U.S. Passport Guide for Hillsborough, CA: Forms & Facilities

Getting a U.S. Passport in Hillsborough, CA

Hillsborough residents in San Mateo County rely on passports for international business from SFO, luxury escapes to Europe or Asia, family reunions, and student abroad programs. Demand surges during spring break (March-April), summer (June-August), Thanksgiving, and winter holidays (December-January), plus emergencies like sudden deployments. Bay Area backlogs mean appointments fill weeks ahead—plan 3-6 months early. Standard processing: 6-8 weeks; expedited: 2-3 weeks. Pitfalls include last-minute rushes (triggering costly couriers) or missing name-change docs. This guide aligns with U.S. Department of State standards to guide you efficiently.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Mismatched forms cause 20-30% of rejections, adding 4-6 weeks. Use this table for quick decisions:

Confirm at travel.state.gov/passport. Prep docs first.

First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Covers first-timers, children under 16, or those ineligible for mail renewal (e.g., passport issued before 16, damaged, >15 years old, major name change).

Decision Quick Check:

• Never had one? DS-11.
• Prior passport but under 16 at issue or need 10-year book? DS-11.
• Eligible renewal? DS-82 by mail.

Steps:

1. Download DS-11 from travel.state.gov; fill (don't sign) single-sided, black ink.
2. Originals + photocopies: U.S. birth certificate/naturalization, photo ID (e.g., CA driver's license), 2x2 photo.
3. Minors:

Both parents/IDs or notarized DS-3053. 4. Fees: State Dept. (check to "U.S. Department of State"); execution to facility.

What to Expect: 15-30 minutes. Agent verifies docs, oaths you in, seals envelope. No on-site passports.

Avoid: Photocopies for citizenship, early signing, selfies, wrong fees.

Renewals and Replacements (DS-82 or DS-11)

Renewals (eligible only): Mail DS-82 if passport was adult-issued <15 years ago, undamaged/in possession, name matches. Include old passport, photo, fees to National Center. Skip facilities.

Replacements:

• Lost/Stolen: Local police report + DS-64 online, then DS-11/DS-82.
• Damaged: Mutilated? DS-11 new. Minor? DS-82 if eligible. Include old one.
• Pages Full/Name Change: DS-82 + proof (e.g., marriage cert).

Bay Area tip: Frequent travelers check eligibility early to mail renewals, dodging facility crowds.

Required Documents

Originals + plain-paper photocopies (both sides):

• Citizenship: Certified birth cert (San Mateo Clerk for locals), naturalization, old passport.
• ID: Matches name or link with docs (e.g., divorce decree).
• Photo: 2x2 specs below.
• Fees: Vary; separate payments.
• Minors: DS-3053 if one parent absent.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Strict specs reject 10-20% in busy areas:

• 2x2 inches, color, photo paper, <6 months old.
• White/off-white background, neutral face, eyes open, 1-1⅜ inch head height.
• No glasses/hats/glare/shadows/selfies.

Near Hillsborough: CVS (e.g., Burlingame at 1575 Adeline Dr); Walgreens via locator. Pros over home prints.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Hillsborough

No Hillsborough site—use San Mateo County options. High SFO demand: Book online weeks early via usps.com or iafdb.travel.state.gov. Walk-ins rare in peaks.

Expect: Doc review, oath, sealing (15-30 min). Busier Mondays/midday; aim early weekdays.

Clerk-Recorder** | 555 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 | (650) 363-4500 |

Verify hours/availability; handles first-time/minors (not renewals).

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person (DS-11)

1. Confirm DS-11 need.
2. Gather docs/photo/fees.
3. Fill DS-11 online (print unsigned).
4. Book facility appointment.
5. Attend: Sign on-site, get sealed.
6. Track at passportstatus.state.gov (after 7-10 days).
7. Receive: 6-8 weeks mailed.

Renewals: Mail DS-82 kit. Minors +: Parents/child present or consent.

Expedited and Urgent Services

• Expedited ($60): 2-3 weeks at submission/mail.
• Urgent (<14 days): SF Passport Agency (95 Hawthorne St, San Francisco) by appointment (1-877-487-2778). Needs itinerary/emergency proof. Life-or-death: 72-hour possible.

Bay peaks overwhelm—apply early. No guarantees.

Common Challenges and Bay Area Tips

• Backlogs: Book slots fast; monitor iafdb.travel.state.gov.
• Photos/Docs: Double-check; rejections add weeks.
• Minors/Names: Prep consents/proofs early.
• Birth Certs: Expedite from San Mateo Clerk ($32+).
• Seasons: Avoid March-Aug/Dec; fall best.

California Travel Context and Timelines

SFO proximity drives needs for Asia business, Europe trips, student programs. Many countries require 6 months validity.

• Routine: Apply 3 months out (6-8 weeks total).
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks.
• Track SFO flights for rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Hillsborough? No; SF Agency for emergencies only.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited routine speed-up; urgent needs proof/agency.

Appointment at Burlingame PO? Yes, usps.com.

One parent absent for child? Notarized DS-3053 + ID copy.

Renew at Clerk? Mail DS-82; Clerk for DS-11.

Photo rejected? Retake pro: fix glare/size.

San Mateo birth cert? Clerk-Recorder or online expedited.

Renewed passport validity? 10 years from new issue date.

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2] Apply In Person
[3] Renew Adult Passport
[4] [Lost/Stolen](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/p

assports/have-passport/lost-stolen.html)
[5] San Mateo Vital Records
[6] Fees
[7] Photo Requirements
[8] Facility Locator
[9] USPS Finder
[10] San Mateo Clerk Passports
[11] Expedited
[12] Agencies