Federal officials have opened a new office to process applications for a U.S. passport on a walk-in basis in time for the holidays.

The office is at the San Diego County Administration Building, 1600 Pacific Highway, room 402. No appointment is needed and there's two hours of free parking.

Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"It's recommended for people to apply for their passport now before of the busy holiday season," said Thomas Pastuszka, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Clerk.

Since June of 2009, when new rules took effect, U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport to reenter the country. The passport comes in two forms. There's the passport book that is required for all international flights, while the passport card may be used at land border crossings.

The cost for a U.S. passport book for people age 16 and older is $135 for regular processing that takes from four to six weeks. An expedited passport takes two to three weeks and costs an additional $60. Applicants for this passport must show proof of travel within two weeks.

The cost for a U.S. passport card is $55 and it's delivered in four to six weeks. An expedited card costs $115, with delivery in two to three weeks.

Applicants may get photos for their passport at the county office, as well, for $10.

The new office is one of two in San Diego County that offer walk-in service to process passport applications. The other one is at UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive, Suite MC-0047, La Jolla 92093.

Applications are processed by appointment only at branches of the U.S. Postal Service. The nearest location may be found at http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

Expedited applications are processed by appointment only at the San Diego Regional Passport Office at 401 West A Street, 10th Floor, San Diego, 92101. Appointments can be made 24 hours a day via the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Last year, 1.9 million people obtained their U.S. passport in California.

Alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com