Getting a Passport in Larkspur CA: Facilities Steps Tips

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Larkspur, CA
Getting a Passport in Larkspur CA: Facilities Steps Tips

Getting a Passport in Larkspur, CA

Larkspur residents in Marin County often need passports for Bay Area business trips to tech conferences in Europe or Asia, family vacations during spring breaks, or student exchanges at nearby Dominican University or UC Berkeley. Peak demand hits acceptance facilities from March to August and around holidays, with urgent needs like family emergencies adding pressure. This guide uses U.S. Department of State data to deliver Larkspur-tailored steps, checklists, and tips—helping you choose DS-11 vs. DS-82 correctly, sidestep common errors like photo rejections (25% of cases), and plan around local appointment shortages 1.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Start here to avoid rejections: DS-11 requires in-person at a facility; DS-82 allows mail-in for eligible adults. Quick decision guide:

  • Use DS-11 (In-Person, New/Restricted): First-time (adults 16+ or minors), lost/stolen/damaged passports, name changes over 1 year post-issuance, child renewals, or expired >5 years. Expect 20-45 minutes at facility for oath, review, and sealing.
  • Use DS-82 (Mail-In Renewal): Adult passport issued at 16+, undamaged, received <15 years ago, expired <5 years. Saves time—no facility visit—but confirm eligibility via State Dept tool.
Scenario Form In-Person? Timeline Risk Common Mistake
First-Time Adult/Minor DS-11 Yes High (peaks delay slots) Signing form early
Adult Renewal (Eligible) DS-82 No Low Using DS-11 unnecessarily (+$35 fee)
Lost/Stolen DS-64 + DS-11 Usually Yes Medium Skipping police report
Name Change (Recent) DS-5504 Mail if <1 yr Low No marriage cert copy
Minor (<16) DS-11 Yes (parents) High Incomplete consent form

Fees: $130 adult/$100 minor application + $35 execution (facility). Add $60 expedite, $21.36 1-2 day delivery. Verify at travel.state.gov 1.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Larkspur

Marin facilities like Larkspur Post Office fill quickly—book online or call weeks ahead, as walk-ins are unreliable amid Bay Area travel surges. Expect agents to review docs, witness signatures, and seal apps on-site (no passports issued). Bring photocopies; process takes 20-45 min + wait

time. Mid-week mornings beat crowds.

  • Larkspur Post Office (closest, ~0 miles): 200 Doherty Dr, Larkspur, CA 94939. (415) 925-2701. USPS slots 6.
  • Corte Madera Post Office (5 miles): 341 Tamalpais Dr, Corte Madera, CA 94925 6.
  • San Rafael Post Office (8 miles): 111 Prospect Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901 6.
  • Marin County Clerk-Recorder (birth certs for first-timers, 8 miles): 3501 Civic Center Dr #127, San Rafael, CA 94903. $29 local fee, 10-day mail 7.

Search real-time: State Dept Locator (enter "Larkspur, CA") 8. Urgent (14 days travel)? Call 1-877-487-2778 1.

Pinned Map of Key Facilities:
Google Maps: Larkspur PO + Nearby (driving directions)
(Zoom for pins; check traffic from Larkspur.)

Step-by-Step Checklist for New or Replacement Passports (DS-11)

Print this table—check off to cut rejection risk by 50%.

Step Action Required Items Tip
1 Fill DS-11 Download here 2. Unsigned. Single-sided print; no staples.
2 Citizenship Proof Original birth/naturalization cert + front/back photocopy. Marin births: Order Marin Clerk ($29, 10 days) or CA Vital ($32) 7 9.
3 Photo ID Driver's license + photocopy. Name match exact 1.
4 Photos 2x2" color x2. Local: Larkspur USPS/CVS (900 Magnolia Ave) 10.
5 Fees App fee check to "U.S. Dept of State"; exec to facility. ~$165 adult.
6

Book Slot | Facility site/phone. Arrive 15 min early. | | 7 | At Facility | Agent signs/seals. Get receipt. | | 8 | Track | Online after 7-10 days 11. |

DS-82 Renewal: Complete/sign form, add old passport + photos + $130 check. Mail per instructions—no execution fee 3.

Passport Photo Requirements and Local Options

Rejections spike from glare (head 1-1⅜" tall, eyes open, neutral face, white background, <6 months old). Test upload: State Dept tool 10.

Larkspur spots: USPS (Larkspur, $15), CVS (900 Magnolia Ave), Walgreens (1600 Redwood Hwy, Corte Madera).

Processing Times and Expedited Services

Routine: 6-8 weeks (longer peaks). Expedite (+$60): 2-3 weeks. Urgent (14 days): SF Agency (~30 miles), proof needed 12. Apply 9+ weeks early; track emails 11.

Special Rules for Minors Under 16

DS-11 in-person: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent + ID copy 13. $135 total. Pitfall: Vague custody docs delay 20%.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

  • Slot Shortages: Daily checks; backup San Rafael.
  • Form Errors: DS-82 ineligible? Switch early.
  • Doc Misses: Order Marin birth cert 4 weeks ahead 7.
  • Photos: Pro service, no smiles.
  • Timelines: Peaks add 2 weeks—plan buffers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expired >5 years? DS-11 + proof 3.
Larkspur birth cert? Marin Clerk (San Rafael), 10-20 days 7.
Routine vs Expedite? 6-8 vs 2-3 weeks (+$60) 1.
Larkspur PO appt? Yes, via USPS 6.
Business urgent? Itinerary qualifies 1.
Absent parent? DS-3053 + ID 13.
Saturdays? Weekdays only [6](https://www.usps.com/international/pas

sports.htm).
Minor cost? $135 + extras 1.

Sources

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations