Getting a U.S. Passport in Highland, CA: Facilities & Steps

Getting a Passport in Highland, CA

Last updated: October 2024. Always verify fees, processing times, and facility details on travel.state.gov or by calling locations directly, as they change frequently.

Residents of Highland, CA—in the heart of San Bernardino County—face steady demand for U.S. passports due to the area's mix of business travel to the Pacific Rim, family vacations to Baja or Hawaii during school breaks, and student abroad programs from local high schools and Cal State San Bernardino. With Ontario International Airport just 20 miles away and LAX an hour's drive, last-minute needs spike, but Highland lacks urgent processing agencies. Facilities fill fast in peak seasons (spring break, summer, December), so apply 10-12 weeks ahead. This guide provides Highland-tailored steps, checklists, decision aids, and pitfalls to streamline your process.[1]

Standard routine processing takes 6-8 weeks from receipt; expedited (extra fee) targets 2-3 weeks. No Highland passport agency exists—the Los Angeles one (60+ miles) is for verified emergencies only (travel within 14 days + life/death proof).[2][10]

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Pick your path based on your situation to avoid errors like using the wrong form, which causes 20% of rejections. Use the State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov for a quick eligibility check.

Decision Tip: Got an old passport in hand that's eligible? Renew by mail to skip lines—ideal for busy Inland Empire commuters. Otherwise, book DS-11 early.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Highland, CA

Official facilities (post offices, county offices) verify docs, witness signatures, and forward apps—they don't issue passports. Expect a 10-20 minute inte

rview: agent checks forms/photos/ID, administers oath, collects fees (split payments), and gives tracking. Highland has no agency, so use these nearby (distances from central Highland ~92346 ZIP):

• Highland Post Office (27267 Baseline Rd, Highland, CA 92346): Local go-to for DS-11. Appointments required; call (909) 425-8944 or book at usps.com. Walk-ins rare.[8]
• San Bernardino Main Post Office (1515 S Waterman Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92408; ~10 miles/15-min drive via Base Line Rd): Higher volume, more slots.
• San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk - Redlands (1463 Ford St, Redlands, CA 92374; ~15 miles/20-min drive via I-210): County option; appointments at acr.sbcounty.gov.[9]

What to Expect and Local Tips: Bring unsigned DS-11, 2x2 photos, originals + photocopies (8.5x11 white paper), fees. Facilities busiest Mondays, midday, and peaks (March-Aug, holidays)—Tues-Thurs mornings best. San Bernardino traffic peaks 4-6pm; aim off-peak. Use USPS locator for real-time slots.[8] Private expediters speed submission but not government processing (extra $100+).[2]

Required Documents and Eligibility

Prove citizenship and ID with originals + photocopies (front/back on standard paper). U.S. citizens only.

• Citizenship: Birth cert (raised seal; San Bernardino births via county recorder at acr.sbcounty.gov, $29/copy),[9][11] naturalization cert, or old passport.
• ID: CA driver's license (dmv.ca.gov), passport card, military ID.
• Minors Extra: Parents' IDs + DS-3053 if one absent (notarized); court docs for custody.[7]

Fees (as of October 2024; verify at travel.state.gov):
Adult book: $130 app fee + $35 execution fee. Child (under 16): $100 app + $35 exec. Expedited: +$60. Execution fee to facility (cash/check/card); app fee check/money order to "U.S. Department of State."[13]

Passport Photos: Specs and Local Fixes

Rejections hit 25-30% from photos. Must be: 2x2", color, white/off-white background, head 1-1⅜", even light, no shadows/glasses/hats/selfies, <6 months old.[14]

Highland Options: Post offices take them ($15-20). Nearby CVS (e.g., Lake Arrowhead area) or Walgreens—call to confirm compliance. Pro: Upl

oad to State Dept photo tool for instant validation.[15] Mistake: CA sunlight causes glare; use indoor studios.

Step-by-Step Checklist: DS-11 (New/Replacement/Child)

1. Quiz eligibility; download unsigned DS-11.[3]
2. Birth cert original + photocopy.
3. Valid ID + photocopy.
4. 2 compliant photos.
5. Fees separated (2 payments).
6. Book appt 4-6 weeks early via phone/site.[8]
7. Arrive 15min early; agent verifies.
8. Sign DS-11 on-site.
9. Get tracking #; monitor online.[16]
10. Buffer 2-4 weeks for Inland Empire peaks.

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

1. Confirm: ≥16 at issue, <15yrs, intact.[4]
2. Quiz online; complete DS-82.
3. Include old passport + new photo.
4. Single check for fees.
5. Mail to Nat'l Center (form address).[17]
6. Track via #.[16]

Urgent? Expedite or agency (proof req'd).[10]

Processing Times and Expedited Service

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks. Peaks double delays—CA travel hubs like ONT/LAX amplify.[2] 1-2 day express? Agencies only, strict quals.[10]

Special Cases: Minors and Local Hurdles

Kids <16: Dual parental presence/consent or delays hit 4+ weeks. San Bernardino exchange programs? Start 10 weeks out.[7] Local births: Order certs from Assessor-Recorder ($29; VitalChek rush).[9][18]

Common Mistakes:

• Wrong form (DS-11 for renewal): Reapply in-person.
• Poor photos: Glare/shadows.
• No appt: 4wk waits.
• Single parent no consent: Rejected.
• Peak filing: Add buffer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Highland? No; LA agency emergencies only.[10]
Summer timelines? 8-12 weeks routine; apply Feb for June travel.[2]
Highland PO appt? Yes, usps.com essential.[8]
Routine vs expedited? Expedited cuts to 2-3wks from same start.[13]
Child school trip? Expedite + parents; 4-6wks min.[7]
Online renewal? Eligible? Yes, quiz first.[1]
Local birth cert? acr.sbcounty.gov or VitalChek.[9][18]
REAL ID for ID? Yes + copy.[13]

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports
[2] Processing Times
[3] DS-11
[4] DS-82
[5] Lost/Stolen
[6] [Corrections](https://t

ravel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/change-correct.html)
[7] Children
[8] USPS Passports
[9] SB County Recorder
[10] Agencies
[11] CA Birth Records
[13] Fees
[14] Photo Specs
[15] Photo Tool
[16] Status Check
[17] Mailing
[18] VitalChek