Yes, you absolutely can get your passport photo taken at the Post Office! For U.S. citizens embarking on international travel, the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a convenient suite of passport services, including passport photo services. This makes the passport application process more accessible and streamlined, especially for first-time applicants, minors, and those who cannot renew their passports by mail.
The Post Office acts as an official acceptance facility for passport applications, and taking your passport photo there can save you a separate trip to a photo studio. Let’s explore the steps involved in applying for a passport at USPS and how to utilize their photo services effectively.
Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents
Preparation is key to a smooth passport application process. Before heading to the Post Office, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready. According to the U.S. Department of State, you will generally need to gather the following:
- Application Form DS-11 (unsigned): This is the application form for a U.S. passport. You can complete this form online on the State Department website but remember, do not sign it until instructed to do so by a postal employee.
- Proof of Identity Document: This could be your valid driver’s license, identification card, or other government-issued photo ID. You will also need to provide a photocopy of both the front and back of this document.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Similar to your identity document, you’ll need to photocopy both the front and back.
- Passport Fees: Be sure to check the latest fee schedule on the USPS website or the Department of State website to calculate the correct amount.
Apply for a Passport in Person
Step 2: Prepare Your Passport Application Package
Once you have gathered all your documents, you need to prepare your application package. This involves a few key steps to ensure your application is complete and ready for submission at the Post Office.
- Complete Form DS-11 Online: Visit the U.S. Department of State website and fill out the Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport online. This ensures accuracy and legibility.
- Print and Do Not Sign: After completing the form online, print it out. It’s crucial not to sign the application form yet. You must sign it in the presence of a designated Postal employee.
- Get a Passport Photo: This is where the Post Office’s photo service becomes incredibly convenient. You can get your passport photo taken directly at the Post Office. Alternatively, if you choose to get your photo elsewhere, ensure it meets all the U.S. passport photo requirements regarding size, background, and quality.
- Photocopy Identity and Citizenship Documents: Make photocopies of both the front and back of your proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship documents as mentioned in Step 1.
- Calculate Fees and Prepare Payment: Calculate your passport fees. For Post Office acceptance fees, you can pay directly at the Post Office using credit cards, checks, or money orders. State Department processing fees are sent with your application. These can be paid via personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s checks, or money order, payable to “U.S. Department of State.”
Get Started on Your Application
Step 3: Schedule a Passport Appointment
Most Post Offices offering passport services require you to schedule an appointment. This ensures efficient service and reduces wait times. You can schedule your appointment online or using a self-service kiosk at participating Post Office locations.
Scheduling Online:
- Go to the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler.
- Select “Passport Appointment” and specify the number of adults and minors needing appointments.
- Search for available appointments by location or date. Choose your preferred method and input the required information.
- Select your desired Post Office location, date, and time from the available options.
- Enter your contact information and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Review your appointment details and click Confirm Appointment to finalize your booking.
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, use the Manage Appointments tab on the scheduler and enter your confirmation details.
Using a Self-Service Kiosk:
- Visit a Post Office with a self-service kiosk. You can find USPS locations with kiosks online.
- At the kiosk, tap the screen, select “Other Services,” and then “Passport Scheduler.”
- Choose “Passport Appointment” and indicate the number of applicants.
- Search for Post Offices by ZIP Code or City/State and select a location.
- Choose an available appointment date and time, and agree to the terms.
- Enter your contact details and choose SMS text notifications if desired.
- Review and confirm, then select “Schedule Appointment.”
- Collect your printed receipt with appointment details.
Step 4: Pay Passport Acceptance and Photo Fees at the Post Office
When you attend your passport appointment at the Post Office, you will need to pay two types of fees:
Application Acceptance Fees – Payable to USPS
These fees are paid directly to the Postal Service at the time of your appointment. You can pay these fees using:
- Check or money order (payable to “Postmaster”)
- Debit card
- Credit card
Current USPS Passport Fees Include:
- $35.00 – Post Office acceptance fee
- $15.00 – Post Office photo fee (if you choose to take your passport photo at the Post Office)
Application Processing Fees – Payable to the Department of State
These fees are for the actual processing of your passport application by the State Department. Payment is sent along with your application package and is separate from the USPS fees.
Ensure you bring all necessary payments to your appointment. By utilizing USPS for your passport application and photo needs, you can complete a significant portion of the process in one convenient location.
