# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> General Travel Prep

How to Obtain a Passport in Woodland Hills, California

There are a number of preparations you need to make when traveling abroad. However, the most important thing is to obtain a passport. This document is needed to enter any country outside the U.S. (including Mexico and Canada). To apply for a passport you need specific documents and applications. In Woodland Hills, California, you must visit your local post office to apply for your passport. Keep in mind the document may take up to eight weeks to process, so plan ahead.

Instructions

- 1
  Print the passport application off the Department of State website. Complete the application in blue or black ink.
- 2
  Locate a business in your area that offers passport photo service so you can obtain two passport-sized photos. Check with drugstores, packing/shipping stores, business services stores like PostalAnnex or FedEx or with any business that has a photo department. You can take the photos at home, but be sure to check for the requirements for the photos. It's easier to get them professionally taken (and it's economical) because you do not risk having an invalid passport photo.
- 3
  Gather your fees, birth certificate or proof of citizenship, photo identification (such as driver's license, ID card), completed application and photos.
- 4
  Visit your local Woodland Hills post office. Call ahead to see whether the passport officer is in and has time to see you. The officer will question your application responses to confirm their accuracy. Once the officer approves your application, the information is mailed in and your passport will be mailed to you.