U.S. PASSPORT SERVICES

 

The El Cajon City Clerk's Office is excited to announce that effective October 1st, 2024 our office is now accepting walk-in passport applications on Tuesdays from 8AM-11:30AM. Please ensure you have reviewed the requirements listed below and have the necessary paperwork and a valid form of payment to accompany your passport application prior to utilizing our walk-in services. If we reach capacity for walk-in applicants, we will work with customers to schedule an appointment for another date.

Outside of walk-in hours, the El Cajon City Clerk’s Office is accepting passport applications by appointment only. Appointments are available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and alternate Friday's from 8AM-3:30PM. We do not offer weekend appointments.  Please call 619-441-1763 to make an appointment to submit your application outside of walk-in hours.

This service is available for applicants using Form DS-11 to apply for the following reasons:

  • It is applicant's first passport;
  • The applicant's most recent passport was issued before the applicant was 16 years old;
  • The applicant's most recent passport has been expired for more than 5 years; or
  • To replace a lost, stolen, or severely damaged passport.

Please click here to review current processing times. Please note, mailing times are not included in processing times. 

NOTE: Renewal applications (Form DS-82) cannot be accepted through our office. Click here to determine if you are eligible to renew by mail and follow the steps to mail your application. 

Please review the below steps to ensure an effortless application process. 

Review the Guidelines

Please review the requirements here for obtaining a passport through a Passport Acceptance Facility:

Download our Passport Checklist  

Fill Out an Application (Form DS-11)

Passport Forms 

The application must be completed in black ink ONLY. Do not sign the application until you are instructed to do so by the Acceptance Agent at the City Clerk's office.

  • You must provide a Social Security Number (SSN) in accordance with 22 U.S.C. 2714a.

Provide Evidence of U.S. Citizenship

You must submit an original or certified copy of your citizenship document. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable. The following are acceptable citizenship documents:

  • U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
  • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists your parent(s)' full names
  • Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the registrar's signature
  • Has the seal of the issuing authority
  • Abstracts of Birth are not acceptable.
  • Undamaged U.S. passport book or card (may be expired)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth 
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship 

If you are unable to submit one of the above listed documents, please click here for more information. 

The original or certified copy of your citizenship document must be sent to the Passport Agency with your application. Once your application is reviewed and your new passport is issued, your citizenship evidence will be mailed back to you. It may take up to 8 weeks after you receive your new passport to receive your original documents back in the mail.

Present Photo Identification

You must present one of the following photo identification documents (IDs) to the Acceptance Agent. The ID must readily identify you. The following are acceptable photo identification documents. 

  • In-state, fully-valid driver's license
  • Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or card (if expired, photo must readily identify you)
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
  • U.S. military ID or military dependent ID
  • Valid foreign passport
  • Matricula Consular (Mexican Consular Identification, commonly used by the parent of a U.S. citizen child applicant)
  • U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Trusted Traveler IDs (including valid Global Entry, FAST SENTRI, and NEXUS cards).

If you are unable to present one of the photo IDs listed above, please click here for more information regarding Secondary IDs.

Passport Photo

We are excited to offer passport photo services. The fee for passport photos is $15.00 per person. Below are recommendations to ensure you are prepared for your photo.

  1. Have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile. If you choose to smile, do so with your mouth closed and both eyes open.
  2. Take off any eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses.
  3. Hair must not obscure your face and should be pulled back.
  4. You cannot wear camouflage clothing, a uniform, clothing that resembles a uniform.

Review Fees and Payment Requirements

Important: You will need to make two separate payments at your appointment.

  1. Passport Application: The U.S. Department of State only accepts check or money order for the application fee (as well as any applicable expedite fees or 1-2 day return shipping fees). Please make your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Click here for more information regarding passport fees.
  2. Execution fee & photo (if applicable): Acceptance agencies charge a $35.00 execution fee per passport application. The fee for passport photos is $15.00. The City of El Cajon accepts cash, debit or credit card (no American Express), check, or money order. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the City of El Cajon. 

Visit City Hall to Complete Your Paperwork

To recap, you must submit the below items in-person at the El Cajon City Clerk's Office at the time of your appointment:

  1. Unsigned, completed passport application (Form DS-11)
  2. Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
  3. Valid Photo Identification
  4. Passport photo
  5. Two separate payments:
    1. Check or money order (ONLY) for application fee and any applicable expedite fees.
    2. Payment for the $35 execution fee and photo fees (if applicable).

Parking & Directions:

Free two-hour parking is available adjacent to City Hall in front of the El Cajon Police Department (located at 100 Civic Center Way). Once inside City Hall, proceed to the City Clerk's window located on the 1st Floor.

Please click here for directions.

We look forward to assisting you!