Check the U.S. Passport Service Guide to find the passport office in your county where you'll need to go to apply for the passport. Obtain the application, DS-11, at the local passport office or from the State Department's website, located in the resources section.
Present an personal ID, like a California driver's license or government or military ID, when applying at the passport office. In addition, bring proof of citizenship: a prior passport, certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad or naturalization certificate are all acceptable. Also, bring a photocopy of your identification.
Pay the application fee and the execution fee. Current fees are listed on the State Department's website. Payment can be made by credit card or by a check, money order or bank draft made out to the "Department of State."
Provide two passport photos when applying at the passport agency. They must meet the requirements listed on the State Department's passport application page. Download a full requirement list at the State Department website.
If you need a passport for travel within 2 weeks, or to obtain a visa within 4 weeks, you can contact one of California's two Regional Passport Agencies. One is located in Los Angeles and the other in San Francisco.
Los Angeles:
Federal Building
11000 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 1000
Los Angeles, CA 90024-3615
877-487-2778
San Francisco:
95 Hawthorne Street
5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105-3901
877-487-2778
