New Passport in Los Angeles: First-Time Application Guide

Getting your first passport is exciting. It usually means a trip is coming, maybe a honeymoon, a family visit overseas, or a work trip that came up fast. But if you’ve never done it before, the process can feel confusing. Which form do you need? What do you bring? How long will it take?

We’ve been helping people with this since 2003 at our office in West Los Angeles. In that time we’ve handled more than 50,000 passports, and first-timers are some of the people we’re happiest to help. This guide explains how a new passport in Los Angeles works, what your speed options are, and how to get it done without the usual headaches.

Why first-time applications cause stress

Most delays don’t come from the government being slow. They come from a form filled in wrong or a document that’s missing. When you’ve never applied before, it’s easy to make one of those mistakes.

That’s the reason people bring their first passport application to us. We complete the forms for you, check every document, and only then file your application. Catching a small error before it’s sent can save you days or even weeks.

How fast can you get a new passport in Los Angeles?

It depends on how soon you need it. Here are the four speed options we offer:

• 4 to 7 business days: $399 service fee
• 10 to 14 days: $299 service fee
• 21 days: $249 service fee
• 4 to 6 weeks: $199 service fee

Those are our service fees. Government fees are separate and added on top of what we charge.

If your trip is months away, the slower options are the easy way to go. If your flight is next week, the 4 to 7 business day option is our fastest. We’ll tell you which one fits your travel date.

What about “same-day” passports?

You’ll see the word “same-day” everywhere online, so here’s the honest answer. As of 2021, federal regulatory changes ended true same-day passport issuance for every business nationwide. That’s not just us. It applies to everyone.

What we do is get you the fastest processing that’s actually possible, and we’re upfront about it. If you tell us your travel date and we think it can’t be done, we’ll say so. We’d rather you hear that now than find out at the airport.

Should you apply on your own or use an expediting service?

This is a fair question. We’re a private expediting company, not a government agency. If you’re not in a hurry, you can apply directly through the U.S. Government, and it takes about 4 to 8 weeks. Government forms are free at travel.state.gov.

Where we help is when time is short, or when you just want someone to make sure it’s right. We’re registered and authorized by the U.S. Government to expedite passport and travel visa requests, and we work directly with the U.S. Department of State. We charge an additional fee for that service.

If you have plenty of time and feel confident with the paperwork, applying directly works. If you’re short on time or nervous about getting it wrong, that’s where we come in.

How it works when you come to us

We keep it simple. There are four steps:

1. Consultation. We talk through your travel plans, confirm you’re eligible, and tell you exactly what to bring. You won’t have to guess.
2. Document review. We complete every form accurately and go through your documents so nothing causes a delay.
3. Submission. We file through the fastest channels available and keep you updated from start to finish.
4. Secure delivery. Your passport comes back by express shipping, or you can pick it up at our Los Angeles office.

You’ll deal with real people throughout. There’s no call center. You’re guided personally through the whole application, and we handle your original documents and personal information securely at every step.

Need a passport photo? We do those too

You need a compliant photo with your application, and we can take it right in the office. Passport photos are $20. They’re ready in minutes, so you don’t have to run around town looking for a photo shop and hoping it comes out right.

Visit our West Los Angeles office

Address: 11022 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90025

We’re in the Silver Building on the Service Road, opposite the Porsche dealership and next to BevMo!, at the corner of Sepulveda and Santa Monica Blvd.

Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Saturday: 8 AM to 3 PM
• Sunday: 9 AM to 3 PM

Yes, we’re open on weekends, which helps if you work during the week. You can walk in anytime during business hours, though an appointment is recommended when it’s busy. Street parking is available in front of the office (paid meters), and the entrance is step-free at street level, so it’s easy for wheelchair and mobility-aid users. Se habla español.

A quick warning about similar names

This one matters. We have only one Los Angeles-area office, and we’re not affiliated with any other business using a similar name. Some show up on Google, Google Maps, social media, or in online ads.

Before you pay, hand over documents, or drive anywhere, make sure you’re dealing with us. Call (310) 402-1619, and we’ll confirm it. It takes a minute and protects you.

Common questions about getting a new passport

Can I walk in without an appointment?
Yes, you can walk in during business hours. Appointments are recommended for busy periods, though.

Is this the right service if I’ve never had a passport?
Yes. We have a dedicated service for new and first-time passports. Call us and we’ll walk you through it.

How quickly can I get it?
Our fastest option is 4 to 7 business days. Slower options cost less.

Do I pay government fees too?
Yes. Our fees are in addition to any government fees.

I’m applying for my child. Can you help?
We have a separate child and minor passport service. Give us a call and we’ll explain what’s needed.

Can you take my photo?
Yes. Passport photos are $20 and done in the office.

What if my trip is really soon?
Tell us your travel date. We’ll be honest about what’s possible.

Ready to get started?

A first passport doesn’t have to be stressful. Tell us when you’re traveling and we’ll tell you honestly what’s possible, what it costs, and what to bring.

Call us at (310) 402-1619, message us on WhatsApp, or email la@samedaypassport-visa.com. We’re open 7 days a week in West Los Angeles, and you can reach us by phone 24/7.