Uspo – Ketchikan Passport Services

Yes, absolutely. For minor applicants under 16, both parents or legal guardians are generally required to appear in person at the Uspo – Ketchikan facility on Tongass Avenue. This ensures consent from both parties. Each parent should bring a valid government-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license, and proof of their relationship to the child, typically the child’s original birth certificate. If one parent cannot attend, specific documentation, like a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) from the absent parent, must be presented. The dedicated passport agents at this Ketchikan location are well-versed in these requirements and can provide guidance during your scheduled appointment to ensure all necessary forms and identifications are correctly submitted, minimizing potential delays for your family’s travel plans. It’s always a good idea to call ahead if you have unique circumstances.

The Uspo – Ketchikan facility at 3609 Tongass Avenue, while offering comprehensive passport acceptance services, does not directly provide passport photo services on-site. Applicants are responsible for bringing two identical, color passport-compliant photographs with them to their appointment. Fortunately, there are convenient options very close by in Ketchikan. You can typically obtain suitable passport photos at the nearby Walgreens Pharmacy, located just 0.2 miles north on Tongass Avenue within the Plaza Mall area. Another reliable local choice is the UPS Store on Stedman Street, which also offers professional passport photo services. Ensuring your photos meet the strict federal guidelines—such as being 2×2 inches, taken against a plain white or off-white background, and free of shadows—is crucial for a successful application. Taking care of this step before your scheduled visit to the post office will streamline your entire passport application process.

The primary distinction between routine and expedited passport processing, available through the Uspo – Ketchikan, lies in the timeframe and cost. Routine processing is the standard service, where your application is processed at a lower fee but takes longer to be completed and mailed back to you. As of November 2024, routine processing averages approximately 7.2 weeks, including shipping time from Ketchikan to the processing centers and back. Expedited processing, however, significantly reduces this waiting period for an additional fee of $60 per application. For those needing their passport sooner, expedited processing typically takes about 2.5 weeks, as of November 2024. This quicker service is ideal for urgent travel plans or unforeseen circumstances. When you apply at the Ketchikan Post Office, you’ll indicate your choice on the DS-11 form and ensure the correct fees are paid. Remember, these timeframes begin from the moment your application is received at a passport agency, not from your appointment date in Ketchikan, and actual delivery times can vary slightly due to Alaska’s remote location.

Passport photos must adhere to strict United States government standards to be accepted. For your application submitted at the Uspo – Ketchikan, you will need two identical, recent color photographs that are precisely 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size. The image itself, from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm and 35 mm). These photos must be clear, in focus, and printed on quality photo paper with a matte or glossy finish. Critically, they must be taken against a plain white or off-white background, free of shadows or busy patterns, and your full face should be directly facing the camera with a neutral expression or a slight, natural smile, with both eyes open. No eyeglasses are permitted unless medically necessary with a doctor’s note. While the Ketchikan facility does not take photos, nearby services like Walgreens on Tongass Avenue can provide compliant photos, ensuring your application proceeds smoothly.

After submitting your passport application at the Uspo – Ketchikan, tracking its progress is a straightforward process. You can monitor the status of your application online through the Department of State’s official Passport Status System. You will need your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number to access your information. This system provides updates from the moment your application is received at a processing center until it is mailed back to you. Additionally, if you paid for expedited return shipping, you might receive a tracking number for the outbound delivery once your passport is issued. It’s always advisable to wait approximately 7-10 business days after your appointment in Ketchikan before attempting to track, allowing time for your application to be mailed from Tongass Avenue and initially scanned into the federal system. For any discrepancies or prolonged delays, the National Passport Information Center can provide further assistance.

The passport office is located at 3609 TONGASS AVE., KETCHIKAN, AK 99901. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 9072259602.0 to confirm before visiting.

Photos on-site: 1. If available, photos typically cost around $15 in cash.

Routine processing takes 12-13 weeks. Expedited service (additional $60 fee) takes 7-9 weeks. Our expedited service gets your passport in 3-10 days.

Most facilities accept check or money order. You’ll need two separate payments: one to “U.S. Department of State” ($130) and one to “USPO – KETCHIKAN” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

Handicap access: 1. The facility is ADA compliant with accessible entrances and facilities.

Parking at the Uspo – Ketchikan on Tongass Avenue is generally manageable, although it requires some awareness of peak hours. The facility provides a dedicated, asphalt parking lot directly in front of the building, accessible via a clearly marked entrance off Tongass Avenue. This lot offers approximately 25 free spaces, including two designated accessible parking spots near the main entrance. For most passport appointments, especially during mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays, you can typically find a space without difficulty. However, during the busiest mail pick-up times, particularly between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, and again from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, this lot can fill quickly. If the main lot is full, supplemental free parking is often available along the adjacent residential side streets, such as Water Street or Jefferson Way, usually within a short one-to-two block walk (approximately 0.1 to 0.2 miles). Be mindful of any posted residential parking restrictions, though these are rare in this specific stretch. There are no paid parking garages or metered street parking directly near this facility, simplifying the process. Given Ketchikan’s frequent rainfall, especially from October through April, it’s advisable to bring an umbrella, as the walk from any overflow parking to the facility will be exposed. During winter months, typically December to March, ice can form rapidly, particularly in shaded areas of the parking lot; exercising caution is recommended when walking from your vehicle to the entrance.

No, passport renewals cannot be done at acceptance facilities. Renewals must be mailed directly to the State Department using Form DS-82, or you can use our expedited renewal service.

If you’re traveling soon, our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 days. We handle everything from document review to delivery, with 24/7 support. Call 800-860-8610 to get started.