A first U.S. passport is issued by the U.S. Department of State, not by California. You apply in person at an acceptance facility, which checks your documents and mails the application. California has 583 of them in 428 cities. The busiest searches are for Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento and Fresno.
Steps
- Fill in form DS-11 online or on paper. Do not sign it.
- Gather proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate, previous passport or naturalization certificate) and a photocopy.
- Bring a valid photo ID, such as a California driver's license, and a photocopy of front and back.
- Get a 2x2 inch photo, or use one of the 522 offices that take photos. See passport photos.
- Book or confirm the office's passport hours: 513 of 583 California offices list theirs as by appointment.
- Pay two fees: $130 to the State Department and $35 to the office (fees table).
- Track the status online and plan with current processing times.
Where to apply in California
Post offices are the most common option (428 locations), followed by county clerk and court offices (36) and public libraries (55). County offices include Alpine County Clerk, Butte County Elections Office, City Clerk Department, Vernon CA, City of Anaheim - Office of the City Clerk, City of Compton City Clerk Office, City of Modesto City Clerk, City of Roseville City Clerk, City of South Gate- Office of the City Clerk. Browse all 428 cities or start with Roseville, Long Beach, Riverside and Oakland.
Which form?
- DS-11: first passport, child under 16, last passport issued before 16 or more than 15 years ago, lost or stolen passport.
- DS-82: renewal by mail. See renewal.
- Children have extra rules: child passport.
Traveling soon?
Expedited service takes 2–3 weeks, not counting mailing. With travel within 14 days, book Los Angeles Passport Agency, San Diego Passport Agency and San Francisco Passport Agency. Details in expedited and urgent passports. Only flying domestically? Read REAL ID vs passport.
Questions
Where do I apply for my first passport in California?
In person at one of 583 acceptance facilities: 428 post offices, 36 county clerk or court offices, 55 libraries and other offices.
How much does a first adult passport cost?
$130 for the book plus the $35 acceptance fee: $165. A passport card alone is $30 plus $35.
Can I sign the DS-11 before my appointment?
No. You sign it in front of the acceptance agent.
Sources
- U.S. Department of State, Passport Fees (updated October 9, 2025; checked November 6, 2026)
- U.S. Department of State, Get My Passport Fast (checked November 6, 2026)
- U.S. Department of State, Passport Forms
- U.S. Department of State, Passport Acceptance Facility Search (California offices, retrieved July 2026)
Independent guide, not a government website. Rules can change; the State Department has the final word.