Vandenberg AFB Passport Guide: Forms, Photos & Facilities CA

Passport Services in Vandenberg AFB, CA

Vandenberg Space Force Base residents, military personnel, dependents, and nearby civilians in Santa Barbara County face high passport demand from PCS moves, launch-related deployments, student exchanges via UCSB, and coastal tourism to Mexico or Europe. Peaks hit March-August (vacations, PCS) and December (holidays), with coastal glare causing photo rejections and limited slots amplifying delays for urgent needs like deployments or emergencies. This guide uses U.S. Department of State rules to streamline your process—start 8+ weeks early, as timelines vary by volume.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Match your situation to avoid rejections or wasted trips:

First-Time Passport (Form DS-11)

Qualifies if: No prior U.S. passport, child under 16, prior passport issued before age 16 (even expired), or lost/stolen/damaged. Must apply in person—no mail option.

Decision tips:

• Old passport issued before age 16? DS-11.
• No prior passport? DS-11.
• Valid passport expired after age 16 within 15 years? Check renewal below.

Steps & pitfalls: Bring originals (citizenship proof, photo ID like military CAC, 2 photos, fees). Both parents for minors (or DS-3053 consent). Mistakes: Using DS-82 for kids; forgetting military ID accelerates ID check but not other rules. Vandenberg tip: Book base-area slots early during PCS/launch surges.

Renewal (Form DS-82)

Eligibility checklist:

1. Issued age 16+? (Check issue date vs. birthdate.)
2. Issued <15 years ago? (From issue date.)
3. Undamaged, unaltered, in your possession?

All yes? Mail it—no appointment, photos optional if old passport usable. No? DS-11 in person. Pitfalls: Using current age (not issue age); mailing without possession (e.g., lost—file DS-64 first). Military: No exemptions; photocopy passport before mailing.

Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

1. File DS-64 online at travel.state.gov immediately (invalidates old one; add police report if stolen).
2. Then: DS-82 if eligible (possession + criteria above, expired <5 years); else DS-11 in person.

Urgent (<14 days): Add expedite ($60+) + itinerary. Military note: Unit verification can prioritize; confirm with sponsor.

Decision Tree:

Have prior passport? → Yes → In hand, undamaged, issued 16+, <15 yrs? → DS-82 (mail)
                                      ↓ No
Lost/stolen/child/no prior? → DS-11 (in person)

Gather Required Documents and Photos

Plan 6-8 weeks routine (2-3 expedited); track at passportstatus.state.gov. Vandenberg peaks (PCS May-Aug, launches) need 6-8 week bookings.

Documents Table (Originals Required):

Name mismatches: Link with marriage/divorce cert. Santa Barbara births: Order certified copy ($32) from County Clerk-Recorder or vitalchek.com (1-4 weeks).

Passport Photos: Specs & Local Fixes

25% rejections from coastal sun glare/shadows. Consolidated rules:

• 2x2 inches, color print, white/cream background.
• Head 1-1⅜ inches (50% height), taken <6 months ago.
• Eyes open, neutral expression, no glasses/uniforms/selfies/hats (medical/religious waivers OK).
• Even lighting, no shadows/glare.

Visual guides:


Full template.

Vandenberg pro tips: Base exchange, CVS/Walgreens in Lompoc/Santa Maria ($15, 10 min). Avoid DIY printers/outdoor sun.

Passport Services for Vandenberg Space Force Base Personnel

No on-base passport acceptance for civilians/public; military, dependents, DoD civilians use off-base USPS/county facilities (CAC accepted as ID). RAPIDS/DEERS issues CACs/IDs, not passports—visit for guidance only.

Key details:

• Process: Standard DS-11/DS-82; prioritize Lompoc PO (5 miles).
• Expedites/deployments: Units sponsor urgent via DEERS verification; <14 days call agency post-submission.
• RAPIDS locator: Book ID-related appts at idco.dmdc.osd.mil (Vandenberg site: search "Vandenberg SFB").
• Contacts: Base ID office via operator (805-606-1110) or Military OneSource. No base passport agents.

Nearest Passport Acceptance Facilities

High demand—use State Dept locator or USPS scheduler for slots. No walk-ins; arrive 15 min early expecting 20-30 min review/oath.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

DS-11 In-Person:

1. Confirm type (tree above); download forms.
2. Gather docs/photos (table above).
3. Fill form (black ink, sign at facility).
4. Book appt (online/phone).
5. Two checks: "U.S. Department of State" (app fee), facility (execution $35).
6. Attend: Agent verifies, oaths, submits. (Expect questions on travel.)
7. Expedite ($60+ itinerary) or urgent call 1-877-487-2778.
8. Track/receive (6-8 weeks).

DS-82 Mail: Form + old passport + photo/fee to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

Expedited and Urgent Travel Options

Expedited ($60+, 2-3 weeks, appt needed). Urgent (<14 days emergencies): Submit, call agency (LA, 200+ miles). No local same-day. Military deployments: Add sponsor letter.

Tracking and Common Fixes

passportstatus.state.gov. Rejections (e.g., photos/docs): Refile same-day if slots open; order missing births via vitalchek.

Fees (Verify Current)

Use State Dept Fee Calculator. Check/money order (two payments).

FAQs

Timelines near base? 6-8 weeks routine; peaks +4 weeks.
On-base passports? No for public; military off-base.
Photo rejection? Redo at pharmacy—no glare.
Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited fee/speed; urgent emergencies only.
Minors? Both parents or DS-3053.
Lost renewal? DS-64 then DS-11.
Birth cert? County site, $32.
Clerk vs. USPS? Clerk no-appt, handles volume.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Apply in Person
[2] Lost/Stolen
[3] Children Under 16
[4] Santa Barbara Vital Records
[5] Photo Requirements
[6] Military OneSource
[7] Facility Search
[8] USPS Locator
[9] County Passports
[10] Status Check
[11] Expedited
[12] UCSB Abroad
[13] Contact