Passport Application & Renewal Process for Students
- Routine service can take 10-13 weeks to process, so start at least 3 months in advance. Processing times exclude mailing, which can vary. It may take up to two weeks for your application to be “in process” and another two weeks to receive the completed passport by mail. Expedited service is available for an additional $60 and takes 7-9 weeks to process, not including mailing times.
- If you are located in Santa Cruz, the nearest location to get your passport processed and photos taken is the USPS on Front Street. Schedule an appointment at this location here. Be sure to bring the completed forms and required documents to your appointment.
- For more information about obtaining a passport, please see this How to Apply for a US Passport video produced by UC Riverside.
Renewing a Passport
Renewing a passport online
According to the U.S. State Department, you can renew online if you meet all these requirements:
- The passport you are renewing is (or was) valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older.
- The passport you are renewing is either expiring within one year or expired less than five years ago.
- You are not changing your name, sex, date of birth, or place of birth.
- You will not be traveling for at least 6 weeks after you submit your application. We will only provide routine service, and the time to get your passport will be the same as if you were renewing by mail.
- You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport. You cannot renew a special issuance (diplomatic, official, service) passport online.
- You live in the United States (either state or territory). You do not qualify to renew online if you live in a foreign country or have an Army Post Office (APO), Fleet Post Office (FPO), or Diplomatic Post Office (DPO) address.
- You have your passport with you, and it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not reported it as lost or stolen. Keep your most recent passport and do not mail it to us.
- You can pay for your passport using a credit or debit card.
- You can upload a digital passport photo.
- You are aware that we will cancel the passport you are renewing after you submit your application. You cannot use it for international travel.
If you do not qualify to renew online, you may be able to renew by mail or in person at a passport agency or center.
Renewing a passport by mail
You can renew by mail if your most recent passport:
- Can be submitted with your application*,
- Is not damaged (other than normal wear and tear),
- Has never been reported lost or stolen,
- Was issued within the last 15 years,
- Was issued when you were age 16 or older, and
- Was issued in your current name (or you can provide a document like a marriage certificate or divorce decree to show you have changed your name)
Applying for your first passport
Apply for your First Passport as an adult
Apply in person if you respond “Yes” to at least one of the following statements:
- I am applying for my first U.S. passport book or card.
- My most recent U.S. passport was issued when I was under age 16.
- My most recent U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.
- My most recent U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
Questions? Email Kylie Rachwalski at hum-experiential-learning@ucsc.edu