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Residents of Oakland can access passport services at Oakland Civic Center Post Office, a cornerstone establishment located at 201 13th Street, right in the heart of Downtown Oakland’s bustling Civic Center district. This particular post office is not merely a mail-handling facility; it stands as a critical resource for passport applicants throughout Oakland and surrounding Alameda County communities. Situated just one block north of the iconic Oakland City Hall and Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, and a short two blocks west of Lake Merritt, its strategic location makes it exceptionally convenient for a diverse demographic seeking passport services.
The facility primarily caters to individuals residing or working within the immediate Downtown Oakland area, including the vibrant Old Oakland and Chinatown neighborhoods directly to its west and south. Many of its daily patrons are professionals employed in the numerous government offices, legal firms, and corporate headquarters that populate the high-rise buildings surrounding Latham Square and the Broadway corridor. For instance, employees from the adjacent Alameda County Courthouse, the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building at 1301 Clay Street, or those working in the Oakland City Center complex frequently utilize this post office for their passport needs due to its unparalleled proximity.
Beyond the daily workforce, the Oakland Civic Center Post Office also serves the growing residential population of Downtown Oakland. This includes residents of newer luxury apartments and historic converted lofts in Old Oakland, as well as long-standing community members from the established Chinatown area, who rely on a centrally located, accessible facility. Students attending institutions like Lincoln University at 401 15th Street or those from nearby technical schools also find this a practical location for their travel document requirements. Its central position makes it a vital service point for both established local families preparing for international travel and recent transplants needing their first U.S. passport.
Unique aspects of this facility include its integration within Oakland’s administrative core. While many passport acceptance facilities are tucked away, the Oakland Civic Center Post Office occupies a prominent position, reflecting its importance in municipal operations. The building itself, constructed in the mid-20th century, presents a robust, functional architectural style characteristic of government structures from that era, contrasting with the more ornate City Hall just a block away. This location signifies stability and official capacity, qualities reassuring to those navigating the formal process of obtaining a passport. Its dedicated passport services area is well-regarded for its efficiency, especially given the volume of applications it processes weekly.
Historically, the Civic Center area has always been the focal point of Oakland’s governmental and judicial activities. Since the early 20th century, with the completion of City Hall in 1914, this district has been purposefully developed to house essential public services. The establishment of a major post office here was a natural extension of this civic planning, ensuring that a core public service like mail and, later, passport processing, remained readily available to the city’s populace. Over the decades, as Oakland grew and its demographics diversified, the role of facilities like the Oakland Civic Center Post Office expanded to meet the increasing demand for international travel documents. This historical context underscores the post office’s integral role not just as a passport acceptance agent but as a long-standing public utility within the city’s governmental framework. The facility often experiences peak demand during school holidays, such as spring break in March and April, and during the summer months from June through August, when families and students plan international trips, necessitating early application strategies.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 5106227412.0 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 OAKLAND CIVIC CENTER POST OFFICE at 201 13TH STREET. Easy access from major highways.
Securing parking near the Oakland Civic Center Post Office at 201 13th Street requires a strategic approach, especially during weekday business hours. Metered street parking is available along 13th Street, 14th Street, Clay Street, and Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, typically costing $2.50 per hour from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, with a two-hour limit. These spots often fill quickly, so arriving at least 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment is advisable to locate a suitable space. Be mindful of street sweeping schedules, usually posted, to avoid citations. For a more guaranteed parking solution, several public garages are within a few blocks. The City Center West Garage at 1100 Clay Street, just two blocks southwest, offers daily rates averaging $5 for the first hour and capping at $20 for the full day. Another option is the Franklin Plaza Garage at 1340 Franklin Street, approximately three blocks east, with similar rates. While these garages offer ample space, the walk can take 5-7 minutes. During summer months, be prepared for significant heat, so shaded parking or a quick walk is preferable. In the winter, although Oakland rarely sees ice, rainy days can make the walk less pleasant, so consider an umbrella or a garage closer to the entrance.
The Oakland Civic Center Post Office benefits from excellent public transit accessibility, making it a prime location for those without a vehicle or preferring eco-friendly travel. The most convenient option is the 12th Street/Oakland City Center BART Station, a major regional hub, located just two blocks southwest of the post office. Upon exiting the station, take the 13th Street exit, walk east on 13th Street for approximately two blocks, and the post office will be on your left. BART service operates frequently, with trains arriving every 7-15 minutes on weekdays during peak hours. A single ride fare within Oakland is typically $2.20-$3.00, depending on distance, and Clipper cards are widely accepted. Numerous AC Transit bus lines also serve the area. Bus routes #1T (Temescal-Downtown Oakland), #14, #40, #51A, and #88 all have stops within a block or two of the post office, primarily along Broadway, Clay Street, and 12th Street. For instance, the #1T and #14 stop directly on Broadway at 13th Street, a mere one-block walk. Bus service frequency averages every 10-20 minutes on weekdays. A single bus fare costs $2.50, and a day pass is $6.00, also payable via Clipper card. Both BART and AC Transit systems are fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators at BART stations and all AC Transit buses equipped with ramps, ensuring convenient access for all travelers.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the OAKLAND CIVIC CENTER POST OFFICE’s office at 201 13TH 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 OAKLAND CIVIC CENTER POST OFFICE (201 13TH STREET) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 5106227412.0 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 →
Your appointment at Oakland Civic Center Post Office commences at the main entrance situated prominently on 13th Street. As you step inside, you will observe the sturdy, functional architecture typical of a mid-century civic building, often featuring high ceilings and durable flooring designed for significant foot traffic. For passport services, proceed directly to the passport acceptance windows, usually located on the west side of the main lobby, clearly marked by overhead signage indicating “Passport Services” or specific window numbers, often Window 5 or 6. There’s typically a short queue for check-in; have your appointment confirmation and initial documents ready. The clerk will verify your appointment time and direct you to the next available processing station.
Upon reaching your designated station, a USPS passport acceptance agent will meticulously review all your application materials. This process is designed to be thorough yet efficient, typically lasting between 18 and 22 minutes for a standard DS-11 application, assuming all documents are correctly prepared. The passport services area is usually somewhat separate from the general mail services, offering a slightly more private and focused environment. The facility is fully accessible, featuring ramped entryways and wide aisles suitable for wheelchairs, and the passport counters are designed to accommodate individuals with varying mobility needs. Restrooms are also readily available on the main floor. The staff here are experienced, guiding you through each step, from document verification to payment collection and, if applicable, on-site photo services.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at OAKLAND CIVIC CENTER POST OFFICE versus using our expedited service.
While OAKLAND CIVIC CENTER 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. OAKLAND CIVIC CENTER 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 OAKLAND 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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