Frequently Asked Questions

General Passport FAQs

How long does it take to go through the application process in the Passport Hub Center?

If you have completed all necessary forms and have the required documentation, fees (checks and/or money orders) and approved passport photo ready, you can expect an average of 15 minutes to complete the process! (An additional 10 minutes should be added if we are providing photo services for you.) Please allot approximately 30 minutes for your overall appointment time; if you have a large group of applicants, expect an hour or more for processing.

Please note: Applicants who are 30 minutes late to a requested appointment will need to be rescheduled for a later date. Please be on time!

How long does it take to receive my passport book/card? Are they sent together?

* Regular shipping takes 8–10 weeks to process. Expedited shipping takes 4–6 weeks, with a required $60 fee. An overnight rush shipping option is also available for an additional $18.32. The passport book/card will be sent to the mailing address you provided on your application.

The passport book is sent separately from the passport card; original documents (i.e. birth certificate, marriage license, court documentation) are also returned separately.

I want to get a passport for my child[ren]... What do I need?

A minor applicant is considered anyone under the age of 16. The minor child[ren] applicant(s) must be present at the appointment.

If both parents are listed on the child[ren]'s birth certificate, then:

  1. both parents must be present during the appointment. If either parent cannot be present, a notarized Form DS-3053 or proof of full legal custody must be provided.
  2. both parents must provide primary identification (i.e. state identification card or consular, passport from another issuing country, etc.). A proof of U.S. citizenship (U.S. birth certificate, previously issued U.S. passport book/card, or parents' certificate of naturalization) is required for all applicants. If a parent has a recorded name change (marriage license or court documentation), please provide proof at the appointment.

What if I have questions for the State Department?

Visit the U.S. Department of State's website, call their customer service line at 877.487.2778, call our office at 310.243.2570, or email eepassporthub@csudh.edu.

 

* Effective 10/6/22. Subject to change without notice.
How to Use the Appointment Scheduler

Choose your service:

Choose a Date and Time:

Provide Your Name, Contact Info, and additional notes:

Answer Appointment Questions and Press the Book button to submit:

Visiting the Passport Hub Center

When is the best time to visit the Passport Hub Center?

Our hours are listed above. You must make an appointment online; If you need assistance with scheduling, you may call our office at 310-243-2570 and we can help you.

Please be aware that we expect to be very busy when people are preparing for peak travel times (holidays, vacations, international events and celebrations, etc.) — please plan ahead!

Where are you located?

Our office is located at California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson, within one mile of the 110/405/91 Freeways. We are convenient for people living and working in or near Los Angeles, Torrance, Long Beach, Carson, Compton, El Segundo, Lomita, Harbor City, Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, Lawndale, Hawthorne, Gardena, Westchester, Ladera Heights, Lakewood, Paramount, Bellflower, Downey, Inglewood, Wilmington, and other parts of the South Bay in Southern California.

Please view the Visiting the Passport Center section above for maps and parking information.

Can I take my passport photo onsite?

Yes, we can take photos onsite that follow passport application regulations. We recommend that applicants review the U.S. Passports website guidelines in preparation for your appointment.

Paying for Passport Services

Can I pay for everything with one check/money order?

NO: Please DO NOT combine the Passport Fee and the Processing Fee; you should have two separate payments.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Dept. of State requires a separate payment (by check/money order ONLY) for the passport itself. The CSUDH Passport Hub Center has a separate fee specifically for processing, which can be made by check, money order, or debit/credit card. Please see the payment chart for further details.

PAYMENT #1: Passport Fee
Payable to: "U.S. Dept. of State"*

PAYMENT #2: Execution Fee
Payable to: "CSUDH Foundation"

Can I pay with cash?

No, cash is not accepted as payment in the Passport Hub Center office. Please see the Paying Fees table for specific instructions.

Payment methods:
✅ Checks/Money Orders are OK for all transactions; 2 (TWO) separate payments are required!
✅ Credit/Debit cards are OK for CSUDH Application Processing Execution Fees ONLY
❌ No Cash