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Ready to explore the world beyond Sunnyvale? Getting your U.S. passport is the first step! This guide will walk you through the process, offering local tips and a straightforward approach to navigating the paperwork and appointments right from the heart of Silicon Valley. Let’s get your travel document sorted!
Before anything else, figure out your situation. Are you applying for a passport for the very first time, or is it time to renew an existing one? Perhaps you’re getting one for a child under 16, which has its own specific requirements. New applicants (and minors) will tackle the DS-11 form, while renewals for eligible adults use the simpler DS-82. Your path forward depends heavily on this initial assessment. Double-checking your current passport’s expiration date or ensuring you have all your previous documents ready will streamline the subsequent steps considerably. This distinction is crucial as it dictates the forms you’ll use and where you’ll ultimately submit everything.
Not sure which type you need? First-time applicants must apply in person, while renewals can often be done by mail if your previous passport is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years.
Now comes the treasure hunt for your essential documents! For proving your U.S. citizenship, you’ll need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a previous undamaged passport, or a certificate of naturalization. Photocopies won’t cut it – they need to see the real deal. Alongside that, bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as your California driver’s license or state ID card. Remember, for new applications (DS-11), you’ll also need a photocopy of both sides of your citizenship evidence and your ID. Make sure all names match across your documents to avoid any frustrating delays. Keep these crucial papers safe until your appointment!
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Time to complete the appropriate application form. Head over to the U.S. Department of State website to fill out either the DS-11 (for first-time applicants, minors, or if your old passport is lost/stolen) or the DS-82 (for eligible renewals). Filling it out online is often easiest, allowing you to print it with a barcode. Critically, if you’re using the DS-11, *do not sign it* until you are in front of an acceptance agent. For the DS-82, you can sign it before mailing. Take your time to ensure all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents perfectly. Any discrepancies could lead to your application being returned, causing significant delays.
Fill out Form DS-11 for new applications or DS-82 for renewals. Don’t sign the form until instructed by the acceptance agent—signing early can invalidate your application.
Your passport photo isn’t just any picture; it has strict requirements. It must be a recent, color photo, 2×2 inches in size, with a white or off-white background. No glasses, no hats (unless for religious purposes with a signed statement), and maintain a neutral facial expression or a slight, natural smile. Don’t try to take this yourself unless you’re confident you can meet all the guidelines. Luckily, Sunnyvale has several convenient spots for this! Local CVS, Walgreens, or even the AAA office on El Camino Real can snap a compliant photo for you quickly and correctly, often for a small fee.
Passport photos must be 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white background. Many post offices and pharmacies offer this service, or use our expedited service for hassle-free photo assistance.
This step is for DS-11 applicants and those applying for minors. You can’t just mail in a DS-11; you must submit it in person to an authorized acceptance facility. The Sunnyvale Post Office (444 N Fair Oaks Ave) or the Santa Clara Post Office (1200 Franklin St) are common choices, but it’s essential to call ahead or check their website to confirm hours and if an appointment is necessary for passport services. Some facilities, like the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, also process passports, but always confirm their specific requirements. For DS-82 renewals, you’ll simply mail your application, old passport, photo, and payment directly to the address specified on the form.
Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. Need it faster? Our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 business days with zero errors guaranteed. Call (800) 860-8610 to get started.
Finally, the financial part! Passport fees vary depending on whether you want a passport book, card, or both, and if you opt for expedited service. For DS-11 applications, you’ll need to pay the application fee directly to the U.S. Department of State (usually by check or money order) and a separate execution fee to the acceptance facility (cash, check, or credit card may be accepted). Check current fees on the State Department website. After submission, it’s a waiting game. Standard processing times can fluctuate, but you can track your application’s status online. If you’re planning a trip soon, consider the expedited service for a quicker turnaround, though it comes with an extra cost.
Track your application status online at the State Department’s website using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Updates typically appear within 7-10 days of submission.
Use these free tools to plan your passport application
Find out if standard processing will work for your trip from sunnyvale
Make sure you have everything needed for sunnyvale facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ sunnyvale applications and found the top errors: incorrect photo specifications (38%), photocopied birth certificates instead of originals (31%), and unsigned forms (22%). Our expert review catches these errors before submission—we maintain a 99.2% error-free rate, saving you weeks of delays.
Understanding which process applies to you
New passport applications require you to visit one of sunnyvale’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Santa Clara County and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no sunnyvale facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from sunnyvale.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in sunnyvale. Most passport acceptance facilities offer free street parking or metered parking nearby. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
Find the nearest acceptance location — or skip the hassle entirely
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