Seaside OR Passport: Facilities, Steps & Checklists Guide

Getting a Passport in Seaside, Oregon

Seaside, located in Clatsop County on Oregon's northern coast, sees a mix of residents and visitors needing passports due to frequent international business travel, tourism to nearby Canada or Pacific destinations, and seasonal spikes in spring/summer beach vacations or winter breaks to Mexico and Europe. Students from local high schools or exchange programs, plus urgent last-minute trips for family emergencies, add to the demand. With Portland's international airport a couple hours away, many turn to local facilities, but high season (May-September and December-February) often means booking appointments weeks ahead. This guide covers everything from choosing your service to avoiding pitfalls, drawing directly from U.S. Department of State guidelines [1].

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Before gathering documents, determine your category to use the correct form and process. Misusing a form—like submitting a renewal when ineligible—leads to rejection and delays.

• First-Time Passport: Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16, lost, stolen, damaged, or expired over 15 years ago. Requires in-person application at an acceptance facility [1].

• Renewal: Eligible only if your passport was issued when you were 16+, is undamaged, was issued within the last 15 years, and you're not changing name/gender/appearance significantly. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person needed unless adding pages or expediting in person [2].

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it first with Form DS-64 (free online). If valid and undamaged, use DS-5504 by mail (free if within a year of issue). Otherwise, treat as first-time with DS-11 in person [3].

• Name/Gender Change or Correction: DS-5504 by mail if passport is valid; DS-11 in person otherwise [1].

For minors under 16, always use DS-11 in person with both parents [4]. Check eligibility tools on the State Department site to confirm [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Seaside

Seaside and Clatsop County have limited facilities, which book up fast during peak travel seasons like summer festivals or holiday rushes. Appointments are required; walk-ins are rare.

• Seaside Post Office: 1015 Broadway St, Seaside, OR 97138. Phone: (503) 738-5874. Open weekdays; accepts DS-11 applications, photos available onsite for a fee. High demand—book 4-6 weeks ahead in summer [5].

• **Clatsop Cou

nty Clerk's Office**: 1151 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103 (20-minute drive from Seaside). Handles DS-11; photos not onsite. Call (503) 325-1016 for appointments [6].

• Warrenton Post Office: 140 S Main Ave, Warrenton, OR 97146 (15-minute drive). Another option for DS-11; check availability [5].

Use the State Department's locator for real-time slots: iafdb.travel.state.gov [7]. If none available locally, consider Tillamook (south) or Long Beach, WA (north). Private expediting services exist but add costs and aren't affiliated with the government.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Follow this sequentially to minimize rejections. Incomplete apps waste time, especially with minors or urgent needs.

1. Fill out Form DS-11 (online or paper, but do not sign until instructed). Print single-sided on white paper [1].

2. Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (long form preferred; Oregon issues via county clerks or vital records), naturalization certificate, or prior passport. Photocopy front/back [1]. For Clatsop residents born in Oregon, order from Oregon Vital Records (online expedited) or Clatsop County Clerk [8].

3. Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID. Photocopy [1].

4. Passport Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo taken within 6 months. Specs: white/light background, no glasses/selfies/uniforms, head 1-1 3/8 inches, neutral expression [9]. Avoid shadows/glare—common rejection reasons.

5. Parental Awareness (Minors Under 16): Both parents' presence or notarized consent (DS-3053/DS-64 from absent parent) [4].

6. Fees: $130 application (under 16: $100) + $35 acceptance fee (check/money order). Execution fee payable to facility. Add expedited ($60) or 1-2 day delivery ($21.36) as needed [10].

7. Book Appointment: Call facility; arrive 15 minutes early with all originals/photocopies.

8. Sign in Presence of Agent: Submit at facility—they seal and mail to State Department.

9. Track Status: Online at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days [11].

For mail-in renewals (DS-82), skip steps 4-7; send to address on form [2].

Passport Photos: Avoiding Rejections

Photos cause 25-30% of rejections [9]. Rules are strict:

• Dimensions: 2x2 inches, head between 1-1 3/8 inches from chin top to head top.
• Quality: Recent (6 months), color, matte/dull finish, even lighting (no shadows under eyes/chin), plain white/c

ream/off-white background.

• Subject: Full face forward, eyes open/neutral, mouth closed, no head coverings unless religious/medical (doctor's note).
• Common Errors: Glare from glasses (remove if possible), red-eye, poor contrast, smiling.

Where to Get Them:

• USPS (Seaside/Warrenton): $15-16 [5].
• CVS/Walgreens: Digital review before print.
• AAA (membership req'd).
• Avoid home printers—digital uploads to State Dept allow corrections [9].

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine: 6-8 weeks (does not include mailing) [10]. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent travel within 14 days? Life-or-death emergencies qualify for in-person at Portland Passport Agency (2.5-hour drive; appointment only via 1-877-487-2778) [12]. Do not count on last-minute during peaks—high volume from Oregon's seasonal travel (e.g., summer Europe flights) overwhelms agencies. Track flights but apply early [11].

Special Considerations for Minors and Urgent Travel

Minors under 16 need DS-11 with both parents/guardians (or consent forms). Evidence of parental relationship (birth cert) required. Over 16 can apply alone like adults [4].

For urgent scenarios (e.g., exchange student deadlines or family crises), gather docs first, then check agency availability. Students: Universities may have group appts [1].

Common Challenges in Seaside/Clatsop Area

• Limited Appointments: Summer tourism and winter breaks fill slots; book via usps.com or county sites [5][6].
• Expedited vs. Urgent Confusion: Expedited speeds processing but needs 6+ weeks notice; true urgent is 14 days max at agencies [12].
• Photo Issues: Beach lighting causes glare/shadows—use indoor studios.
• Documentation Gaps: Minors often miss consent; births abroad need Consular Report.
• Renewal Mistakes: Using DS-82 when ineligible forces restart.

Order birth certs early—Clatsop Clerk processes in 1-2 weeks, state vital records faster online [8].

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply in Seaside during summer?
Peak season means 8-10 weeks minimum; routine processing alone is 6-8 weeks, plus appt waits [10].

Can I renew my passport at Seaside Post Office?
No, renewals (DS-82) go by mail only. Use post office for DS-11 first-time/replacements [2].

What if my birth certificate is from another state?
Order from that state's vital records office; certified copy required [1].

Do they take walk-ins at Clatsop County Clerk?
No, appointments mandatory; call ahead [6].

**

How do I expedite for a trip in 3 weeks?**
Add $60 fee at acceptance facility; still 2-3 weeks. For 14 days or less, contact agency [12].

What's the cost for a child's passport?
$100 application + $35 fee; photos extra. Validity: 5 years [10].

Can I get a passport photo at the beach?
No—outdoor light often causes glare/shadows. Use professional services [9].

Final Application Checklist

• Correct form (DS-11/DS-82/DS-5504) completed but unsigned.
• Original citizenship proof + photocopy.
• Valid photo ID + photocopy.
• Compliant 2x2 photo.
• Fees ready (two payments: app to State Dept, exec to facility).
• Minor docs if applicable (both parents/consent).
• Appointment confirmed.
• Envelope/stamps if mailing extras.

Double-check against state.gov before submitting [1].

Sources

[1]Passports: How to Apply
[2]Renew a Passport
[3]Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport
[4]Children Under 16
[5]USPS Passport Services
[6]Clatsop County Clerk
[7]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[8]Oregon Vital Records
[9]Passport Photo Requirements
[10]Passport Fees
[11]Check Application Status
[12]Passport Agencies