Astoria, OR Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms & Tips

Getting a Passport in Astoria, Oregon

Nestled in Clatsop County on Oregon's rugged northern coast, Astoria draws residents into frequent international travel—think Alaska cruises, European getaways, or family reunions abroad. Proximity to Portland International Airport (PDX) and peak tourism seasons (spring/summer festivals, winter holidays) spike demand at local facilities, where rainy weather, limited slots, and walk-in restrictions add hurdles. High volumes from coastal cruise passengers and last-minute business trips often mean 4-6 week waits for appointments. This guide, based on U.S. Department of State resources, streamlines the process with Astoria-specific tips, decision trees (DS-11 in-person vs. DS-82 mail renewal), checklists, timelines, and error-proofing to cut delays from photo rejections, form errors, or documentation mismatches.[1]

TL;DR: Fast-Track Checklist

1. Assess need: First-time/child/lost? DS-11 in-person at Astoria Post Office/Clatsop Clerk. Eligible renewal? DS-82 by mail (no visit).
2. Timeline: Apply 9+ weeks early (routine 6-8 weeks); expedite (+$60, 2-3 weeks) for urgency. <14 days? Portland agency only.
3. Key docs: Original birth cert (Oregon Vital Records: 4-6 weeks to obtain), photo ID, 2x2" photo (pro service to dodge 25% rejection rate).
4. Fees: Use official calculator (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html)—verify latest: Adult book ~$130+$35; child ~$100+$35.
5. Apply: Book appointment via iafdb.travel.state.gov; track at passportstatus.state.gov.
6. Astoria tips: Call ahead (weather delays common); photos at local CVS/USPS; order OR birth cert early from oregon.gov/oha.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick the right form/method upfront—wrong choice (e.g., DS-82 for first-timers) triggers rejections and fees. Use the State Dept wizard: pptform.state.gov.[3]

Decision tree:

• Old passport issued age 16+, <15 yrs ago, undamaged, name matches? → DS-82 mail (cheaper, no appt).
• Otherwise? → DS-11 in-person.
• Common pitfalls: Signing DS-11 early (voids); photocopy-only birth cert (originals required); name mismatches (update via OR vital records).

Expedite (+$60) at submission; urgent (<14 days) needs Portland agency proof.[1]

Required Documents and Photos

Universal: Original proof of citizenship (e.g., OR birth cert w/ raised seal from Oregon Health Authority/Clatsop Vital Records—allow 4-6 weeks), valid photo ID (name match), one 2x2" color photo (within 6 months, white background, 1-1⅜" head size, neutral expression, no glasses/selfies/uniforms/hats/shadows).[1][4][5]

Photos first (25% rejections): Astoria's foggy light causes glare—use pro at Astoria PO, CVS/Walgreens, or USPS (~$15). Measure exactly; facilities reject and delay 4-6 weeks.[5]

Scenario-specific:

• DS-11 (new/child): + parental consent (both present or notarized DS-3053); custody docs if sole.
• DS-82 (renewal): Old passport (canceled/returned separately), name change proofs (certified marriage/divorce decree).
• Lost/stolen: DS-64 confirmation + police report.

Photocopy all (front/back, 8.5x11"); facilities charge ~$0.50/page. Pro tip: Organize in clear folder for quick facility review.[1]

Fees (verify latest via https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html):

• Adult book: $130 app fee (to State Dept) + $35 exec (to facility).
• Child book: $100 + $35.
• Card add-on: +$30; expedite +$60; 1-2 day return +$21.36. Pay separately (check/money order; some card/cash).[1]

Where to Apply: Astoria and Clatsop County Facilities

First-time/child/replacements need DS-11 in-person at acceptance facilities (not agencies). Renewals mail if eligible. Book via iafdb.travel.state.gov or call—seasonal peaks (summer cruises, holidays) fill 4-6 weeks out; no routine walk-ins, expect 30-60 min waits, oath/signing/sealing on-site. Bring all docs; agent checks before forwarding (6-8 weeks processing).[6]

Comprehensive list:

• Astoria Main Post Office: 100 CW 12th St, Astoria, OR 97103. Photos available. (503) 325-5511; usps.com.[7]
• Clatsop County Clerk: 820 Exchange St, Astoria, OR 97103. Mon-Fri. (503) 325-1011; clatsopcounty.gov/clerk.[8]
• Warrenton Post Office: 110 S Main Ave, Warrenton, OR 97146. (503) 861-8891.[7]
• Nearby: Seaside PO (10 mi south); full search at iafdb.travel.state.gov.[6]

Tips: Early mornings/Tues-Wed best; rainy days slow lines. Portland agency (2-hr drive) for <14-day urgents only.[9]

Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Wizard: pptform.state.gov → pick DS-11/DS-82.[3]
2. Docs/photo: Originals + copies; OR birth cert if needed (oregon.gov/oha).[4][5]
3. Fill form: Online/print; no DS-11 signature yet.[1]
4. Book appt: Call facility.
5. Submit/pay: In-person (DS-11) or mail (DS-82 w/ tracking).[1]
6. Track: passportstatus.state.gov (after 7-10 days).[10]

Minors add: DS-3053 if one parent absent (notarized); custody proof.

Print/save; incompletes returned no refund.

Processing Times and Urgent Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks (peaks +2-4 weeks from coastal tourism).[1]
• Expedite: +$60, 2-3 weeks (select at submission).[1]
• Urgent (<14 days/life-or-death): 1-877-487-2778 for Portland appt (itinerary/proof req'd).[9]

Astoria context: Summer cruise rushes + rain delays mail; start 10+ weeks early.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

• Form wrong: Wizard first; DS-82 ineligible? DS-11 only.
• Photos/docs: Pro service; originals (no hospital summaries).
• Appts: Book multi-facility; coastal demand high.
• Minors: Consent mismatches (30% rejections).[1]
• Renewals: Damage/name change → in-person.

Monitor weekly; errors add 4-6 weeks.[10]

FAQs

DS-11 vs. DS-82? DS-82 mail if eligible (age 16+ issuance, <15 yrs, undamaged); else DS-11.[1]
Child without both parents? Notarized DS-3053 or sole custody proof.[1]
OR birth cert time? 4-6 weeks; expedite option.[4]
Walk-ins? Rare; appt essential.[6][7]
Book vs. card? Book worldwide air; card land/sea (Canada/Mexico/Caribbean).[1]
Track? passportstatus.state.gov post-7 days.[10]
Lost abroad? Embassy emergency doc.[1]
Summer guarantees? No; plan buffer.[1]

Sources

[1] U.S. Dept of State - Need a Passport: travel.state.gov/passports/need-passport.html
[2] Renew by Mail: travel.state.gov/passports/renew
[3] Passport Wizard: pptform.state.gov
[4] OR Vital Records: oregon.gov/oha/ph/birthdeathcertificates
[5] Photo Specs: travel.state.gov/passports/photos
[6] Facility Search: iafdb.travel.state.gov
[7] USPS Passports: usps.com/international/passports.htm
[8] Clatsop Clerk: clatsopcounty.gov/clerk/passports
[9] Agencies: travel.state.gov/passports/passport-agencies
[10] Status Check: passportstatus.state.gov