Getting a Passport in Davis CA: Steps, Facilities & Fees

Getting a Passport in Davis, CA

Davis, California, home to the University of California, Davis, sees frequent international travel among students, faculty, and residents due to exchange programs, business trips, and tourism. Seasonal peaks occur during spring and summer breaks, as well as winter holidays, when demand surges and appointment availability tightens at local acceptance facilities. Urgent needs arise from last-minute trips, such as family emergencies or sudden job opportunities abroad. This guide covers everything from determining your needs to submitting your application, drawing on official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate common pitfalls like photo rejections, incomplete forms, and processing delays during high-demand periods.[1]

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Before starting, identify your situation to use the correct process and forms. Misusing a form, such as submitting a first-time application for a renewal, leads to rejection and delays.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16; also for any passport issued over 15 years ago. Apply in person at an acceptance facility using Form DS-11. No mail option.[1]

• Renewal by Mail: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were at least 16 when it was issued, it's undamaged, and issued in your current name (or you can document a name change). Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed.[1]

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: If lost or stolen, report it first via Form DS-64 (online or mail), then apply for a replacement. Use DS-11 in person if within 1 year of issuance; otherwise, DS-82 by mail if eligible. Damaged passports require in-person replacement regardless.[1]

• Name Change or Correction: For minor errors, use Form DS-5504 by mail if under 1 year old; otherwise, DS-82 or DS-11 as applicable.[1]

Students in Davis often need first-time passports for study abroad programs, while professionals may renew for business travel. Check your eligibility on the State Department's site to avoid errors.[1]

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

Follow this checklist precisely. Incomplete applications are a top reason for delays, especially for minors or during peak travel seasons like UC Davis commencement in June.[2]

1. Fill Out Form DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov, complete by hand (black ink, no signing until instructed). Do not sign early.[1]

2. Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (issued by Yolo County or CA Department of Public Health), naturalization certificate, or prior passport. Photocopy front/back on standard paper.[3][4]

3. Provide ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Photocopy.[1]

4. Get Passport Photos: Two identical 2x2-inch color photos on white background, taken within 6 months. No selfies—use a professional service.[5]

5. Calculate Fees: See fees section below. Determine payment method for your facility (check/money order for State Dept; cashier's check/personal check for execution fee).[1]

6. Schedule Appointment: Book online via USPS or county sites. Davis facilities fill quickly—aim 4-6 weeks ahead, especially spring/summer.[6]

7. Attend Appointment: Bring all documents originals + copies. Sign DS-11 in front of agent. Pay fees.

8. Track Status: After submission, use online tracker with application locator number.[1]

For renewals by mail (DS-82): Include old passport, photo, fees, and mail to address on form. Use certified mail with tracking.[1]

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Davis and Yolo County

Davis lacks a passport agency (those are for urgent cases only, like travel within 14 days).[7] Use nearby acceptance facilities—over 100 in California handle routine applications.

• Davis Post Office (Main Branch): 212 D St, Davis, CA 95616. Offers appointments Mon-Fri; high student volume. Book via usps.com.[6]

• Yolo County Clerk-Recorder (Woodland Office): 625 Court St, Room 102, Woodland, CA 95695 (15 miles from Davis). By appointment only; serves Yolo residents. Check yolocounty.org for slots.[8]

• West Sacramento Post Office: 801 Bruceville Rd, West Sac, CA 95691 (nearby alternative).[6]

Use the State Department's locator for more: enter ZIP 95616.[9] Arrive 15 minutes early; no walk-ins at most. During UC Davis winter break (Dec-Jan), slots book weeks out—plan ahead.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections due to glare, shadows, or wrong size—critical in sunny Davis.[5] Specs:

• 2x2 inches (51x51mm), head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• White/cream/off-white background.
• Neutral expression, eyes open, full face view.
• No glasses (unless medically necessary), hats, uniforms, or filters.
• Recent (6 months), color print on photo paper.

Local options: CVS/Walgreens in Davis (confirm passport service), or USPS during appointment. Cost: $15-17. Review samples on state.gov.[5]

Fees and Payment

Fees unchanged as of 2023; verify current on travel.state.gov.[1]

Pay State fee by check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution by check/cash/card (varies). No fee waivers except limited cases.[1]

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door (mailed back).[1] Expedited (gold rush service): 2-3 weeks +$60; available at acceptance facilities or mail.[10] Life-or-death emergency (travel within 14 days): Limited validity passport same/next day at agency—nearest is San Francisco (SFPO).[7] Do not count on last-minute during peaks; state.gov warns times stretch to 10+ weeks in summer.[1]

Track weekly at travel.state.gov.[1] Davis travelers: Mail from post office speeds routine processing.

Special Cases: Minors and Students

Minors under 16 require both parents' presence or notarized consent (Form DS-3053). Proof of relationship (birth cert). No renewals by mail for minors.[1] UC Davis students: International Center advises early apps for J-1 visas; combine with I-20 pickup.[11]

Birth certificates: Order from Yolo County Clerk ($32) or CA Vital Records ($29).[3][4] Processing: 2-4 weeks—get expedited if urgent.

Common Challenges and Tips for Davis Residents

• High Demand: Spring (March-May) and holidays overwhelm facilities; book ASAP via usps.com.[6]
• Expedited Confusion: Not for "urgent" unless <14 days proven (itinerary + death cert).[10]
• Documentation Gaps: 40% rejections from missing citizenship proof—photocopy everything twice.[2]
• Peak Warnings: Avoid relying on 2-week service in summer; state.gov reports nationwide backlogs.[1]

Pro tip: Use USPS passport predictor tool for timelines.[12]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Davis

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 facilities do not process passports themselves; instead, they verify your identity, review your application for completeness, administer the oath, and forward your documents to a regional passport agency for final processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and some municipal buildings. In and around Davis, you'll find such facilities at various post offices, government offices in Yolo County, and public libraries serving the community. Nearby areas like Woodland, West Sacramento, and Sacramento offer additional options within a short drive, expanding choices for residents and visitors.

When visiting, come prepared with a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your needs), a valid photo ID, passport photos meeting State Department specs, and exact payment (typically check or money order for fees). Expect a brief interview where the agent confirms details and collects biometrics if required. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes per applicant, but lines can form. Children under 16 must apply in person with both parents or guardians, adding extra verification steps. Always check the State Department's website for the latest forms and requirements before heading out.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities tend to see higher traffic during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, when demand surges for international trips. Mondays often bring crowds from weekend backlog, while mid-day slots (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) are commonly busiest due to working schedules. To navigate this cautiously, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, avoiding seasonal peaks if possible. Many locations offer appointments—book ahead online or by phone where available to minimize waits. Arrive with all documents organized, and have backups like extra photos. If lines are long, surrounding areas may have shorter ones, so flexibility helps ensure a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Davis?
No routine same-day service. Urgent within 14 days requires SF Passport Agency appointment (proof needed).[7]

What's the difference between routine and expedited?
Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited: 2-3 weeks +$60 fee. Both start from acceptance date.[1][10]

Do I need an appointment at Davis Post Office?
Yes, book online at tools.usps.com. Walk-ins rare and not guaranteed.[6]

How do I renew if my passport is expiring soon?
By mail with DS-82 if eligible (under 15 years old, etc.). Apply 9 months before expiration.[1]

What if I need a birth certificate for Davis/Yolo birth?
Request from Yolo County Clerk-Recorder or CA Dept. of Public Health. Allow 2-4 weeks.[3][4]

Can students use school ID for applications?
No—only government-issued photo ID. Student IDs supplement only.[1]

Is passport card enough for international travel?
Card valid only land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Bermuda/Caribbean; book needed for air/flights.[1]

What if my photos are rejected?
Retake immediately; common issues: shadows from CA sun, poor lighting. Check state.gov validator.[5]

Final Checklist Before Submission

• Correct form (DS-11/DS-82/DS-5504)?
• Original citizenship proof + photocopy?
• Valid ID + photocopy?
• Two compliant photos?
• Fees ready (two payments)?
• Appointment confirmed?
• All names match exactly?

Double-check against state.gov to prevent returns.[1] Safe travels from Davis!

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Apply in Person
[3]Yolo County Clerk-Recorder - Vital Records
[4]California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
[5]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photos
[6]USPS - Passport Services
[7]U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies
[8]Yolo County - Passport Services
[9]U.S. Department of State - Locator
[10]U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[11]UC Davis International Center
[12]USPS - Passport Timeline Calculator