces this wait time to 3-5 weeks, but it incurs an additional $60 fee per application, paid to the Department of State. While the Santa Monica facility handles both, choosing expedited service is crucial if your travel date is within a few months. Remember, the stated times are from when the Department of State receives your application, not from your appointment here on 7th Street, so factor in mailing time.

Yes, parking is available, but planning ahead is key when visiting the Santa Monica Main Post Office at 1653 7th Street. Metered street parking can be found on 7th Street and surrounding blocks like Arizona Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, typically costing $2.00-$2.50 per hour with a 1-2 hour limit. These spaces are often in high demand, especially during weekday business hours. For a less stressful experience, we recommend using one of the City of Santa Monica’s public parking structures, such as Structure 7 at 1220 5th Street (about a 5-block walk). These garages offer more spaces and longer parking durations, though at a slightly higher hourly rate. Arriving 15-20 minutes early for your appointment is a smart strategy to locate suitable parking and walk to the facility.

After submitting your passport application at the Santa Monica Main Post Office, you can track its status online. Approximately 7 to 10 business days after your appointment, the U.S. Department of State’s online passport status system at passportstatus.state.gov will update to reflect your application’s receipt. You’ll need the last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number to access this information. This system provides real-time updates on whether your application is ‘In Process,’ ‘Approved,’ or ‘Mailed.’ For additional inquiries or if you encounter issues, you can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Remember, the processing times quoted begin from when the Department of State receives your application, not from the date you visit our 7th Street location.

The passport office is located at 1653 7TH STREET, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 8002758777.0 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 MONICA MAIN POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking around the Santa Monica Main Post Office at 1653 7th Street requires strategic planning, especially during peak weekday hours. Directly on 7th Street and adjacent side streets like Arizona Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, you’ll find metered street parking available, typically priced at $2.00-$2.50 per hour. These meters enforce a 1-2 hour maximum stay, which can be restrictive for a passport appointment plus any unforeseen delays. It’s advisable to bring plenty of quarters or use the city’s ParkMe app for convenient mobile payment. Spaces on 7th Street directly in front of the post office are often competitive. For more secure and longer-term parking, consider one of the nearby City of Santa Monica parking structures. Public Parking Structure 7, located at 1220 5th Street, offers a more reliable option; it’s about a 0.3-mile, 5-block walk east from the post office. Rates here are generally around $2.00 for the first 90 minutes, then $1.50 per 30 minutes thereafter. Another viable choice is Public Parking Structure 6 at 1232 2nd Street, approximately a 0.4-mile, 6-block walk. Rates are comparable, but availability can vary. During summer months, tourist traffic significantly impacts parking availability and congestion, particularly between June and August. Arriving at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time is highly recommended to secure adequate parking, allowing for the walk to the facility and any payment setup. Consider the shaded spaces on the lower levels of the parking structures during warmer periods, as Santa Monica’s summer sun can make a short walk feel longer.

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.