Quick Answers for Los Angeles

Where do I apply in person?
USPS/county acceptance facilities around Los Angeles (Downtown LA, Hollywood, Koreatown).
Can I renew by mail?
Yes, if DS‑82 eligible (adult 10‑year passport ≤15 years old, undamaged, same name or with proof).
Fastest option in LA?
Courier expediting paired with an early acceptance appointment—slot‑dependent.
Do I need an appointment?
Typically yes; limited walk‑ins exist. Book mornings to reduce wait times.

Summary & Key Takeaways for Los Angeles

  • DS-11 (in person) for first-time, child, lost/stolen, name change without DS-82 eligibility, or expired >5 years.
  • DS-82 (by mail) for adults with a 10-year passport issued ≤15 years ago, undamaged, same name (or legal proof).
  • Fastest paths: USPS expedited or a courier that submits at a passport agency when slots are released.
  • Payments: Bring check/money order for State fees; facilities may accept cards for their fee—verify.
  • Transit: Public transit is ideal for downtown facilities; drive off-peak for suburban locations.
Pro tip: For LA traffic, book the earliest USPS appointments and pair with a courier slot; beach and campus areas fill fast.

Which Form Do I Need? DS-11 vs DS-82

Answer four quick questions and get a recommendation plus next steps.

DS-11 steps DS-82 steps

Processing Times & Costs (Illustrative)

Typical/approximate—fees and times can change. Facilities set their own execution fees.

OptionSpeed (typ.)WhereTypical Cost*
Routine6–8 weeksDS-11 acceptance or DS-82 mail$130–$165+
USPS Expedited~2–3 weeksAdd State expedite + faster postage$190–$230+
Courier ExpeditingAs fast as slots allowCourier hand-carry at passport agency$349–$799+ service + State fees

*Excludes optional 1–2 day return; children’s fees differ. Bring separate payments for State vs. facility.

Cost & ETA Calculator



Need it faster? Consider our passport expediting services—often quicker when agency slots are available.

Explore Expedited

Expedited in LA (Courier Service)

When time is tight, a registered courier can submit at a U.S. passport agency on your behalf when agency release windows/slots permit. We manage acceptance (if needed), packaging, submission, and updates.

What we do

  • Verify eligibility and confirm the correct form
  • Prep a city-specific checklist (acceptance sites, payments, photos)
  • Coordinate an acceptance appointment if DS-11 is required
  • Secure a courier submission window (slot-dependent)
  • Hand-deliver and track progress, updating you at each milestone
Start Expedited Passport View Expedited FAQs

What you bring

  • Completed form (unsigned DS-11; signed DS-82)
  • Proof of citizenship + ID (with photocopies)
  • One compliant 2×2″ photo
  • Payments: State fee (check/money order) + our service fee (card accepted)
  • Travel proof if requested (flight, itinerary, employer letter)
Pro tip: Pair an early-week acceptance appointment with the next courier slot for the shortest overall timeline.

Passport Acceptance Facilities (Los Angeles Metro) — With Maps

Typical details shown. Verify current address, hours, and appointment policy before you go.

USPS — Los Angeles Central (Downtown)
Transit: B/D Line to Pershing Square; short walk. Parking: garages on Hill/Olive.
USPS — Hollywood Station
Transit: B Line to Hollywood/Highland. Parking: mall/garage parking nearby.
USPS — Santa Monica (5th St)
Transit: E Line to Downtown Santa Monica. Parking: City structures 1–9.
USPS — Westwood Village
Transit: Rapid bus; future D Line. Parking: village garages/meters.
USPS — Pasadena (Green St)
Transit: L Line to Del Mar or Memorial Park. Parking: Old Pasadena garages.
USPS — Culver City Main
Transit: E Line to Culver City. Parking: center lot.
USPS — North Hollywood
Transit: B Line to NoHo; short rideshare. Parking: center lot.

Don’t Wait — Get Your LA Passport Started Today

Appointments and courier slots can go quickly. Let our LA expediting team handle the scheduling, forms, and delivery so you can focus on the trip.

Start Expedited Passport Find Acceptance Office
★★★★★

“Smoothest renewal I’ve ever had.”

— Marcus Y., Santa Monica

★★★★★

“Got my passport days before departure thanks to the courier team.”

— Sun‑Hee K., Westwood

★★★★☆

“They even guided me on transit to the acceptance office.”

— Trevor L., Pasadena

Transit & Driving (LA)

LA Central USPS (Downtown)

Metrorail: K → E → B/D Line to Pershing Square; walk via 5th/Hill.

Driving: 110/101 to Downtown; garages along Hill/Olive.

Santa Monica USPS (5th St)

Rail: K → E Line to Downtown Santa Monica.

Driving: I‑10 W; use City Structures 1–9.

Hollywood USPS

Rail: K → E → B Line to Hollywood/Highland.

Driving: US‑101 to Highland Ave; mall garages nearby.

Heads‑up: Peak hours can double drive times—build buffer.

Passport Photo Rules (Do & Don’t)

Do

  • Recent color photo, 2×2″, white/off-white background.
  • Neutral expression, eyes open, full face centered.
  • Remove glasses unless medically necessary with statement.
  • Even lighting; avoid shadows; no filters.

Don’t

  • No selfies or busy backgrounds.
  • No hats, headphones, or sunglasses.
  • No heavy retouching or color casts.
  • No cropped group shots.
LA tip: Ocean breeze + humidity can frizz hair—tie back; avoid noon glare.

Child Passports (Under 16) — LA Basics

  • Both parents/guardians should attend; otherwise bring notarized DS-3053 + ID copy for the absent parent.
  • Bring the child’s certified birth certificate (with parents’ names) or citizenship evidence.
  • Child passports are valid 5 years and always renewed with DS-11.
  • If names differ, carry legal documents (court order, adoption decree, etc.).
Heads‑up: School-year afternoons book fast—aim for morning appointments.

Passport Name Change in Los Angeles

  • DS-82 by mail if adult passport ≤15 years old and you can submit legal proof (marriage certificate, court order).
  • DS-11 in person if you can’t mail the old passport, it’s damaged/very old, or you lack acceptable proof.
Pro tip: Use certified copies, not scans. Tight timeline? Ask about courier after acceptance.

Lost or Stolen Passport (LA)

Report promptly and apply with DS-11 + DS-64. Bring citizenship proof, state ID, and a new photo. Courier expediting can be possible with proper documentation.

Watch: How to Get a Passport in Los Angeles

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What LA Travelers Say

★★★★★

“Booked an early appointment and they handled the rest. Passport arrived right on time.”

— Naomi P., Silver Lake

★★★★★

“They expedited my child’s DS‑11 and explained payment details.”

— Hector R., Echo Park

★★★★☆

“Lost passport week before travel. Courier slot came through—lifesaver.”

— Priya S., Culver City

LA Checklists

DS-11 (In-Person) Checklist

  • ☐ Completed DS-11 (unsigned)
  • ☐ Proof of citizenship (original/certified) + photocopy
  • ☐ Valid photo ID + photocopy (front/back)
  • ☐ One 2×2″ photo
  • ☐ State fee (check/money order)
  • ☐ Local execution fee (card/cash per facility)
  • ☐ Travel proof (if urgent/courier)
  • ☐ Appointment confirmation & tracking

DS-82 (Mail-In) Checklist

  • ☐ Completed DS-82 (signed)
  • ☐ Most recent undamaged passport
  • ☐ Name-change document (if applicable)
  • ☐ One 2×2″ photo
  • ☐ State fee (check/money order)
  • ☐ Expedited postage/1–2 day return (optional)
  • ☐ Trackable mail from Los Angeles; save receipt

LA Passport FAQ

Does Metro reach the main acceptance offices?

B/D Line reaches Downtown; E Line reaches Santa Monica; buses serve Westwood and Culver City.

Where should I park Downtown?

Hill/Olive garages near Pershing Square; metered street parking is limited and time‑restricted.

Best time of day for appointments?

Before 10am on weekdays. Avoid Fridays and holiday weeks when possible.

How fast is courier expediting in LA?

Slot‑dependent. When agency slots line up with your acceptance date, total time can be significantly faster.

Can I renew by mail if I changed my name?

Yes—include legal proof (marriage certificate or court order) with your DS‑82.

Do facilities accept credit cards?

Some do for their own execution fee. The State fee must be check/money order.

What if my ID is from another state?

Bring secondary ID or supporting docs. Out‑of‑state IDs are usually accepted with proper proof.

What’s closest to LAX?

Culver City Main or Westchester‑area USPS (appointment policies vary). Traffic on Sepulveda/Lincoln impacts timing.

Are walk‑ins possible?

Policies vary. Some sites occasionally allow limited walk‑ins—call ahead.

Where to get photos near Hollywood/Highland?

Retail counters in the mall complex and nearby shipping stores offer compliant photos.

Is proof of travel required?

Not for routine. Helpful for urgent courier requests or emergency appointments.

How do I track a mailed renewal?

Use USPS tracking and consider Informed Delivery notifications.

Will holidays delay things?

Yes—USPS/clerk sites close on Federal holidays; agency/courier timing tightens.

What’s the cheapest option?

DS‑82 by mail when eligible; otherwise DS‑11 routine at a local facility.

Do you cover the Valley?

Yes—North Hollywood and surrounding facilities are common; courier coverage is metro‑wide.

Suggested Original Images & Alt Text

  • Hero: “Los Angeles skyline at dusk with a U.S. passport and boarding pass on a clean table; no faces visible.”
  • Flowchart: “DS‑11 vs DS‑82 decision path for LA applicants.”
  • Map pins: “Pins in Downtown, Hollywood, Koreatown for passport acceptance areas.”
  • Exterior: “Front of a Los Angeles post office with no faces or plates.”