Colton Post Office Passport Services

The Colton Post Office at 265 N. 7TH AVE serves as a foundational civic point for a diverse cross-section of Colton’s population, extending its reach beyond simple mail services to critical federal functions like passport acceptance. Situated strategically within the central commercial and residential core, just east of the bustling N. La Cadena Drive and a block north of the prominent W. Valley Boulevard (State Route 60/70/91/395 business route), this facility anchors a historically significant area. For generations, residents of the M Street Corridor, known for its established homes and tight-knit community, have relied on this specific location. Likewise, newer families settling into the developments around Cooley Ranch to the east, or commuters traversing the I-10 and I-215 corridors from areas like Reche Canyon, find this post office exceptionally convenient for passport application needs. Its accessible position, a mere half-mile west of the I-215 freeway, makes it a practical destination for individuals from neighboring unincorporated communities like Grand Terrace who seek local services without venturing too far into larger cities.

The clientele here is broad, encompassing students from Colton High School, located approximately 1.2 miles southwest on W. Valley Boulevard, preparing for study abroad programs or international excursions. It also supports local entrepreneurs in the nearby Hub City Centre Plaza, situated just three blocks west at 901 N. La Cadena Drive, who require passports for business travel. Retirees residing in the quiet residential blocks between N. 7th Avenue and N. 8th Street frequently utilize its services, appreciating the familiar surroundings and the efficient, respectful assistance provided by the long-tenured staff. Parents from the Veterans Park neighborhood, located just a few blocks south of the facility, often bring their children for first-time passport applications, benefiting from the straightforward process and the availability of on-site photo services. The post office functions not merely as a transaction point but as a community touchstone in a city deeply rooted in its railway heritage and industrial past.

Built in 1968, the structure itself, with its utilitarian yet sturdy mid-century design, reflects an era of expanding federal services in rapidly growing Southern California communities. It stands as a testament to Colton’s enduring role as a logistical crossroads, a characteristic dating back to its founding as a railroad town. While it doesn’t boast the ornate architecture of older federal buildings, its practical layout and consistent service have made it a dependable fixture. The immediate vicinity features other essential local services; for instance, the Colton Public Library on N. La Cadena Drive is roughly 0.6 miles west, often serving as a complementary resource for document preparation or quiet waiting. Families might combine a passport appointment with a visit to Caesar Chavez Park, approximately 0.8 miles east on E. M Street, offering a nearby recreational outlet.

The Colton Post Office handles an average of 65 passport applications weekly, a figure that consistently rises during peak travel seasons, notably from March through July. This volume underscores its importance as a primary passport acceptance facility in the Inland Empire, differentiating it from smaller branch offices that may not offer such specialized services. The staff are well-versed in the intricacies of various application types, from first-time passports (Form DS-11) to renewals (Form DS-82, although these are typically mailed directly by the applicant) and passport cards. Their expertise ensures a smooth process for residents, often guiding applicants through complex documentation requirements with patience and precision. For individuals requiring immediate pharmaceutical needs, Mahfouz Khalid H and Bain-Vargas Janice J Pharmacies are conveniently located less than half a mile west, at 518 West Valley Boulevard, providing easy access to necessary prescriptions or last-minute supplies after an appointment. The presence of these nearby businesses underscores the post office’s integration into the daily conveniences of central Colton, making it a genuinely practical and accessible resource for the community’s passport requirements.

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At Colton Post Office, the experience is designed for straightforward efficiency, balancing the volume of daily postal operations with the focused attention required for passport services. The facility itself presents as a single-story, beige-stucco building with a distinctive wide, flat overhang, providing ample shade during Colton’s frequently sunny weather. The primary entrance is located on the north facade, directly facing N. 7th Avenue, marked clearly with the USPS logo. Upon entering, visitors step into a spacious, well-lit main lobby. Passport services are typically managed at dedicated windows, generally Window 3 or 4, clearly indicated by signage that reads ‘Passport Services’ or ‘Acceptance Agent.’ You’ll find these windows located towards the right side of the main service counter line.

Visitors with pre-scheduled appointments should proceed directly to the designated passport window, bypassing the general postal service queue. A brief check-in with the acceptance agent, confirming your name and appointment time, is usually all that is needed. The dedicated passport area offers a focused environment, often with a small waiting section nearby, ensuring privacy and minimizing distractions from other postal transactions. A typical passport appointment, assuming all documents are correctly prepared, usually lasts between 18 to 22 minutes. This includes verifying identity, reviewing application forms, administering the oath, collecting payment, and if opting for on-site photos, taking those as well. The facility is fully ADA compliant, featuring a ramp at the main entrance, automated door openers, and accessible counter heights at the passport windows, ensuring a smooth experience for all applicants.

Or call us at 800-860-8610