Portland OR Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Fees, Steps

Getting a Passport in Portland, OR

Portland, Oregon, sits in Multnomah County and serves as a gateway for frequent international travelers. Business professionals jet off to Asia and Europe regularly, tourists flock to Europe and Latin America during spring and summer peaks or winter breaks, and local universities like Portland State and Reed College host exchange programs sending students abroad. Urgent last-minute trips—family emergencies, sudden business deals, or cruise departures—also spike demand. However, high volumes lead to challenges: acceptance facilities book up fast, especially in peak seasons; photo rejections are common due to shadows, glare, or wrong sizes; and many applicants struggle with incomplete forms for minors or mix up renewal rules. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you prepare effectively [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to use the right process and form. Mischoosing can delay you weeks.

First-Time Applicants

If you've never had a U.S. passport, need to expand an existing limited-validity passport (e.g., child to adult), or are applying for a passport card only, apply in person at an acceptance facility. Use Form DS-11 [2]. Portland residents must appear in person—no mail option.

Renewals

Eligible if your passport is undamaged, issued when you were 16+, within 15 years of expiring (or expired <5 years), and issued in your current name (or provable change). Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person needed [2]. Ineligible? Treat as first-time with DS-11.

Replacements

Lost, stolen, or damaged passports require Form DS-64 (report) plus DS-11 or DS-82 if replacing immediately [2]. For name changes without other issues, DS-5504 by mail works if under 1 year old.

Use the State Department's form finder for confirmation [2].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Portland and Multnomah County

Portland has over 20 USPS locations and other facilities offering passport services by appointment [4]. Demand surges in spring/summer and winter breaks, so book 4-6 weeks ahead—slots fill fast [5]. No passport agency exists in Oregon; the nearest is in Seattle, WA, for life-or-death emergencies only (travel within 14 days + proof) [1].

Search the official locator for real-time availability: iafdb.travel.state.gov [4]. Examples in Portland/Multnomah:

• Alberta Post Office: 2608 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm by appt. Phone: (503) 282-4886 [5].
• Hollywood Station Post Office: 3448 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97212. Mon-Fri 11am-3pm. Phone: (503) 235-6321 [5].
• Multnomah Station: 8435 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97225. Mon-Fri 10am-2pm. Phone: (503) 452-3994 [5].
• Estacada Post Office (nearby Clackamas/Multnomah edge): 203 SW Main St, Estacada, OR 97023 [4].

Call ahead; hours vary, and photos may be available on-site (extra fee) [5]. Libraries like Portland Community College branches sometimes host mobile services—check locally [1].

Required Documents: Step-by-Step Checklist

Gather everything before your appointment. Incomplete applications get rejected on-site.

Adult First-Time/Replacement Checklist (DS-11)

1. Completed Form DS-11: Fill out but do not sign until instructed at facility [2]. Download from pptform.state.gov [2].
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original + photocopy (front/back on standard 8.5x11). Options: birth certificate (Oregon vital records [8]), naturalization cert, previous passport. Order Oregon birth certs online/via mail from Oregon Health Authority [8].
3. Proof of ID: Valid driver's license, military ID, etc. + photocopy [1].
4. Passport Photo: One 2x2 color photo, <6 months old [3].
5. Fees: Check/money order (see Fees section).
6. Name Change? Court order, marriage cert (Multnomah County Clerk for local records [9]).

Minor Under 16 (DS-11, Both Parents/Guardians)

Minors face stricter rules due to child trafficking concerns:

1. DS-11 (unsigned).
2. Citizenship proof + photocopy.
3. Parental ID proofs + photocopies.
4. Both parents' presence or notarized consent (Form DS-3053) from absent parent [1].
5. Photos (child only).
6. Fees. Common pitfall: Missing consent form delays families with exchange students [1].

Renewal by Mail (DS-82)

1. DS-82 (signed/undated).
2. Old passport.
3. Photo.
4. Fees (2 checks).
5. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1].

Photocopy all docs; keep originals safe.

Passport Photos: Get Them Right the First Time

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections [3]. Specs [3]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• White/cream/off-white background.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No glasses (unless medically required), hats, uniforms, shadows, glare, or headphones.
• Color, <6 months old, printed on matte photo paper.

Local options in Portland:

• USPS facilities (e.g., Alberta PO, $15-17) [5].
• CVS/Walgreens: Instant, $15 [10].
• Costco (membership needed): NE Portland location, bulk cheaper [11].
• AAA branches: For members, Alberta St office [12].

Take samples to compare; glare from Portland's rainy weather is a frequent issue—use soft indoor light [3].

Fees and Payment

Fees are non-refundable; pay exact amounts [6].

Two payments for in-person: application (check to "U.S. Department of State"), execution (cash/check to facility) [6]. Renewals: two checks. Expedited adds $60 [1].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks door-to-door (facility to receipt). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent travel (<14 days)? Call 1-877-487-2778 for Seattle agency appt + proof (e.g., itinerary, death cert) [7]. Do not rely on last-minute processing during peaks—Portland's seasonal surges overwhelm facilities, and State Dept warns times can stretch [7]. Track at passportstatus.state.gov [1].

Common Challenges and Tips for Portland Travelers

• Limited Appointments: Book via usps.com early; walk-ins rare [5]. Business travelers: Schedule off-peak (fall).
• Expedited vs. Urgent Confusion: Expedited speeds routine; urgent is for crises only [1].
• Minors/Students: Exchange programs need consent early—Oregon families often miss DS-3053 notarization.
• Docs: Oregon birth certs take 2-4 weeks; rush via vital records [8].
• Peak Seasons: Spring/summer tourism, winter breaks—apply 3+ months ahead.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

1. Assess Need: Use table above; download form [2].
2. Gather Docs: Checklist above; photocopy everything.
3. Get Photo: Verify specs [3]; local spot.
4. Find Facility: iafdb.travel.state.gov [4]; book appt (2-4 weeks out).
5. Prepare Fees: Two payments, exact [6].
6. Attend Appt: Arrive early, sign DS-11 there. Get receipt.
7. Track: Online after 7-10 days [1].
8. Receive: Mail in plain envelope; signature required.

For renewals: Mail packet; no tracking unless expedited.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Portland

Passport acceptance facilities are official sites authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit your passport application. These locations do not process passports themselves; instead, they verify your identity, ensure forms are complete, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types include certain post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Portland, such facilities are widely available across the city and its suburbs, including areas like Beaverton, Gresham, and Hillsboro, as well as nearby counties. Travelers can typically find multiple options within a short drive or public transit ride from most neighborhoods.

When visiting, expect a straightforward but sometimes crowded process. Arrive prepared with a completed DS-11 form (for first-time applicants) or DS-82 (for renewals), a valid photo meeting State Department specs, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), photo ID, and payment (checks or money orders preferred; some accept cards). Staff will administer an oath, seal your application in an envelope, and provide a receipt with tracking info. Processing times vary—routine service takes 6-8 weeks, expedited 2-3 weeks—but you can check status online later. Not all locations handle every application type, so confirm eligibility beforehand via the State Department's website.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, when demand surges for vacations and international trips. Mondays tend to be especially crowded as people start their week, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) frequently peak due to lunch breaks and shift changes. To minimize waits, aim for early mornings, late afternoons, or less busy weekdays like Tuesdays through Thursdays. Check for appointment options where available, as walk-ins can face long lines. Plan well in advance—apply 3-6 months before travel—and use the State Department's locator tool to identify nearby spots. Patience and preparation go a long way in streamlining your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport the same day in Portland?
No routine same-day service exists locally. Only Seattle Passport Agency handles extreme urgencies (life/death, <14 days) with appt/proof [1][7].

How long does it take to get an Oregon birth certificate for my application?
2-4 weeks standard; expedited 3-5 business days via Oregon Vital Records. Apply at oregon.gov/oha/ph/birthdeathcertificates [8].

My passport expired 6 years ago—can I renew by mail?
No, over 5 years requires DS-11 in person [1].

What if my child’s other parent won’t consent?
Seek court order or DS-3053 notarized by them. Both must appear otherwise [1].

Are passport cards accepted for cruises from Portland?
Yes, for closed-loop cruises (back to same U.S. port). Cheaper alternative [1].

How do I expedite for a summer trip?
Add $60 at acceptance or after; still 2-3 weeks. Apply early—peaks delay [7].

Can I use a Multnomah County marriage certificate for name change?
Yes, original + photocopy. Get from Multnomah County Circuit Court Records [9].

What if my photo gets rejected?
Fix issues (e.g., glare) and reapply; no fee for re-submission if caught early [3].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]State Department - Passport Forms
[3]State Department - Passport Photo Requirements
[4]State Department - Acceptance Facility Search
[5]USPS - Passport Services
[6]State Department - Passport Fees
[7]State Department - Processing Times
[8]Oregon Health Authority - Vital Records
[9]Multnomah County - Records Requests
[10]CVS Photo - Passport Photos
[11]Costco Photo - Passport Services
[12]AAA - Passport Photos