Getting a Passport in Redding, CA: Local Facilities Forms Fees

Getting a Passport in Redding, CA

Residents of Redding and Shasta County often need passports for frequent international business trips to Mexico or Asia, family vacations to Europe during spring and summer peaks, or winter escapes abroad. Students participating in exchange programs and last-minute urgent travel for family emergencies are also common in this region of California, where tourism and professional travel drive higher demand [1]. However, high volumes during peak seasons like spring break, summer vacations, and holiday periods can lead to limited appointments at local acceptance facilities. Common pitfalls include photo rejections from shadows or glare, missing documents for minors, and confusion over renewal forms or expedited options versus true urgent needs within 14 days. This guide walks you through the process step by step, helping you avoid delays and prepare effectively.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before starting, determine your specific need to use the correct form and process. California's travel patterns mean many locals qualify for simpler renewals, but first-timers or those with damaged passports must apply in person.

• First-Time Passport: Use Form DS-11. Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16. Apply in person at a passport acceptance facility [1].

• Renewal: Use Form DS-82 if eligible. You qualify if your passport is undamaged, issued when you were 16 or older, issued within the last 15 years, and in your current name (or you can document a name change). Mail it from Redding—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or for urgent cases [2].

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: File Form DS-64 to report it, then use DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail, if eligible). Damaged passports don't qualify for mail renewal [1].

• Name or Gender Marker Change: Provide legal proof (e.g., marriage certificate, court order). Renewals can often go by mail with DS-82; others need DS-11 [1].

• Child (Under 16) Passport: Always DS-11 in person, with both parents/guardians present or notarized consent [1].

Use the State Department's online wizard at travel.state.gov to confirm: https://pptform.state.gov/. Misusing forms leads to rejections, especially common during Shasta County's busy travel seasons.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Redding and Shasta County

Redding has several U.S. Postal Service locations and the county clerk'

s office as acceptance facilities. Demand spikes in spring/summer and winter breaks, so book appointments early via the USPS online scheduler or by calling [3].

Key locations:

• Redding Main Post Office: 1030 California Street, Redding, CA 96001. Phone: (530) 224-4400. Offers passport photos on-site [3].
• Shasta County Clerk-Recorder: 1450 Court Street, Suite 218, Redding, CA 96001. Phone: (530) 225-5674. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM-4 PM. Handles first-time, minors, and renewals requiring in-person [4].
• Other Nearby: Anderson Post Office (1681 Market St, Anderson, CA) or Shasta Lake Post Office for less crowded options [3].

Search for real-time availability and more at the official locator: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. Facilities require appointments; walk-ins are rare and not guaranteed. During peak seasons, slots fill weeks ahead—plan 4-6 weeks early for routine applications.

Required Documents and Fees

Gather originals and photocopies (front/back on plain white paper). Fees are paid separately: application to State Department (check/money order), execution fee to facility (cash/check/card varies) [1].

Adult First-Time or Renewal Requiring In-Person (DS-11):

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate from Shasta County Recorder or certified copy from CA Dept. of Public Health, naturalization cert) [5].
• Valid photo ID (driver's license, military ID) + photocopy.
• Passport photo.
• Fees: $130 book + $35 execution; expedited +$60 [1].

Renewal by Mail (DS-82): Old passport, photo, fees ($130 book) sent to National Passport Processing Center in Philadelphia [2].

For birth certificates: Order from Shasta County Recorder (1450 Court St) for local births—$32 certified copy, allow 1-2 weeks processing [6]. Statewide via CDPH for older records [5].

Minors need extra: both parents' IDs, consent form DS-3053 if one absent [1].

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Follow this checklist to submit successfully. Print and check off each item.

1. Determine Service: Use wizard at https://pptform.state.gov/ for DS-11, DS-82, etc. Download forms from travel.state.gov—never fill out DS-11 early [1].

2. Gather Documents:

   • Citizenship proof + photocopy.
   • ID + photocopy.
   • For minors: DS-3053, parents' docs.
   • Name change: marriage cert, etc., from Shasta County Clerk [4].

3. Get Passport Photo: 2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months. See photo section below [7].

4. **Complete For

m**: DS-11 unsigned until in person; DS-82 fully filled.

5. Calculate Fees:

   Service	Application Fee	Execution Fee	Expedite	1-2 Day Urgent
   Adult Book	$130	$35	+$60	+$21.36 + agency appt
   Minor Book	$100	$35	+$60	+$21.36 + agency appt [1]

6. Book Appointment: Call or online at USPS/facility site. Arrive 15 min early with all items.

7. Submit In Person: Sign DS-11 on-site. Get receipt with tracking number.

8. Track Status: Use https://passportstatus.state.gov/ 7-10 days after submission [1].

9. Receive Passport: Mailed 6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 expedited. Do not rely on last-minute during peaks.

For mail renewals: Send to P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [2].

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections in high-demand areas like Redding [7]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches (51x51mm), head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• White/cream/off-white background.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medically required), hats, uniforms.
• Even lighting—no shadows, glare, or dark borders [7].

Local options: Redding Post Office ($15-20), Walgreens (1920 Court St), CVS (3375 Placer St), or UPS Store (2525 Airpark Dr). Selfies or home printers often fail dimensions/glare tests—professionals are safer. Check samples at travel.state.gov [7].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door (does not include mailing). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). No guarantees—peaks in spring/summer/winter add 2-4 weeks [1]. Track online; call 1-877-487-2778 only after 7 days.

Urgent Travel (Within 14 Days): Prove with itinerary (non-refundable ticket). Life-or-death emergencies qualify for 3 days. Nearest passport agency: San Francisco (SF, 3.5-hour drive/flight). Book at https://passportappointment.travel.state.gov/—slots limited, often days out [8]. Local facilities cannot issue same-day.

Avoid "urgent" labels for non-emergencies; it wastes slots. For business/students, expedite early.

Special Considerations for Minors and Frequent Travelers

Minors Under 16: Both parents/guardians must appear or provide DS-3053 notarized. Valid 5 years. High rejection rate from incomplete parental docs—get Shasta County birth cert early [1][6].

Frequent Travelers: Add passport card ($30) for land/sea to Canada/Mexico. Multiple entries? Booklets have 28 or 52 pages (+$30 fo

r extra) [1].

California-Specific: International students from Shasta College often need visas post-passport—apply 3 months early. Business to Canada: REAL ID-compliant ID speeds land borders [9].

Minors Passport Checklist

1. DS-11 form.
2. Child's birth cert (Shasta/CA) + photocopy.
3. Both parents' IDs + photocopies.
4. DS-3053 if one parent absent (notarized).
5. Photo (child-sized head).
6. Fees: $100 + $35.
7. All at appointment [1].

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply for a passport in Redding during summer?
Apply 8-11 weeks early. Peak demand fills appointments; routine processing is 6-8 weeks, longer in high season [1].

Can I renew my passport by mail from Shasta County?
Yes, if eligible (undamaged, <15 years old, issued at 16+). Use DS-82; mail from Redding Post Office [2].

What if my passport photo is rejected?
Retake immediately—common issues: glare/shadows. Use local UPS/CVS; check specs online [7].

Where do I get a birth certificate for my DS-11 in Redding?
Shasta County Recorder (1450 Court St) for local births ($32, 1-2 weeks) or CDPH mail-order [5][6].

Is expedited service guaranteed within 2 weeks?
No—2-3 weeks average, but peaks delay. For <14 days urgent, go to SF agency [1][8].

Do I need an appointment at Redding Post Office?
Yes, book online or call. Limited slots; no walk-ins typically [3].

What about lost passports during travel prep?
Report DS-64 online/phone, then apply DS-11. Fees same as first-time [1].

Can children travel with one parent's consent?
No—both required or DS-3053. Notarization at banks/libraries [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports

[2]U.S. Department of State - Renew by Mail

[3]USPS Passport Services

[4]Shasta County Clerk-Recorder - Passports

[5]CA Dept. of Public Health - Vital Records

[6]Shasta County Recorder - Vital Records

[7]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photos

[8][U.S. Department of State - Passport Agencies](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/

(passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html)

[9]DHS - REAL ID

This guide equips Redding, CA residents for a smooth passport and REAL ID process in Northern California's travel landscape, where distant hubs like Sacramento or the Bay Area mean planning ahead saves time and stress. Prioritize routine service (6-8 weeks) at local post offices for non-urgent needs; switch to expedited (2-3 weeks, +$60 fee) or urgent agency visits (same/next day, travel required) only if your trip is within 14 days—or 28 days with international air travel. Common pitfalls: underestimating mail times from remote areas like Redding (opt for trackable shipping), arriving without two passport photos (many pharmacies offer them on-site for $15), or mismatched docs (e.g., bringing a photocopy instead of certified birth certificate original). For REAL ID, confirm California's May 7, 2025 deadline for domestic flights—start early at DMV to avoid lines, as compliant IDs aren't retroactive. Decision tip: Need a passport ultra-fast? Agencies beat private couriers for validity; for REAL ID only, skip passport apps to streamline. Always verify latest details at cited sources, as rules update frequently.