Passport in Burlingame CA: First-Time, Renewal, Facilities Guide

Getting a Passport in Burlingame, CA

Burlingame, located in San Mateo County, California, sits just south of San Francisco International Airport (SFO), making it a hub for residents with frequent international travel needs. Business professionals often jet off to Asia and Europe for meetings, while tourists flock to Europe and Latin America during spring/summer peaks and winter breaks. Students from nearby universities like Stanford participate in exchange programs, and urgent last-minute trips—such as family emergencies or surprise business opportunities—aren't uncommon. These patterns drive high demand at local passport acceptance facilities, especially during peak seasons when appointment slots fill up quickly. Common hurdles include limited availability for walk-ins or bookings, confusion over expedited options versus true urgent service (needed only within 14 days of travel), photo rejections from issues like shadows or glare, missing documents for minors, and errors in choosing renewal versus first-time forms.[1]

This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process tailored to Burlingame residents, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines. It helps you select the right service, gather documents, and navigate facilities without government affiliation or guarantees on processing—times vary based on volume and can extend during busy periods like summer.[2]

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Before starting, identify your situation to use the correct form and process. Using the wrong one leads to delays or rejections.

First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport, are applying for your child under 16, or your previous passport was issued before age 16 (or more than 15 years ago for adults), you must use Form DS-11 and apply in person at a Burlingame-area acceptance facility (like post offices or libraries). This cannot be mailed—common mistake that leads to rejection and delays.

Quick Decision Checklist:

• First-time adult applicant? → DS-11.
• Child under 16? → DS-11 (both parents typically required).
• Old passport from before age 16 or expired >15 years? → DS-11.
• Recent passport (issued after 16 and <15 years old)? → Consider DS-82 renewal instead (mail-in option).

Practical Tips for Burlingame:

• Book appointments online ASAP via the facility's site—slots fill fast due to high demand from SFO travelers and local residents.
• Arrive 15-30 minutes early; expect 20-45 minute wait even with appointment.
• Bring: Original proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization cert), valid photo ID, two identical 2x2" passport photos (get at CVS/Walgreens; avoid selfies), and payment (check/money order for fees; facilities don't always take cards).

Top Mistakes to Avoid:

• Forgetting originals (photocopies rejected).
• Mismatched photos (wrong size, poor quality, or hats/glasses unless medical/religious).
• No parental consent for minors (Form DS-3053 if one parent absent).
• Underestimating time—aim for weekdays, avoid peak summer/holiday rushes.

Processing takes 6-8 weeks standard (expedite for 2-3 weeks extra fee).[1]

Renewal

Eligible if your last passport was issued within the last 15 years (for adults), you were 16 or older when received, it's undamaged, and issued in your current name (or you can document a name change). Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or for minors.[3]

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

Lost or Stolen Passports
Report immediately using Form DS-64 (online at travel.state.gov or by mail) to invalidate it and prevent misuse—delaying this is a common mistake that risks identity theft. Then apply for a replacement:

• Mail option (DS-82, if eligible): Use if your passport was issued within the last 15 years when you were age 16 or older, your name hasn't changed, and it wasn't damaged. Include DS-64, photos, fees, and your old passport number. Decision tip: Eligible? Save time/money with mail (6-8 weeks); not? Go in-person.
• In-person option (DS-11): Required if ineligible for mail renewal. Submit DS-64, ID, photos, fees, and proof of U.S. citizenship. Common in Burlingame-area acceptance facilities by appointment (search usps.com or travel.state.gov). Processing: 6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 weeks expedited (+fee).

Damaged Passports
Cannot renew by mail—a top mistake is trying DS-82. Apply as a new passport with DS-11 in-person only: Submit the damaged passport, DS-64 (if also lost/stolen), ID, photos, and fees. Decision tip: Minor damage (e.g., water-stained but readable)? Still needs DS-11; severe damage? Same process, provide police report if applicable.[1]

Other Cases

• Name or Data Error: Use Form DS-5504 within one year of issue—no fee.[4]
• Life-or-Death Emergency: Travel within 14 days for a funeral/imminent death? Contact the San Francisco Passport Agency for an appointment.[5]

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Burlingame

Burlingame has limited options, so book ahead—demand spikes with seasonal travel and SFO proximity. Facilities verify identity/documents and send to the State Department; they don't issue passports on-site.

• Burlingame Main Post Office (115 Eucalyptus Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010): Offers appointments Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (closed federal holidays). Call (650) 342-1421 or book via USPS locator.[6]
• Nearby San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder (Redwood City Office, 555 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 ~10 miles away): By appointment; serves San Mateo residents. Check San Mateo County site.[7]
• Half Moon Bay Clerk-Recorder (225 South St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 ~15 miles): Limited hours; appointment required.[7]

For urgent needs within 14 days, acceptance facilities can't help—life-or-death cases go to the San Francisco Passport Agency (95 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA 94105). Book via travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778; proof of travel/death required.[5] Avoid relying on last-minute processing during peaks; plan 6–8 weeks ahead.[2]

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals—copies aren't accepted. Birth certificates from San Mateo County come via the Clerk-Recorder or CDPH Vital Records.[8]

Download forms from State Department.[10] Incomplete docs are a top rejection reason, especially for minors without both parents' signatures.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos account for 25–30% of rejections in high-volume areas like Burlingame.[1] Specs: 2x2 inches, color, white/cream/off-white background, head 1–1⅜ inches, even lighting (no shadows/glare), neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses/hat/selfies.[11]

• Where to Get: CVS/Walgreens in Burlingame (e.g., 1160 Broadway), USPS, or libraries. $15–17.
• Tips: Recent (6 months), print on matte/glossy photo paper. Check State photo tool.[11]
• Challenge: Glare from glasses or overhead lights—remove glasses if possible.

Step-by-Step Checklist: First-Time or Replacement (DS-11)

Follow this for in-person applications at Burlingame PO or Clerk-Recorder:

1. Fill Form DS-11: Complete but do not sign until instructed by agent.[10]
2. Gather Documents: Citizenship proof + photocopy (front/back single sheet), ID + photocopy, photo, parental forms if minor.
3. Pay Fees: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" ($130/$100); execution fee ($35) to facility. Expedited? Add $60 check + 1–2 day return envelope ($21.36).[9]
4. Book Appointment: Use USPS tool or call—slots limited in spring/summer.
5. Attend In-Person: Bring all originals. Agent witnesses signature.
6. Track Status: Online at State tracker.[12]
7. Receive Passport: 6–8 weeks routine; 2–3 weeks expedited (no guarantees).[2]

For Minors Under 16: Both parents must appear or provide notarized consent. Frequent exchange program apps here need this—delays common without.[1]

Step-by-Step Checklist: Renewal by Mail (DS-82)

Eligible Burlingame residents save time:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Passport <15 years old, you were 16+, undamaged, current name.
2. Fill DS-82: Sign in ink.[3]
3. Include: Passport, photo, check ($130/$100) to "U.S. Department of State," optional expedited fee.
4. Mail: Priority (tracked) to address on form. Use USPS Burlingame for mailing.
5. Track: Same as above.[12]

If ineligible, use DS-11 process.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6–8 weeks (mail delivery included). Expedited: 2–3 weeks (+$60). Urgent within 14 days? Only passport agencies, not facilities—and peaks overwhelm SF agency.[2] Track peaks: March–August, December. Don't count on "rush" during business travel surges; apply early.

Special Considerations for Burlingame Residents

• Birth Certificates: Order from San Mateo Clerk-Recorder ($29) or CDPH ($32). Allow 2–4 weeks processing.[7][8]
• Seasonal Demand: SFO tourism spikes mean book facilities 4–6 weeks ahead.
• Business/Student Travel: Many renew via mail; first-timers face queues.
• Urgent Scenarios: Last-minute trips? Agencies require itinerary/proof; no-shows block others.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Burlingame

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and certain replacements. These include common sites such as post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Burlingame, you'll find several such facilities within the city and nearby areas like San Mateo, Millbrae, and broader San Mateo County. Larger hubs in adjacent San Francisco also offer additional options for those willing to travel short distances.

When visiting an acceptance facility, expect a straightforward but verification-focused process. Arrive with a completed DS-11 or DS-82 application form (depending on your needs), a valid photo meeting State Department specs, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), photo ID, and payment for fees—typically split between application and execution costs. Staff will review documents, administer the oath, collect fees, and seal the application in an envelope for forwarding to a regional passport agency. Processing times vary from weeks to months, so apply well in advance of travel. Note that these locations do not issue passports on-site; they handle submission only. Always verify current requirements on the official State Department website, as rules can change.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, when demand surges for vacations and family visits. Mondays tend to be crowded as people start their week, and mid-day periods (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) frequently experience rushes from walk-ins. To navigate this, plan visits for early mornings, late afternoons, or less busy weekdays like Tuesdays through Thursdays. Many facilities offer appointments—book online where available to skip lines. Check for seasonal backlogs and consider quieter suburban spots over urban centers. Arriving prepared with all documents minimizes delays and stress. Patience is key, as wait times can extend during high-demand periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Burlingame?
No—local facilities forward apps. Same-day only at agencies for dire emergencies with proof.[5]

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited (2–3 weeks) at any facility/mail (+$60). Urgent (within 14 days) requires agency appointment for life/death travel.[2]

My child needs a passport for a school trip—how soon?
Use DS-11; both parents required. Plan 6+ weeks; peaks delay.[1]

Can I renew if my passport is lost?
No—report via DS-64, then DS-11 in-person.[1]

Why was my photo rejected?
Common: shadows, glare, wrong size. Use official template.[11]

Do I need an appointment at Burlingame Post Office?
Yes—limited walk-ins; book online/phone.[6]

How do I get a birth certificate in San Mateo County?
From Clerk-Recorder offices or CDPH; originals only for passports.[7][8]

What if my travel is in 3 weeks during summer?
Expedite + Life-or-Death if qualifying; otherwise, risk denial at borders.[2][5]

Sources

[1]Passports
[2]Processing Times
[3]Renewals
[4]Corrections
[5]Emergencies
[6]USPS Passport Locator
[7]San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder Passports
[8]CA Vital Records
[9]Fees
[10]Forms
[11]Photos
[12]Track Status