Passport Acceptance Offices in Barstow, California

Barstow sits at the crossroads of Interstate 15 and old Route 66, deep in San Bernardino County's Mojave Desert. Despite its small population, the city maintains two publicly accessible passport acceptance facilities: the Barstow Main Post Office on S. 2nd Avenue and the Barstow City Clerk's Office inside City Hall on E. Mountain View Street. Both are within easy walking distance of each other in the compact downtown core.

First-time applicants and families with children will find the Main Post Office particularly convenient, as USPS acceptance agents can take passport photos on-site and walk through the DS-11 process. Applicants who prefer a municipal setting — or who find post office appointment slots full — can turn to the City Clerk's Office, where federally recertified staff handle applications during business hours. Calling ahead is essential at both locations.

Residents pursuing passports urgently should be aware that the nearest full-service US Passport Agency is the Los Angeles Passport Agency at 11000 Wilshire Blvd, roughly 115 miles and about two hours southwest via I-15. That agency serves travelers with documented international departure dates within 14 calendar days and operates strictly by appointment. For routine processing, both local acceptance offices in Barstow are well-equipped to submit applications to the State Department on your behalf.

San Bernardino County's high desert can see extreme heat from June through September, so scheduling an early morning appointment tends to be more comfortable. Standard processing timelines apply regardless of which Barstow office you use — plan on several weeks for a new passport unless you pursue expedited service through the State Department.

Both Barstow passport offices are in the same downtown block, making it easy to check availability at one if the other is booked. The California passport offices directory covers hundreds of additional acceptance locations throughout the state if you need more options. Always verify office hours by phone before visiting — desert city schedules can shift seasonally.