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Can I apply for a visa at the LA consulate or must I go through the DC embassy if I'm a US passport holder?

Dec 22, 2025

2 days ago

As a United States passport holder with driver's licenses from Arizona and Georgia, I receive the majority of my US mail at a Georgia address. I am inquiring whether I can submit an application through the Los Angeles consulate, where the estimated processing time is approximately three days, or if I must apply through the Washington, D.C. embassy, which has an estimated processing time of three to four weeks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user, a US passport holder with driver's licenses from Arizona and Georgia, is questioning whether they can apply for a visa at the Los Angeles consulate with a short processing time or if they must use the Washington, D.C. embassy, which has a longer processing time. Comments suggest that the application should be made based on the applicant's physical location and that it's essential to follow the rules provided by the consulates.

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Brett *******

anyone have data points for DC processing times?

7 hours ago

Mike **********

Well you cant have two driver licenses in the US. I have residency in Nevada and i used LA as that was the one i was directed to

a day ago

Kamran *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mike *********

I heard it. But when I got my 2nd license, DMV did not surrender or advised to destroy. Both states' address are current.

a day ago

Reply to

Kamran *********

John **********

It's not about where you want to apply. You apply using the office appropriate to your physical location at the time you apply

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Last time I checked which was a year ago, LA site says 15 working days. If you try to contact them before 15 days, they will tell you to check after 15 days!

2 days ago

Kamran *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 620 lately, what i have been following, very recently people got in 3 days from LA. I will be visiting 3 states to compile my items and to say goodbye.

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

@Kamran ********

Best of luck! My advice or tips is to try to exceed whatever requirements they are asking and not make it too complicated for them to understand. This will improve your chances. Remember, these are thai folks working in the embassy so there are some translations with the documentation.

2 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Kevin *********

Where are you physically located? If you are located at your mailing address, then follow the rules.

If you are currently in Vietnam or China, apply to the local embassy/consulate there.

2 days ago

Kamran *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kevin ********

I will be in USA, when I will apply. I can route my mails to any address, now gets mails via remote service. I have places and addresses in GA, FL and AZ, where I can crash when i am USA.

Practically, No permanent Home. International Nomad now. I love USA, my ultimate home, and do not take it wrong. I want to spend the least # of days there for now.

2 days ago

Kevin *********

@Kamran ********

I can’t speak for the Americans, but they definitely are looking for location for verification

Like they asked me for flight flights, hotel bookings etc to make sure that I’m staying in the right part of the country to serve that embassy

2 days ago

Kamran *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kevin ********

ok. This is great info. Much clear picture. So if people do not, how do they make arrangements i.e condo lease, confirmed seat. I guess, can buy flex flights. Also coordination with Mia Thai school of start date.

2 days ago

Anonymous ******************

I am from AZ and did California.

I sent them my most recent utility bill to prove residence, 3 months of bank statements, my company registration document from the AZ Corp Commission, my employment contract stating my yearly salary, another letter stating I have permission to work remotely, and my work portfolio with explanations of what I do.

I also wrote a cover letter explaining everything, why I was applying, and the contents of all the documents I was sending them.

They came back and asked me for my latest tax return so I provided that to them as well.

I applied last January when it was much slower in California. It took 31 days for me to get approved.

I went for the "workation" category, so different requirements for documentation vs. "soft power".

2 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Robert *******

It is not up to you to decide.

Follow the instructions, this pop up will tell you

2 days ago

Reply to

Robert *******

What should I enter for 'place of issue' and 'city of birth' on the DTV application for the LA consulate?

3 comments

2 months ago

Why is the Legalization application process different at the Thai embassies in Washington DC and Los Angeles?