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Monterey Post Office, located at 565 HARTNELL STREET, stands as a critical civic resource within Monterey’s vibrant Del Monte Grove neighborhood. This facility is strategically positioned just a block south of Del Monte Avenue, the primary arterial connecting the city’s waterfront to its inland communities, and roughly equidistant between the bustling Alvarado Street downtown core and the residential enclaves climbing the hills towards Via Del Rey. The architectural style, a robust example of mid-20th-century civic design, features a sturdy brick facade with clean lines, reflecting the functional yet enduring aesthetic common to many federal buildings constructed in the late 1960s, a period when Monterey was experiencing significant growth in both tourism and its military presence. Its placement on Hartnell Street offers convenient access for a diverse demographic. Local families residing in the nearby Casa Verde area often utilize its services, as do students and faculty from institutions like the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), located just over a mile southwest on Pacific Street, and personnel associated with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) a short drive north. The facility also caters significantly to individuals employed in the hospitality and tourism sectors along Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf, who require reliable mail and passport services.
What sets this Monterey Post Office apart, beyond its essential postal functions, is its established role as a key passport acceptance facility. For decades, it has provided a consistent, accessible point for residents across the Monterey Peninsula to process their international travel documents. While other postal facilities exist in neighboring communities, the Hartnell Street location is often preferred due to its central position and its capacity to handle a substantial volume of passport applications efficiently. Its historical context is deeply tied to Monterey’s evolution from a fishing and sardine canning hub to a premier tourist destination and a center for marine research and education. As international travel became more common for both leisure and academic pursuits in the latter half of the 20th century, the need for localized passport processing grew, and this post office adapted to meet that demand. It became an integral part of the city’s infrastructure, supporting a population that frequently travels for conferences, overseas study programs, or family visits abroad.
The immediate vicinity of the post office is characterized by a mix of commercial businesses and public spaces. Just two blocks west, you find the Monterey County Bank at 601 Munras Avenue, making financial transactions convenient for applicants. Slightly further afield, but still within easy walking distance, is the iconic Dennis the Menace Park in El Estero Park, a popular spot for local families that many residents pass on their way to or from the post office. To the east, beyond the residential blocks, lies the expansive Monterey State Beach, accessible via Del Monte Avenue, offering a natural boundary and a sense of coastal proximity. The facility’s operating hours are tailored to accommodate working professionals and students, with consistent weekday availability. Its role extends beyond merely accepting applications; postal staff are generally knowledgeable about the intricate requirements for passport renewals, first-time applications, and minor applications, offering a tangible resource for often complex bureaucratic processes. This commitment to detailed service distinguishes it, especially for residents who value direct interaction and local expertise over navigating online portals or traveling to larger regional centers. It functions as a foundational support point for citizens embarking on international journeys, from the college student studying abroad to the family planning their first European vacation, all within the familiar context of their own community.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 8313723021.0 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 MONTEREY POST OFFICE at 565 HARTNELL STREET. Easy access from major highways.
Parking around the Monterey Post Office on Hartnell Street requires some strategic planning, especially during peak weekday hours. Directly behind the building, accessible via a narrow alley off Pearl Street or through the Monterey County Bank parking lot, there is a small, unmetered postal customer lot providing approximately 15 spaces. This lot fills quickly, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. On-street metered parking is available along Hartnell Street itself, costing $1.50 per hour, enforced Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a two-hour limit. These spots are usually more available in the early mornings or late afternoons. For longer appointments or if street parking is scarce, consider the City of Monterey’s Del Monte Plaza Garage, located just 0.4 miles west at 329 Alvarado Street. The first 90 minutes are typically free, with subsequent hours costing around $2.00 per hour, offering a convenient, sheltered option. From the Del Monte Plaza Garage, it’s about a 6-minute walk east along Alvarado Street, then turning right onto Hartnell Street for one block. During the summer months, from June through August, tourist traffic significantly impacts parking availability throughout downtown Monterey, including Hartnell Street. It’s advisable to allow an extra 15-20 minutes for parking during this period. Conversely, winter months can bring rain, so opting for a garage like Del Monte Plaza provides cover and eliminates the hassle of navigating wet streets with documents in hand. Always arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your passport appointment to secure suitable parking, whether on the street or in a nearby lot.
Reaching the Monterey Post Office via public transit is straightforward, primarily through the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) system. Several key bus routes serve the immediate vicinity, making it accessible from various parts of the Monterey Peninsula. The most convenient stop is located at Del Monte Avenue & Hartnell Street, served directly by MST Route 11 (‘Sand City/CSUMB to Monterey’) and Route 20 (‘Monterey to Watsonville’). From this stop, the post office is a short, straightforward walk of approximately one block south on Hartnell Street, taking about 2-3 minutes. Route 11 operates every 20 minutes during weekday peak hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) and every 30-40 minutes off-peak and on weekends, while Route 20 provides less frequent but consistent service throughout the day. A single adult fare on MST is $2.50, and a day pass can be purchased for $8.00, offering unlimited rides across the network. All MST buses are fully ADA compliant, equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts, and provide priority seating for individuals with disabilities. For those coming from further afield, connecting routes at the Monterey Transit Plaza (just over half a mile away) can facilitate the journey; from the Transit Plaza, you could transfer to Route 11 or enjoy a pleasant 10-12 minute walk south along Pacific Street, then east on Hartnell. The clear signage at bus stops and the generally flat terrain around the post office ensure a smooth transit experience for all visitors.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the MONTEREY POST OFFICE’s office at 565 HARTNELL STREET. 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 MONTEREY POST OFFICE (565 HARTNELL STREET) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 8313723021.0 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 →
At Monterey Post Office, the experience begins as you approach the building’s primary entrance, which faces east directly onto Hartnell Street, subtly recessed from the sidewalk just past the prominent flagpole. The structure itself presents a clean, utilitarian aesthetic, characteristic of mid-century government architecture, with its sturdy brick construction and large, unadorned windows allowing ample natural light into the main lobby. Upon entering through the automatic sliding doors, you’ll find an open, rectangular lobby. The passport acceptance counter is not a separate room, but rather integrated into the main service area; typically, you should proceed directly to Window 3, clearly designated with overhead signage as ‘Passport Services’ on the north wall, to the left of the main general postal counters. There is a small, designated waiting area with six upholstered chairs opposite the service windows for those who arrive early or if the counter is briefly occupied.
Checking in for your passport appointment involves presenting your confirmation number and a valid photo ID to the clerk at Window 3. The staff member will then guide you through the process, which typically ranges from 18 to 22 minutes for a standard, well-prepared application. They meticulously review all your submitted documents—proof of citizenship, identification, and the completed DS-11 form—ensuring every detail meets federal requirements before administering the oath and witnessing your signature. The facility is fully ADA compliant, featuring a ramp at the main entrance, wide aisles within the lobby, and counter heights at Window 3 specifically designed to be accessible for individuals using wheelchairs. Restrooms are also easily accessible. Should you require passport photo services, the clerks can direct you to an on-site photo station, simplifying the entire application process under one roof.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at MONTEREY POST OFFICE versus using our expedited service.
While MONTEREY 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. MONTEREY 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 MONTEREY 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.”
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