Daly City CA Passport Guide: DS-11, Renewals, Facilities

Getting a Passport in Daly City, CA

Daly City residents in San Mateo County, California, frequently need passports due to the area's proximity to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), a major hub for international flights to Europe, Asia, and beyond. This drives high demand for business travel, family vacations, student abroad programs, and visits to the Philippines or other heritage destinations common among local communities. Peak times include spring break (March-April), summer (June-August), holiday winters (November-December), and sudden needs like job relocations or family emergencies. Apply 9-6 weeks ahead for routine service to avoid sellouts; high season wait times can stretch 4-8 weeks for appointments. Common pitfalls: Poor photos (e.g., glare from Bay Area fog or indoor lights, uneven smiles, or religious headwear not centered), incomplete DS-11 forms for kids missing parental consent, assuming renewals can be mailed when in-person is required, or overlooking proof of U.S. citizenship like a birth certificate with raised seal. This guide, based on U.S. Department of State rules, provides step-by-step clarity to sidestep rejections, save time, and decide on routine vs. expedited service (extra $60, 2-3 weeks processing).

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Start here to pick the correct form and method—wrong choices cause 20-30% of rejections, per State Department data, leading to wasted trips and delays. Answer these decision questions in order:

• Do you have a prior U.S. passport?

  • No (first-time applicant): Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person; cannot mail. Includes name changes or replacing a passport issued over 15 years ago.
  • Yes: Proceed to next question.

• Can you renew by mail? (Eligibility for Form DS-82—easier, no appointment needed)

  Yes, if:	No, use DS-11 in person if:
  Issued when you were 16+	Issued before age 16
  Issued within last 15 years	Damaged, altered, or held by gov't
  Undamaged and in your possession	Name change without legal docs
  Submitted from outside U.S. (mail only)	Adding visa pages

  Common mistake: Mailing DS-11 (always rejected); renewing expired >5 years old by mail (must use DS-11).

• Is it for a child under 16? Always DS-11 in person with both parents/guardians (or sole custody proof). Presence or notarized consent required—missing this delays 50% of kid apps.

• Lost, stolen, or urgent?

  • Report with Form DS-64 (free replacement eligibility).
  • Travel in 14 days? Expedite in person (+$60 fee + overnight return).
  • 2-3 weeks needed? Expedite by mail (+$60) or in person.

• Routine vs. Expedited Decision:

  Timeline	Service	Fee	Processing
  6+ weeks	Routine	Standard	6-8 weeks
  2-3 weeks	Expedited	+$60	2-3 weeks
  1-2 weeks	Urgent (life/emergency)	+$60 + courier	Varies; call State

Pro tip: Gather docs first (original birth cert, ID, photo), then book. For Daly City peaks, check availability early mornings or mid-week to snag slots. Renewals mailed save hassle if eligible—track via USPS.

First-Time Passport

You're eligible for a first-time passport if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16 (even if it expired long ago). Use Form DS-11—download it from travel.state.gov, complete it in black ink, but do not sign it until instructed by an acceptance agent. You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility; mail-in renewals or applications are not allowed for DS-11 [2].

Key Steps for Daly City Residents

1. Find a facility: Search "passport acceptance facility" on usps.com or travel.state.gov using your ZIP code—many local post offices, libraries, and county offices serve Daly City and nearby San Mateo County areas.
2. Book ahead: Facilities in the Bay Area often require appointments (check online or call); walk-ins are rare and may lead to long waits or denial.
3. Prepare documents:
   • Proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate or naturalization certificate; photocopies not accepted).
   • Photo ID (driver's license or military ID; must match name on citizenship docs).
   • One passport photo (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months—avoid selfies, common mistake: wearing glasses or smiling).
   • Fees: Check travel.state.gov for current amounts (cash, check, or card; expediting adds urgency).
4. For minors: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent (Form DS-3053).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Signing DS-11 early (it invalidates the form).
• Bringing expired or photocopied documents (originals only; get certified copies if needed).
• Using non-compliant photos (DIY booths often fail specs—use CVS/Walgreens).
• Assuming mail-in works (DS-11 never does).
• Overlooking name changes (bring legal proof like marriage certificate).

Decision Guidance

• First-time? Use DS-11 in person.
• Renewal instead? If passport was issued after age 16 and is undamaged/within 15 years of expiration, use DS-82 by mail (faster/cheaper).
• Urgent travel? Add expedited service ($60 extra) or book a regional passport agency appointment via travel.state.gov (proof of travel within 14 days required).

Renewal

Eligible if your passport:

• Was issued when you were 16 or older.
• Was issued within the last 15 years.
• Is undamaged and in your possession.

Use Form DS-82 and mail it (or use online renewal if eligible via the State Department's portal). No in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing data [2].

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

• If you still have the old passport (even if damaged but readable): Use Form DS-82 for renewal/replacement by mail if eligible.
  Eligibility checklist (all must apply): U.S. citizen; passport issued within last 15 years; received at age 16 or older; submitted in person previously; name unchanged or legal name change documented; not severely damaged (must be submittable).
  Practical steps: Download/print DS-82 from travel.state.gov; include 1 passport photo (2x2 inches, white background—get at local pharmacies); old passport; fees ($130 application + $30 execution if renewing in person first, check current via USPS). Mail to address on form. Processing: 6-8 weeks standard, 2-3 expedited (+$60).
  Common mistakes: Skipping photo requirement (must include); using wrong fees (personal check/money order); mailing without tracking.
  Decision guidance: Eligible? Mail it. Doubts or urgent Bay Area travel (e.g., SFO)? Go in person to confirm.

• If lost, stolen, damaged beyond use, or ineligible for DS-82 mail: Apply in person using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility, plus Form DS-64 to report loss/theft.
  Decision guidance: Ineligible for mail if first-time applicant, under 16, major name/gender change without docs, need passport in <6 weeks, or want in-person verification. Lost/stolen always needs DS-64 (submit with DS-11).
  Practical steps: File police report immediately (required for theft, strongly advised for loss in Daly City area—reference it on DS-64); get 2x2 photo; bring original citizenship proof (CA birth cert certified copy OK), valid photo ID (CA driver's license + secondary like utility bill), photocopies of both sides of ID/proof. Fees same as above + possible execution fee. Many facilities offer 1-2 week processing; book ahead online.
  Common mistakes: No police report (delays approval); inadequate ID (CA REAL ID helps but not sole proof); photos too casual (no selfies); forgetting photocopies (2 sets needed); arriving without appointment (wait times long in busy Bay Area spots).
  Pro tip for Daly City: Proximity to SFO means prioritize expedited/life-or-death service if travel imminent—call 1-877-487-2778 for status.

Name Change, Correction, or Limited Validity Passport

For errors or legal name changes, use DS-5504 (free if within one year of issuance) or DS-82/DS-11 otherwise. Limited validity passports (issued in emergencies abroad) need full reapplication [2].

For children under 16, always use DS-11 in person with both parents/guardians present or notarized consent [3].

Required Documents and Eligibility

U.S. citizenship is required. Primary evidence: U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy), naturalization certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship. California birth certificates can be ordered from the San Mateo County Recorder's Office or California Department of Public Health Vital Records [4][5]. Allow 2-4 weeks for delivery, longer in peak seasons—request expedited if needed.

Proof of identity: Valid driver's license, government ID, or military ID. Name must match exactly; provide legal name change docs if applicable.

Social Security number is mandatory (provide card or full number on form) [2].

Fees (as of 2024; check for updates):

• First-time adult (age 16+): $130 application + $35 acceptance fee + $30 optional execution fee.
• Renewal: $130.
• Child (under 16): $100 application + $35 acceptance.
• Expedited: +$60 [6].

Pay acceptance fee by check/money order; application fee by check to State Department.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos account for 25% of rejections in California facilities due to shadows from overhead lights, glare on glasses, or incorrect 2x2-inch dimensions [7]. Specs [7]:

• Color photo on photo-quality paper.
• Taken within 6 months.
• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• White/cream/off-white background.
• Neutral expression, eyes open, full face view.
• No uniforms, hats (except religious/medical), glasses if glare/reflection, or headphones.

Local options in Daly City: CVS, Walgreens, or UPS Store (confirm passport-specific service). Cost: $15-20. Take at home with good lighting but verify against State Department tool [7].

Where to Apply in Daly City and San Mateo County

Daly City has no passport agencies (those are by appointment only for life/death emergencies). Use acceptance facilities for DS-11 [8].

Recommended nearby:

• Daly City Post Office: 1581 Sullivan Ave, Daly City, CA 94015. By appointment; Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-2pm. Call (650) 756-7104 [9].
• Colma Post Office: 39 Colma Blvd, Colma, CA 94014 (adjacent to Daly City). Appointments required [9].
• San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder: 555 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 (15-20 min drive). Handles DS-11; appointments via website [10].
• South San Francisco Library: 840 West Orange Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080. Limited hours; check usps.com/locator [11].

Book appointments early via facility websites or PassportAppointmentScheduler.com—slots fill fast in spring/summer due to tourism surges [8]. Walk-ins rare; prepare all docs.

For renewals (DS-82), mail to: National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [2].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Daly City

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to review and submit passport applications for processing. These sites do not issue passports directly; instead, they verify your identity, ensure forms are complete, administer oaths, and forward applications to a regional passport agency. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Daly City, you'll find such facilities within the city itself as well as in nearby areas like San Francisco, San Mateo, and Pacifica. These spots serve residents seeking new passports, renewals, or replacements, handling both routine and expedited services when eligibility criteria are met.

When visiting, expect a structured process: arrive with a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your situation), two passport photos meeting size and quality standards, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment for application fees plus any execution fees charged by the facility. Minors under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians. Most locations require appointments, though some offer limited walk-in slots—always confirm requirements in advance via official channels. The review typically takes 15-30 minutes, after which your application is sealed and mailed. Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks, or 2-3 weeks expedited; track status online later.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often start the week with backlogs from weekend inquiries, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can get crowded due to lunch breaks and shift changes. To navigate this, schedule appointments well ahead, especially seasonally, and aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays. Check for virtual queues or online booking systems, prepare all documents meticulously to avoid delays, and have backups like extra photos. If urgency arises, consider passport agencies in larger cities, but only after confirming eligibility for expedited in-person service.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Follow this checklist to minimize errors:

1. Complete Form DS-11: Fill out but do not sign until instructed at facility. Download from travel.state.gov [2].
2. Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate + photocopy (front/back on standard paper).
3. Proof of Identity: Current photo ID + photocopy.
4. Get Passport Photo: 2x2 compliant; 2 copies recommended.
5. Social Security Info: Number or card (photocopy if providing).
6. Parental Consent (Minors): Both parents/guardians present or DS-3053 notarized.
7. Fees: Two checks: One to "U.S. Department of State" ($130 adult/$100 child), one to facility ($35).
8. Book Appointment: Via facility site; arrive 15 min early with all originals/photocopies.
9. At Facility: Present docs, sign DS-11 in presence of agent, pay fees. Receive receipt with tracking number.
10. Track Status: Use online tracker at travel.state.gov [12]. Routine: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks (no guarantees during peaks).

For mail renewals (DS-82):

1. Complete/sign form.
2. Include old passport, photo, ID photocopy, fees (check to State Dept).
3. Mail with Trackable Envelope.

Expedited and Urgent Travel Services

Standard processing: 6-8 weeks (longer in high season) [1]. Expedited (+$60, 2-3 weeks) available at acceptance facilities or by mail.

For travel in 14 days or less:

• Urgent: Book at regional agency (e.g., San Francisco Passport Agency, 95% of urgent cases handled there) [13]. Requires proof of travel (itinerary, tickets) and appointment via 1-877-487-2778.
• Life-or-death emergencies: Call agency for expedite without appointment.

Warning: Do not rely on last-minute processing during California's busy periods (spring breaks, summer, holidays)—plan 3+ months ahead. Agencies reject non-urgent cases [1][13].

Special Considerations for Minors and Families

Children under 16 need DS-11 in person. Both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized DS-3053 (Form for Parental Awareness). Validity: 5 years. Common issue: Incomplete consent leads to 20% rejections [3].

Students/exchange programs: Factor in visa timelines; apply 3-6 months early.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• High Demand: Book appointments 4-6 weeks ahead; use off-peak (fall) if possible.
• Photo Rejections: Use State Dept photo tool validator [7].
• Documentation Gaps: Order birth certs early from San Mateo Recorder (online/mail/in-person) [10]. Fee: $29 + postage.
• Renewal Confusion: Check expiration and eligibility precisely—old passports over 15 years invalid for renewal.
• Peak Season Delays: Winter breaks see surges from Bay Area families; monitor status weekly.

California Travel Patterns and Tips

Bay Area residents like those in Daly City travel internationally often for business (Silicon Valley tech) and tourism (Europe/Asia peaks summer). Students via programs like UC exchanges add volume. For urgent trips:

• Verify destination entry requirements (e.g., visas) at travel.state.gov [1].
• Consider passport cards for land/sea to Mexico/Canada (cheaper, limited use) [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my passport at the Daly City Post Office?
No, renewals (DS-82) must be mailed if eligible. Use post office only for DS-11 applications [2].

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in San Mateo County?
Routine: 2-4 weeks; expedited (2 days): $29 + $16 rush fee. Order at countyrecorder.smcgov.org [10].

What if my travel is in 3 weeks—should I expedite?
Yes, add $60 for 2-3 weeks, but book agency for <14 days with proof. No processing time guarantees in peaks [1].

Do I need an appointment for passport photos?
Not usually at pharmacies, but call ahead. Ensure compliance to avoid rejections [7].

My child’s other parent is unavailable—how to apply?
Notarized DS-3053 from absent parent, or court order. Both must consent [3].

Can I track my application status?
Yes, enter receipt number at travel.state.gov/passportstatus [12]. Updates every 5-7 days.

Is a passport required for cruises to Mexico?
Yes for closed-loop cruises (passport card OK); full passport for air/open-jaw [1].

What if my passport was lost abroad?
Apply for limited validity at U.S. embassy; full replacement upon return [2].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Forms
[3]U.S. Department of State - Children
[4]California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
[5]San Mateo County Recorder - Birth Certificates
[6]U.S. Department of State - Fees
[7]U.S. Department of State - Photos
[8]U.S. Department of State - Acceptance Facilities
[9]USPS - Passport Services
[10]San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder
[11]South San Francisco Library
[12]Passport Status Tracker
[13]San Francisco Passport Agency