The everything guide to the US Passport application process

San Mateo Public Library: Passport Office in San Mateo CA


Location:
San Mateo Public Library
Address:
55 W 3rd Ave
 
San Mateo, CA 94402
 
Hours of Operation Shown in (PST)
Monday
By appointment only -
Tuesday
By appointment only -
Wednesday
By appt. only Mon-Tue 4:30-7:30pm, Sat 11am-12:30p -
Thursday
-
Friday
-


Handicap Accessible (ADA): Yes
Passport Photos: Yes, the San Mateo Public Library takes passport photographs onsite - Please review our guide to Passport Photos. If you want your passport photos taken before you go to the acceptance agent, here is a list of places to get passport photos in San Mateo.


San Mateo Passport Office: San Mateo Public Library Location Overview

San Mateo Public Library is an acceptance agent/passport office. For passport service in San Mateo, CA you can go here for passport help. San Mateo Public Library is a Library facility that is able to witness your signature and seal your passport documents - standard processing is 4-8 weeks. This office DOES NOT issue passports, they will send your passport forms directly to a regional passport facility. There is 1 other passport acceptance agent offices located in San Mateo. San Mateo Public Library is located in County, California.

About San Mateo Public Library

San Mateo Public Library is not a passport issuance facility and you will NOT receive a passport on-site there. This facility is an acceptance agent, the San Mateo Public Library is sort of like a special notary for the Department of State / Passport Agency in which they can "Witness" your signature and officially "Seal" your application and documents. There is a separate $35 fee for this that is paid at the time of sealing.

Needs to visit an acceptance agent
New Passports Application (Child or Adult)
Lost / Damaged Passport Replacement

Doesn't need to visit an acceptance agent
Passport Renewal
Passport Name Change Application

Passport Processing Times at San Mateo Public Library

Standard Processing - Because of Covid-19, the current processing times are 10-12 weeks after submitting an application.

Expedited Processing - You can pay an extra $60 when sealing your documents at San Mateo Public Library to get your passport quicker, typically in 4-6 weeks.

Emergency Processing - (NOT AVAILABLE at San Mateo Public Library): If you have proof of travel within 3 days you can request an emergency appointment at one of the regional passport offices close to San Mateo. Also see our info about 3rd-party passport expediters.

Nearest Regional Passport Offices to San Mateo, CA

San Francisco Passport Agency - 14.1 Miles
Los Angeles Passport Agency - 282.3 Miles
San Diego Passport Agency - 384.7 Miles

Passport Services Offered at San Mateo Public Library

Passport Forms - If you need to pick up a physical pre-printed application that you can fill out by hand, the San Mateo Public Library will have pre-printed passport forms. You may also get passport forms from our website and print them on your own printer.

Passport Document Sealing / Passport Application Signature Witness - San Mateo Public Library is an official Acceptance Agent as appointed by the Department of State. Certain municipal and postal employees at this location are authorized to "Witness" your signature (kind of like a notary).
NOTE: not required for passport renewals
Acceptance Agent fee is $35 (see more about Acceptance Agent Fees)

4-6 week passport expediting / 10-12-week standard passport service - These are the standard processing times for passports at any acceptance agent.

Passport Photos - They can take and print your passport photos on site, typically $10-15.

San Mateo Public Library Service Area Radius

This passport office is located in - San Mateo County and serves the passport needs for residents of other nearby zipcodes including: 94402, 94497, 94403, 94401, 94002, 94010, 94011, 94404, 94070, 94065, 94030, 94128, 94064, 94063, 94061, 94019, 94066, 94018, 94083

Frequently asked questions

How fast can I get a passport at San Mateo Public Library?

San Mateo Public Library does not issue passports, they are sent to a central processing facility, it will take at a minimum of 4 weeks if using expedited service and up to 12 weeks for standard processing.

I need a passport sooner than that, what are my options?

There is a regional passport office close to San Mateo. That will be your fastest option for passport issuance. The San Francisco Passport Agency is only 14.1 miles away.

Does San Mateo Public Library charge for passports?

San Mateo Public Library is an acceptance agent, San Mateo Public Library does not issue passports – they do however charge the standard $35 acceptance agent fee to seal your documents, this is only required for new or replacement passport applications; renewals do not need to be sealed and thus no acceptance agent fee is required. Please see our detailed information on passport fees.

Can I get walk-in passport service at San Mateo Public Library?

If by walk-in service you mean get your passport there at San Mateo Public Library? Then no. They do not issue passports, you can get walk-in passport issuance at a regional passport facility only, not local acceptance agent facilities; passport are sent to a central processing location.

Does San Mateo Public Library do passport renewals?

If you have your expired or soon-to-be expired passport, it is in good condition and the validity period on your expired passport was for 10-years, then you do not even need to visit an acceptance agent. You can do your application online, print-it and send it in with new passport photos, the old passport, and the required passport fees. See our guide about passport renewals to renew your passport yourself.

Can San Mateo Public Library tell me about the status of my application?

No, they are acceptance agents and have nothing to do with the application once they witness your signature and seal your application. Once an application is in-process, San Mateo Public Library will not be able to assist any further.

Does San Mateo Public Library take passport photos?

Yes, you can get your passport photos taken there. Please see: List of locations in San Mateo to get passport photos.

What forms of payment does San Mateo Public Library accept?

At San Mateo Public Library, the passport acceptance fees can be paid for with a check, cash, money order or debit card. Since San Mateo Public Library takes passport photos there, you can also pay for photos with the same payment methods. Passport Fees can only be paid with a check or money order.

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