Getting a Passport in Long Beach, CA: Forms, Facilities, Tips

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Long Beach, CA
Getting a Passport in Long Beach, CA: Forms, Facilities, Tips

Getting a Passport in Long Beach, CA

Long Beach locals chase passports for Queen Mary cruises from the port, quick LAX layovers to Asia, or border hops to Baja. CSULB students rush for semester abroad deadlines in fall, while families face March-April spring break crunches and June-August summer swells that stretch waits. Local spots fill appointments weeks out—check live routine times at travel.state.gov/processing-times and start 10+ weeks early. Common traps like glare-y photos or pre-signed DS-11s spark 4-6 week do-overs. This State Department-backed guide[1] breaks down DS-11 vs. DS-82 choices, doc prep, local navigation, and fixes for peak-season snags.

Determine Your Passport Service Type

Pick wrong? Add 2-8 weeks restarting. Use Long Beach-tuned table:

Situation Form Submission Local Angle
First-time, child under 16, expired 15+ years, lost/stolen/damaged DS-11 In-person only Tops for CSULB newbies and port-cruise first-timers; kids need both parents.
Renewal-eligible (issued <15 years ago, were 16+ then, undamaged, you have it) DS-82 Mail or in-person Skip mailing if name/gender changed sans docs; post offices here take drop-offs.
Travel <6 weeks out DS-11/82 + expedite fee Same as above Verify state.gov times; LAX peaks amplify delays.
Life-or-death <3 weeks DS-11 Passport agency LAX requires flight proof—no local option.

Fast check: pptform.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778.[3] Long Beach post offices prioritize online bookings—grab one today. DS-82 mailers: Use USPS Priority with tracking to Philly during surges.[2]

DS-11 In-Person Essentials

Download single-sided from travel.state.gov—hold off signing till agent watches (top rejection trigger).

  • Citizenship proof original (e.g., certified birth cert).[4]
  • Photo ID + front/back photocopy on plain 8.5x11 paper.
  • One 2x2" compliant photo.[6]
  • Fees via separate checks/money orders.[9]

Local gotchas: LA County certs vital (lavote.gov).[4] No hospital/school copies. Expect 15-30 min at facility: ID scan, oath, error-spotting, payment.

DS-82 Renewal by Mail

Eligible? Skip lines. Send to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[2] Include old passport, photo, fees. Long Beach tip: Drop at busier post office for Priority Mail certainty.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged

File DS-64 online first, then DS-11 (new app) or DS-82 if qualifying.[1] Detail incident for records.

Required Documents and Fees

Originals only—no scans. Photocopy ID front/back standard size.

Item Details Long Beach Tips
Citizenship Certified birth/naturalization cert (raised seal) Order from LA County Registrar (lavote.gov, 2-4 weeks; rush option) or CDPH (cdph.ca.gov).[4][5] Skip hospital prints.
ID Driver's license, military ID Exact name match to citizenship doc; photocopy both sides.
Photo One 2x2", color, plain white/cream background CVS/Walgreens pros (e.g., check 3820 E 4th St area).[6]
Fees Execution to facility; application to "U.S. Dept of State" Adult book: $130 app + $35 exec; child $100 app + $35. Expedite +$60.[9] Cards/cash spotty—bring checks.
Minors <16 DS-3053 consent (notarized if solo parent); parental IDs/proof Free bank notaries; both parents or court order.

No erasures/whites-out. Print forms single-sided.[1]

Passport Photo Requirements

Photos nix 25-30% apps—get it right.[6]

  • Exactly 2x2" (head 1-1⅜" tall).
  • Color, plain off-white/light background, even lighting.
  • Neutral expression, eyes open, no glare/glasses/hats/uniforms/shadows/smiles. Local pros: CVS, Walgreens, UPS Stores. Verify against travel.state.gov photo tool; ditch selfies.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Long Beach

These State-approved sites (mostly post offices) review docs, administer oath, collect fees, and forward—no passports issued here. Walk-ins rare; book via phone/online. Arrive 15 min early with printed checklist. Agents flag issues on-site, saving weeks.

Prime Long Beach Locations (confirm hours/appointments via USPS Passport Finder or State iafdb:[7])

  • Long Beach Main Post Office: 1250 N Pacific Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562-888-4267). Central hub, busiest.
  • Belmont Shore Station: 5222 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803.
  • 2nd & Pacific Station: 4010 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803 (nearby alternative).
  • CSULB Student Services: Campus events/pop-ups for study abroad—monitor csulb.edu/international or student union.

Quick Backups (10-25 min drive):

  • Lakewood Post Office (Norwalk area).
  • LA County Clerk offices (check locator).

Peak Strategy: Tuesdays-Thursdays lightest; avoid CSULB vicinity Mondays. Full list at USPS tool (9080x ZIPs).[7]

Urgent Only: LAX Passport Agency (11000 W Aviation Blvd; appt for <14-day travel + itinerary/proof, 213-202-0461).[8]

Application Checklists

Prep Checklist

✓ Action Notes
Run wizard (pptform.state.gov).[3] Confirms DS-11/82.
Secure birth cert (lavote.gov).[4] 2-week buffer.
Photocopy ID front/back. Plain paper.
Get compliant photo.[6] Pro service.
Fill form (unsigned DS-11). Single-sided.
Prep 2 checks/fees.[9] Separate payees.
Minors: Notarize DS-3053. Both parents.
Book appt.[7] 4-6 weeks ahead.

Submit & Track Checklist

  1. At Facility: Agent verifies/signs; snag receipt (processing start date).
  2. Mail Renewal: Priority tracked to Philly.[2]
  3. Status Check: passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days.[10]
  4. Live Times: travel.state.gov/processing-times.
  5. Expedite: Pay $60 extra at submit/mail (faster delivery).[9]
  6. Urgent: LAX slot + proof.[8]
  7. Book Return: Select at app time.

Expedited and Urgent Services

Routine: See live tracker—Long Beach peaks tack on 2-3 weeks.[1]
Expedite ($60): 2-3 weeks total, add at acceptance/mail.[9]
Urgent Agency: LAX for proven travel <14 days (1-3 business days possible) or life-or-death emergencies.[8] Summer LAX lines brutal—book early. CSULB: Sync with intl program timelines.

Common Challenges and Fixes

  • No Appts: Hunt alternates via USPS tool; start 4-6 weeks out.[7]
  • Photo Rejects: Specs checklist twice; pro only.[6]
  • Minor Denials (40%): Notarize early, bring all parent proofs.[1]
  • Form Fumbles: DS-82 eligible? Use it. DS-11 unsigned.
  • Doc Delays: Birth certs 10-20 days—order now.[4][5]
  • Port/LAX Rush: Apply off-peak; no same-day locals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport here? Nope—LAX urgent with proof only (<14 days).[8]

Expedite or urgent? Expedite for 2-3 weeks ($60 anywhere); urgent agency for imminent trips.[9]

Post office needs appt? Almost always—online first.[7]

Expired 16+ years? Treat as new: DS-11.[1]

Lost overseas? Hit U.S. embassy.[11]

Renew kid by mail? No—in-person DS-11.[1]

Local birth cert source? lavote.gov or cdph.ca.gov.[4][5]

Passport card for closed-loop cruises? Yes (Mexico/port runs); book for air travel.[1]

Sources

[1] Passports - How to Apply
[2] Passport Renewal
[3] Passport Application Wizard
[4] Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Birth Certificates
[5] California Department of Public Health Vital Records
[6] Passport Photo Requirements
[7] USPS Passport Locations
[8] Get a Passport Fast
[9] Passport Fees
[10] Check Application Status
[11] Lost or Stolen Passport Abroad

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