How to Get a Passport in Barstow CA: Facilities, Fees, Steps

Getting a Passport in Barstow, CA

Barstow, located in San Bernardino County, California, serves as a key stop along Interstate 15, making it a convenient spot for residents planning international trips. California sees heavy passport demand due to frequent business travel to Asia and Europe, tourism hotspots like Mexico and Canada, and seasonal spikes in spring/summer vacations and winter breaks. Students from nearby universities and exchange programs add to the volume, alongside urgent last-minute trips for family emergencies or job opportunities. However, high demand often leads to limited appointments at acceptance facilities, so planning ahead is essential—especially during peak seasons when wait times stretch longer [1].

This guide walks you through the process step by step, tailored to Barstow-area residents. Whether you're applying for the first time, renewing, or replacing a lost passport, understanding your options prevents common pitfalls like photo rejections from shadows or glare, incomplete minor documentation, or using the wrong form for renewals.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right service avoids delays and extra trips. Use this section to match your situation:

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport. Apply in person at an acceptance facility using Form DS-11. Both adults and minors need this [2].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, is undamaged, and was issued within the last 15 years. You can renew by mail using Form DS-82 if it meets these criteria. Otherwise, apply in person as a "renewal" using DS-11. Many Barstow applicants confuse this and show up in person unnecessarily [2].

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Report it lost/stolen online first, then apply in person with Form DS-64 (statement) and DS-11. Expedited options apply if urgent [3].

• Name Change or Correction: Use Form DS-5504 by mail if changed within one year of issuance; otherwise, treat as replacement.

For urgent travel within 14 days, note that "expedited" service (2-3 weeks) differs from "urgent" life-or-death emergencies (as few as 3 days at a regional agency). Expedited doesn't guarantee same-day processing—plan accordingly, and avoid relying on last-minute options during California's busy travel seasons [1].

To confirm eligibility, download forms from the U.S. Department of State site and review your old passport [2].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Barstow and Nearby

Barstow has limited facilities, so book early—appointments fill quickly due to regional demand from San Bernardino County.

• Barstow Main Post Office: 905 E. Main Street, Barstow, CA 92311. Open weekdays; call (760) 256-3319 for appointments. Handles first-time, minors, and replacements [4].

• Nearby Options (within 50 miles, for flexibility):

  • Victorville Post Office: 14041 Hesperia Rd, Victorville, CA 92395 [4].
  • San Bernardino County Clerk-Recorder (for birth certificates if needed): Multiple locations, but passports primarily at post offices [5].

Use the official locator for real-time availability: iafdb.travel.state.gov. Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents; no walk-ins during peaks [1].

Required Documents

Gather these before your appointment to sidestep incomplete application rejections, a top issue for California applicants.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy):

• U.S. birth certificate (issued by city/county; hospital versions often invalid). Order from San Bernardino County Recorder (Barstow office: 247 N 1st Ave) or California Vital Records [5][6].
• Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship.

Proof of Identity (original + photocopy):

• Driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID. California REAL ID works [2].

For Minors Under 16:

• Both parents' consent (Forms DS-3053 if one parent), or court order. Presence of both parents required—common Barstow challenge with split families [2].

Photocopy all on standard 8.5x11 paper, front and back.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photos cause 25% of rejections in high-volume areas like California. Specs: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 6 months, head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral expression, no glasses/shadows/glare/hat (unless religious/medical) [7].

Where to get them:

• CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart in Barstow (e.g., 2820 Lenwood Rd).
• USPS or acceptance facilities often provide ($15-20).

Selfies or home prints fail dimensions—use professionals. Check samples at travel.state.gov [7].

Fees and Payment

Pay separately: Application fee (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State") + execution fee (cash/check/credit at facility).

Total for adult book: ~$165 standard. Track payments; no refunds for errors [2].

Processing Times and Expedited Service

Standard: 6-8 weeks (mail from facility to State Department). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60, 1-2 day return mail). Urgent: Within 14 days? Use regional passport agency in Los Angeles (2-hour drive; appointment only via 1-877-487-2778). Life-or-death only for 72-hour processing [1].

California's seasonal peaks (spring break March-April, summer June-August, winter December) delay even expedited services—apply 3+ months early. No hard guarantees; track at passportstatus.state.gov [1].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications

Use this checklist for your Barstow Post Office visit:

1. Confirm eligibility: Use travel.state.gov/passport wizard [2].
2. Fill out form: DS-11 (unsigned until appointment). Print single-sided [2].
3. Gather documents: Citizenship proof + photocopy, ID + photocopy, photos (2), minor forms if applicable.
4. Calculate fees: Two payments ready (check for State Dept., other for facility).
5. Book appointment: Call Barstow Post Office or check online [4].
6. Arrive early: Bring completed (unsigned) form, all items.
7. Sign in presence: Agent witnesses signature.
8. Pay and submit: Get receipt with tracking number.
9. Track status: Online after 7-10 days.
10. Plan pickup: Mailed to you; allow extra for Barstow's remote location.

For renewals by mail (DS-82): Mail to address on form with old passport, photo, fees. Use USPS Priority ($20+ tracking) [2].

Special Considerations for Barstow Residents

• Minors and Families: High student travel from Barstow Unified School District means book parent appointments together. Missing one parent's ID delays everything [2].
• Urgent Travel: LA Passport Agency (11000 Wilshire Blvd) for emergencies; I-15 drive ~2 hours. No routine urgent service locally [1].
• Birth Certificates: San Bernardino County issues certified copies ($29+); order online or in-person at Barstow station. California state for older records [5][6].
• Military/Students: Bases like Fort Irwin nearby—check for on-base facilities. Exchange students: Additional visas post-passport.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Barstow

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and process passport applications for U.S. citizens. These sites, which may include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, or municipal buildings, do not issue passports themselves—that responsibility lies with regional passport agencies or processing centers. Instead, staff at these facilities verify your identity, administer the oath on your application, collect fees, and forward your documents for review.

In and around Barstow, several such facilities serve residents and travelers in the Mojave Desert region, offering convenient options amid the area's mix of urban and rural spots. Expect a straightforward process: arrive with a completed DS-11 form (for first-time applicants) or DS-82 (for renewals), two passport photos meeting State Department specifications (2x2 inches, white background, recent), proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment (checks or money orders preferred; fees vary by age and service type). Walk-ins are common, but some locations recommend or require appointments via online systems or phone. Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks expedited, though global events can cause delays. Photos can often be taken onsite at some facilities for an extra fee, or obtained from nearby pharmacies or photo shops.

Travelers should confirm eligibility and prepare documents meticulously to avoid rejections. For urgent needs, such as travel within 14 days, contact a passport agency after obtaining a confirmed appointment from an acceptance facility.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities near Barstow tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer vacations, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often start busy as people catch up from the weekend, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can fill up quickly due to lunch-hour crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays may offer shorter waits.

Plan ahead by checking the official State Department website for the latest guidance and facility details. Book appointments if available, arrive 15-30 minutes early with all materials organized, and consider off-peak days like Tuesdays through Thursdays. If lines form, patience is key—staff prioritize those with complete applications. For families, quieter times reduce stress, especially with children in tow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Barstow?
No routine same-day service locally. Nearest agency in LA requires appointment and proof of imminent travel. Plan ahead [1].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited adds $60 for 2-3 weeks processing. Urgent (14 days or less) needs agency visit with itinerary; life-or-death for fastest [1].

My photo was rejected—what now?
Common for glare/shadows. Retake at pharmacy; review specs exactly. No resubmit without new appointment [7].

Do I need an appointment at Barstow Post Office?
Yes, especially peaks. Call ahead; limited slots due to California demand [4].

How do I renew if my passport is 10 years old?
By mail with DS-82 if eligible (issued at 16+, undamaged). Otherwise, in-person DS-11 [2].

What if my child’s other parent won’t consent?
Need DS-3053 notarized or court order. Both must appear or provide sole custody proof [2].

Can I track my application?
Yes, after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov with receipt number [1].

Is a hospital birth certificate valid?
No—needs city/county seal. Order official from San Bernardino County [6].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passport Processing Times
[2]U.S. Department of State - Forms
[3]U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport
[4]USPS Passport Locations
[5]San Bernardino County Recorder - Birth Certificates
[6]California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
[7]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements