So, you’re trying to deal with the Turkish Consulate General in Los Angeles. Maybe you’re planning a wedding in Bodrum, or perhaps you just realized your passport is about to expire and you’ve got a flight next month. It’s stressful. Honestly, the process can feel like a maze if you don’t know where the "hidden" doors are.
Most people just Google the address and show up. Bad move. Huge mistake.
The Turkish Consulate isn't actually in the city of Los Angeles—well, technically it is, but it’s tucked away in Beverly Hills at 8500 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 900. If you drive there without an appointment, the security guard at the lobby desk is probably going to be the only person you talk to.
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The Appointment Game at the Turkish Consulate General in Los Angeles
Everything runs on the e-Konsolosluk system. It’s basically the gatekeeper. You can't just call and ask for a slot; you have to go to the official website (konsolosluk.gov.tr) and fight for a spot.
Pro tip: The system refreshes at weird times. If you don't see an opening, check back late at night or early in the morning. People cancel all the time.
The Turkish Consulate General in Los Angeles covers a massive area. We’re talking Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and even the Pacific Islands. That is a lot of people for one office. Because the jurisdiction is so huge, the phone lines are basically always busy.
If you do manage to get through on the phone—the number is +1 (424) 313-8800—it’s usually during their specific telephone inquiry hours, which are from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Outside of that? You’re better off calling the 24/7 Consular Call Center at +1 (888) 566-7656. They can answer general questions, but they can't see the specific pile of papers sitting on a desk in Beverly Hills.
Realities of the "Mobile Consulate"
One thing most people miss is the Mobile Consulate service. Since the LA office covers the whole West Coast, they occasionally pack up their gear and head to places like Seattle.
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This is a lifesaver if you live in the Pacific Northwest. Instead of flying to LAX and paying for a hotel just to sign a power of attorney, you wait for them to come to you. They usually announce these trips on their social media or the "Announcements" section of their website. But here's the catch: it's strictly by appointment, and you usually have to email them beforehand with copies of your ID. No walk-ins, even in Seattle.
What they actually do there
- Passports and IDs: Renewing your Nüfus Cüzdanı or getting a new biometric passport.
- Notary Services: This is the big one. Power of attorney (Vekaletname) for selling property back in Turkey is a very common request.
- Military Service: Handling deferments or "paid military service" (Bedelli) applications.
- Visas: Though, let's be real, if you have a US passport, you probably just need an e-Visa or nothing at all for short trips. But for work or study, you have to go through the sticker visa process here.
The 2026 Holiday Calendar Trap
Don't be the person who drives three hours only to find the doors locked because of a holiday you didn't know existed. The consulate observes both US and Turkish holidays.
For 2026, they’ll be closed on the usuals like New Year's and Memorial Day, but also on March 20 for Eid al-Fitr and October 29 for Turkish Republic Day. They also close for Eid Al-Adha, which falls on May 27 this year. Always, always check the holiday list on their "Contact" page before you leave the house.
Getting Your Documents Right the First Time
The most common reason people get sent away? Photos.
Turkish biometric photos are not the same as US passport photos. The size requirement is specifically 50mm x 60mm with a white background. If you bring a standard 2x2 inch CVS photo, there’s a 50/50 chance they’ll reject it because the head size ratio is off. Go to a professional who knows international specs.
Also, bring cash. While some things are moving toward cards, many consular fees are still handled in cash or money orders. And for the love of everything, bring the original documents and copies. They aren't a Kinko’s; they don't like making copies for you.
Things Change Fast
The consulate moved to its Wilshire location in June 2020. Before that, they were on another part of Wilshire. Old blogs might still list the 6300 Wilshire address—ignore them.
If you’re heading there today, aim for the morning. In-person applications are strictly handled between 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM. If you show up at 2:00 PM thinking you'll "just beat the rush," you'll find the doors closed to the public for processing.
Actionable Steps to Take Now
- Check your expiration dates: If your Turkish passport has less than six months left, start the appointment process today. The wait times in LA can be weeks.
- Verify your ID: Make sure you have your Turkish ID number (TC Kimlik No). If your old card doesn't have it, you'll need to update that first.
- Use the Call Center for "How-To": Don't clog the local LA line for "What documents do I need?" Call the 1-888 number for that. Save the local line for "Where is my specific application?"
- Join local groups: There are several "Turks in Los Angeles" groups on social media. People post there daily about how long the security line is or if the printing machine is broken. It’s the best real-time intel you can get.