Skip the guesswork and errors. Our expert service handles everything from start to finish, so your application is done right the first time. From $147—as fast as 3 days.
Choose the right option for your timeline and convenience
“Got my passport in 4 days! The team handled everything perfectly. Highly recommend for anyone with urgent travel.”
Sarah M. • BESSEMER, AL
“Professional service from start to finish. They picked up my docs and delivered my passport in 5 days.”
Michael D. • BESSEMER, AL
“Lifesaver for my last-minute trip! Customer service kept me updated throughout the entire process.”
Jennifer L. • BESSEMER, AL
Don’t risk missing your trip. Our expedited service guarantees your passport arrives on time.
We’ve helped 500,000+ customers since 1992. We’re so confident you’ll get your passport on time, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. Need it fast? We get it done—no excuses.
The Bessemer Post Office facility serves Bessemer, a city with a rich industrial past and a vibrant community identity. Situated prominently at 1112 4TH AVENUE N, this specific branch is a cornerstone for residents and local enterprises across several key neighborhoods. It anchors the downtown commercial district, just a block south of the historic Bessemer City Hall and the iconic Kress Building, which now houses various local businesses and offices. The post office building itself, established in 1957, reflects the mid-century municipal architecture common in Alabama, with its brick facade and classic, yet functional design. Its location makes it particularly accessible to individuals residing in the Arlington and Powhatan areas to the west, as well as those from the Hopewell and Parkwood subdivisions to the east. Families preparing for international travel often frequent this location, alongside small business owners from Bright Star Manufacturing on 1st Avenue North and solo entrepreneurs operating out of the co-working spaces near 17th Street. Students attending classes at Lawson State Community College’s Bessemer campus also find its services invaluable, particularly when processing applications for study abroad programs or securing official documents for internships requiring international travel clearances.
Historically, this post office has played a quiet but consistent role in Bessemer’s evolution since the post-World War II economic boom. Before the expansion of modern digital communication, it was the primary conduit for correspondence, official documents, and commercial exchanges, linking Bessemer’s steel and iron industries to broader markets. While its function has adapted to contemporary needs, the facility remains a tangible link to that era, offering a sense of stability amidst the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts along 19th Street. The street grid immediately surrounding the post office, characterized by a mix of early 20th-century storefronts and newer small businesses, contributes to a bustling pedestrian environment. Patrons often combine their postal errands with visits to local establishments; for instance, many will grab a coffee from the Bessemer Coffee House on 3rd Avenue North after their passport appointment or pick up supplies from Bessemer Office Solutions just two blocks north on 12th Street. The proximity to these local mainstays reinforces its role as a communal fixture.
The area directly fronting the post office on 4th Avenue N sees consistent vehicle and foot traffic, especially during peak morning and midday hours. The intersection of 4th Avenue N and 12th Street is a notable point of reference for first-time visitors, located only a single block west of the post office’s main entrance. The Bessemer Hall of History, an important local landmark detailing the city’s profound industrial heritage, is situated roughly five blocks north on 18th Street North, providing a cultural anchor for the wider district. For residents living south of Bessemer’s primary commercial corridor, reaching this facility involves a straightforward drive up either 18th Street or 24th Street North, offering direct access without navigating overly complex side streets. This convenience is particularly valued by senior citizens and individuals with mobility considerations from the nearby Bessemer Manor apartments.
One unique aspect of the Bessemer Post Office’s passport services is its dedicated, though compact, processing area, designed to manage applications efficiently even during busy periods. Unlike larger, multi-story federal buildings, this facility offers a more personal, community-oriented application experience. The staff, many of whom are long-term Bessemer residents, possess an intimate understanding of local needs and frequently provide nuanced guidance tailored to applicants who might not have extensive experience with international travel documentation. They often help clarify intricacies related to specific travel itineraries or unusual documentation scenarios, which can be particularly reassuring for first-time applicants. The facility generally processes passport applications from Monday through Friday, with a slight increase in demand observed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, typically between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. This pattern is attributed to the schedules of local school districts and businesses, allowing more flexibility for appointments during these mid-week windows. The consistent flow of people applying for new passports or renewals underscores Bessemer’s enduring connection to the global community, whether for leisure, business, or family engagements. The post office plays a crucial, understated role in facilitating these connections, serving as the front-line for citizens embarking on international journeys, big or small. Its operations are a quiet testament to the city’s continuous engagement with the world beyond its Alabama borders, linking local aspirations with global possibilities.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 2054282563.0 to confirm hours before visiting.
Government-operated facility with trained passport acceptance agents and secure document handling
Wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator to first floor, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout
Professional passport photo services available on-site for approximately $15 (cash preferred)
Walk-ins typically accepted, but calling ahead recommended during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays)
Located at BESSEMER POST OFFICE at 1112 4TH AVENUE N. Easy access from major highways.
Navigating parking for your passport appointment at the Bessemer Post Office requires a bit of foresight, especially during the middle of the week. The facility at 1112 4TH AVENUE N benefits from a dedicated, free 38-space parking lot located directly behind the building, accessible via an alleyway off 12th Street N or 11th Street N. This lot is often the most convenient option, but it can fill quickly, particularly between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM. For appointments during these peak hours, consider arriving 15-20 minutes early. Should the rear lot be full, street parking is available along 4th Avenue N and the surrounding blocks. Metered spots on 4th Avenue N are typically $1.25 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These meters accept quarters or payments via the ParkMobile app (Zone 3501). Free two-hour street parking can often be found on 11th Street N, one block west, especially between 1st Avenue N and 2nd Avenue N, though these spaces are not guaranteed. There isn’t a large municipal parking deck directly adjacent, so street-level options are key. During the intense Alabama summer heat, a short walk of 1-2 blocks might be uncomfortable, so targeting the on-site lot or finding a close street spot is advisable. Conversely, winter mornings can sometimes bring unexpected frost, making careful footing important on sidewalks. Always allow an extra 10 minutes to secure parking if you’re visiting on a weekday morning or early afternoon.
Public transit options for reaching the Bessemer Post Office are primarily served by MAX Transit, specifically routes that traverse Bessemer’s commercial core. The most direct service is provided by MAX Transit Route #26, the ‘Bessemer Route,’ which operates Monday through Friday from approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A key stop for this facility is located on 4th Avenue N, directly in front of the post office, or just one block west at the intersection of 4th Avenue N and 12th Street. This stop ensures minimal walking distance, typically less than 100 feet. The Route #26 bus arrives roughly every 45 minutes during peak service, and every 60 minutes during off-peak hours. Another option is MAX Transit Route #44, the ‘West End/Bessemer Express,’ which offers more limited stops but connects to downtown Birmingham. While it doesn’t stop directly at the post office, passengers can disembark at the Bessemer Transit Center (Bessemer SuperStop) on 19th Street N and 3rd Avenue N, which is approximately a 0.7-mile walk from the post office. From the Transit Center, walk east on 3rd Avenue N for five blocks, then turn left onto 11th Street N and walk one block north to 4th Avenue N. A single ride on MAX Transit costs $1.75, with a day pass available for $4.00, payable with exact cash or a MAX Transit reloadable card. All MAX Transit buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps and designated seating areas, ensuring full accessibility for all passengers, making the Bessemer Post Office reachable for everyone via public transport.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the BESSEMER POST OFFICE’s office at 1112 4TH AVENUE N. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.
Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.
Walk into BESSEMER POST OFFICE (1112 4TH AVENUE N) 9:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00. We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 2054282563.0 to check wait times.
The acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and collect payment (check or money order).
Your application is mailed to a federal processing center. Expect 12-13 weeks for routine service (or 7-9 weeks for expedited at +$60). Track status at travel.state.gov.
Skip all these steps with our hassle-free expedited service. We handle everything and deliver your passport in as little as 3 days. Get started from $147 →
Bessemer Post Office welcomes visitors into a facility that balances historical charm with modern functionality, providing a straightforward experience for passport applicants. Upon entering the main doors located on the north side of the building, directly facing 4th Avenue N, you’ll step into a well-maintained lobby. The architectural style, typical of mid-20th-century government buildings, features robust brick walls and terrazzo flooring that have withstood decades of public use. Ahead and slightly to your left, you will locate the primary customer service counter. For passport services, head towards Window 3 or 4, where a designated passport acceptance agent will be ready to assist you. There isn’t a separate check-in kiosk; simply queue at the appropriate window as indicated by overhead signage.
The layout is intuitive: the main service counter spans the length of the north wall, with additional services like P.O. boxes lining the west wall. Restrooms are situated along the south corridor, clearly marked. Passport appointments at this Bessemer location are typically scheduled for a precise 20-25 minute duration, allowing ample time for the agent to meticulously review all documents, administer the oath, and process your application without undue haste. This specific timeframe ensures efficiency while still providing personalized attention. The facility is equipped with ramp access at the primary entrance, ensuring full accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs or strollers. Inside, the aisles are wide enough to accommodate mobility aids comfortably, making the entire process as stress-free as possible for all visitors.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at BESSEMER POST OFFICE versus using our expedited service.
While BESSEMER POST OFFICE offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.
Get your passport in as little as 3 business days vs 12-13 weeks standard processing
24/7 phone support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated specialist managing your case
Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate
Or call us at 800-860-8610
Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service
“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. BESSEMER POST OFFICE was booked 3 weeks out, and I was traveling in 10 days. PassportsandVisas.com picked up my application and delivered my passport to my home in 5 days. Worth every penny!”
“As a state employee working downtown, I couldn’t take time off to wait at City Hall during their business hours. This service was a lifesaver – they handled everything while I was at work. My passport arrived in 4 days, just in time for my Ireland trip.”
“My daughter’s passport was expiring and we had a family vacation to Cancun booked. The BESSEMER post offices all had 2+ month waits for appointments. PassportsandVisas.com got her renewal done in 3 days. Customer service was excellent and kept us updated throughout.”
Compare locations and find the most convenient option for your passport needs
1 additional location serving Bessemer
Local questions from BESSEMER residents about visiting the City Clerk for passport services
Zero errors. Expert handling. Real-time tracking. Your passport delivered on time, guaranteed—or we refund your expediting fee.
Get Started – From $147 →Available 24/7 • Call 800-860-8610