UC Davis Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms & Tips Davis CA

Passport Guide for UC Davis Students and Residents in Davis, CA

Living or studying at the University of California-Davis (UC Davis) in Davis, Yolo County, California, often involves international opportunities like study abroad programs, exchange student visits, family reunions, or research collaborations. California's frequent business travel, tourism hotspots, and seasonal peaks during spring/summer breaks and winter holidays amplify demand for passports. UC Davis students frequently face urgent scenarios, such as last-minute conference trips or program deadlines. However, high demand at acceptance facilities can lead to limited appointments, especially in peak seasons. This guide covers everything from selecting the right service to avoiding common pitfalls like photo rejections or form errors, drawing directly from U.S. Department of State guidelines [1].

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before starting, determine your needs to use the correct process and forms. Mischoosing can delay your application.

• First-Time Passport: For U.S. citizens 16+ who have never had a passport book or card. Use Form DS-11 [2]. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility.

• Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were 16+ at issuance, and it's undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 by mail [3]. Not available for minors.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it first, then apply using DS-64 (report) and DS-11 (replacement) in person, or DS-82 if eligible for renewal [4].

• New Passport with Name Change or Data Correction: Use DS-5504 within one year of passport issuance, or DS-82/DS-11 otherwise [1].

UC Davis students on exchange programs or with expired childhood passports often qualify for renewal but should verify eligibility via the State Department's online tool [5]. For minors under 16, always use DS-11 in person with both parents' presence or notarized consent [6].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near UC Davis

Davis residents and students have convenient options in Yolo County, but book appointments early due to high demand from UC Davis's international community.

• Yolo County Clerk-Recorder's Office (Woodland, ~15 miles from Davis): Handles first-time, minors, and replacements. Appointments required [7]. Address: 625 Court Street, Woodland, CA 95695.

• USPS Locations in Davis:

  Facility	Address	Phone	Notes
  Davis Post Office	2121 L St, Davis, CA 95616	(530) 758-7321	Walk-ins limited; appointments via usps.com [8]
  West Davis Post Office	43487 County Rd 101, Davis, CA 95618	(530) 753-2261	Passport photos available onsite

Search iafdb.travel.state.gov for real-time availability [9]. During UC Davis breaks (e.g., summer), slots fill quickly from seasonal travel surges. Avoid relying on last-minute walk-ins; the State Department warns processing cannot be guaranteed during peaks [1].

For urgent travel (within 14 days), contact a passport agency after booking an appointment—nearest is San Francisco (SF) Passport Agency, 4+ hours drive [10]. Expedited service (2-3 weeks) differs from urgent "life-or-death" options [11].

Required Documents

Gather originals; photocopies not accepted for proof.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (raised seal), naturalization certificate, or previous passport. For California births, order from Yolo County Recorder or CA Dept. of Public Health [12]. UC Davis students born abroad may need Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

• Proof of Identity: Driver's license, government ID. Enhances with secondary like UC Davis student ID.

• Photos: Two identical 2x2" color photos (details below).

• Parental Consent for Minors: Both parents/guardians or DS-3053 notarized form [6].

Photocopy all front/back on white paper. For name changes, include court orders or marriage certificates [1].

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photo issues cause 25%+ rejections [13]. UC Davis students snapping selfies often fail due to shadows from dorm lighting or glare on phones.

Specifications [13]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• Color photo on photo paper, white/cream/off-white background.
• Full face, front view, eyes open, neutral expression.
• No glasses (unless medically necessary), hats, uniforms, shadows, glare.
• Taken within 6 months.

Get at USPS Davis (mentioned above), CVS/Walgreens, or UC Davis Student Health (check with them). Digital uploads rejected; must be printed [13]. Common pitfalls: phone camera filters, uneven lighting from CA sun.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

Use this checklist for in-person applications (DS-11). Print forms single-sided [2].

Pre-Application

• Confirm service type and download form(s) from pptform.state.gov [14].
  Review your situation (e.g., first-time passport, renewal, name change, lost/stolen) to select the correct DS-11 or DS-82 form—common mistake is using renewal form DS-82 when DS-11 is required for name changes over 1 year old or if expired >5 years. Download and print single-sided; fill out but do not sign until instructed. UC-Davis students/faculty: Use your Aggie Card as secondary ID if needed.

• Gather citizenship proof, ID, photos, photocopies.
  Original citizenship evidence (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate—photocopy front/back on standard 8.5x11 paper); valid photo ID (driver's license, passport card) with photocopy; two passport photos (2x2 inches, white background, <6 months old, no selfies—get at UC-Davis bookstore or CVS to avoid rejection). Decision tip: If no birth certificate, request expedited copy from vital records first. Common mistake: Submitting expired ID or color photocopies.

• Calculate fees (see below).
  Use the State Department fee calculator: application fee (check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State") + execution fee (cash/check to facility). Add expedited ($60) or 1-2 day ($21.36) if travel <6 weeks. UC-Davis tip: Confirm exact totals online to avoid delays—bring exact change if paying execution fee in cash.

• Book appointment at facility [9].
  Schedule online ASAP (slots fill quickly, especially before holidays); aim for 4-6 weeks before travel. Decision guidance: Choose morning slots to allow time for fixes; if urgent, call to inquire about walk-ins (rarely available). Common mistake: Missing confirmation email or arriving without all docs.

• For minors/exchanges: Prepare consent/docs.
  Minors <16 need both parents' presence or notarized consent (DS-3053, both IDs); J-1 exchanges need DS-2019/visa copies. Common mistake: Unsigned consents or missing witness—notary must match form exactly. UC-Davis international students: Include I-20/DS-2019 and proof of U.S. address (e.g., lease/student housing letter).

At the Facility

• Do not sign DS-11 until instructed.
• Present all originals/photocopies.
• Pay fees (check/money order; some accept cards).
• Oath before agent.

Mail Renewal (DS-82) Checklist [3]

• Eligible? Passport issued <15 years, 16+ at issue.
• Complete DS-82, include old passport, photo, fees.
• Mail to address on form (no staples/clips).

Track status at passportstatus.state.gov [15]. Allow 6-8 weeks standard; no personal tracking calls [1].

Fees and Payment

Fees unchanged as of 2023; verify current [16].

Pay application fee by check to "U.S. Department of State"; execution to facility. Cards at some USPS [8]. Optional card ($30) for faster delivery.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Standard: 6-8 weeks passport + 2-3 mailing [1]. No guarantees—peaks from CA's tourism (summer to Europe/Asia) or UC Davis winter breaks delay further. Avoid complacency; State Department reports surges [17].

• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60), in-person or mail [18]. Still book facility appts.
• Urgent (14 days): Agencies only, proof of travel (itinerary, ticket) [10]. SF Agency: Appointment via 1-877-487-2778.
• Life-or-Death: Within 3 days, call agency [11].

UC Davis international students: Coordinate with ISS for program deadlines; don't assume expedited covers last-minute trips.

Tips for UC Davis Community and Common Challenges

High-volume travel from UC Davis exchanges (e.g., to Europe, Asia) means compete for slots. Book 4-6 weeks ahead.

Challenges:

• Limited Appointments: Woodland Clerk books months out in summer; use USPS alternates [7][8].
• Expedited vs. Urgent Confusion: Expedited ≠ within 14 days; latter requires agency [11].
• Photo Rejections: Shadows from Davis's bright sun; use indoor pro services.
• Incomplete Docs: Minors need both parents; Yolo birth certs take 2-4 weeks [12].
• Renewal Errors: Using DS-11 when DS-82 eligible wastes time/fees.

Pro Tip: UC Davis Global Affairs advises starting 3+ months early for study abroad [19]. For vital records, Yolo County processes local births faster than state [12].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around University of California-Davis

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit new passport applications or renewals. These include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. They do not issue passports on-site; instead, staff verify your identity, ensure forms are complete, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Expect a wait of several weeks for standard service or expedited options if eligible.

In and around the University of California-Davis area, such facilities are typically found in Davis itself, nearby communities like Woodland or West Sacramento, and larger hubs such as Sacramento. Common spots include local post offices serving students and residents, government administrative buildings in Yolo County, and public libraries that support community services. University-affiliated centers may occasionally offer guidance, but core processing occurs at designated civic locations. Always verify current participation through official channels, as authorizations can change.

To prepare, gather a completed DS-11 form for first-time applicants (or DS-82 for renewals), two passport photos, proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and fees payable by check or money order. Children under 16 require both parents' presence or notarized consent. Facilities provide basic forms and photo services in some cases, but arrive organized to streamline the process.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities near UC-Davis tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, when students, faculty, and locals apply in droves. Mondays often start with backlogs from weekend submissions, and mid-day periods (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) can get crowded due to lunch-hour rushes. To avoid delays, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays. Consider making appointments where available, as walk-ins may face long lines. Check for seasonal surges around academic breaks or spring break planning, and monitor for any advisories on processing backlogs. Planning ahead ensures a smoother experience amid variable campus-area traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can UC Davis students apply on campus?
No dedicated facility; use local USPS or Yolo Clerk. Student Health may offer photos—confirm directly.

How soon can I get a passport for a spring break trip?
Standard 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3. Book flights after passport in hand. Peak seasons (March-May) add delays [1].

What's the difference between passport book and card?
Book valid for air/sea to all countries; card sea/land to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean. Students need book for most programs [20].

My passport expired 16 years ago—can I renew?
No, use DS-11 as first-time. Check eligibility tool [5].

Do I need an appointment for USPS Davis?
Recommended; walk-ins limited, especially busy periods [8].

How to replace a lost passport abroad?
Contact U.S. Embassy; limited validity replacement. Full process upon return [21].

For minors visiting family in India—any extras?
DS-11, both parents, photos. No "no contact" without court order [6].

Can I track my application daily?
Online after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov [15]. Patience advised.

Sources

[1]: U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]: Form DS-11
[3]: Form DS-82
[4]: Lost/Stolen Passports
[5]: Passport Renewal Eligibility Tool
[6]: Minors Under 16
[7]: Yolo County Clerk-Recorder Passports
[8]: USPS Passport Services
[9]: Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[10]: Passport Agencies
[11]: Life-or-Death Emergencies
[12]: CA Vital Records
[13]: Passport Photo Requirements
[14]: Passport Forms
[15]: Check Application Status
[16]: Passport Fees
[17]: Processing Times
[18]: Expedited Service
[19]: UC Davis Global Affairs
[20]: Passport Book vs. Card
[21]: Lost Abroad