Rutherford Post Office Passport Services

Yes, expedited service is certainly an option when applying for a passport at the Rutherford Post Office, though it’s important to understand the process. When you submit your DS-11 application here, you can choose to add the expedited processing fee, which is an additional $60 payable to the U.S. Department of State. This significantly reduces the processing time for your passport compared to routine service. While Rutherford Post Office processes your application efficiently, the actual expedited mailing and printing are handled by the State Department. For those truly in a hurry, it’s also possible to pay for overnight delivery for the return of your passport book. Be sure to clearly communicate your need for expedited service to the postal clerk at Window 1 or 2 during your appointment, and they will ensure all necessary forms and payments are correctly collected before your application is securely mailed to the passport agency.

For passport application services at the Rutherford Post Office, appointments are generally mandatory. Given the facility’s smaller size and staffing, walk-in passport services are typically not accommodated. This policy ensures that each applicant receives dedicated attention and that the postal clerks can manage their daily workload effectively. While you might be able to inquire about general postal services without an appointment, arriving for a new passport application without a pre-scheduled slot will likely result in being turned away and asked to book a future time. It is always recommended to call the Rutherford Post Office directly at their listed phone number to confirm current appointment availability and procedures. Planning ahead by scheduling your visit helps the local team provide the best possible service to our Rutherford community members.

Absolutely, it’s not only permissible but highly recommended that both parents apply together for a child’s passport at the Rutherford Post Office. When both parents are present, along with the child, the process for a minor’s passport (under age 16) is significantly streamlined. Both parents will need to present their valid government-issued identification and provide proof of their parental relationship to the child (e.g., the child’s birth certificate). Having both parents there obviates the need for a Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) from an absent parent, which can often be a source of delay. The postal clerk at the Rutherford facility will verify all documents and witness both parents signing the DS-11 form. This collaborative approach ensures that all necessary consents are secured directly, making for a smooth and efficient application experience for families in Rutherford.

Regarding payment for passport services at the Rutherford Post Office, it’s crucial to distinguish between the two types of fees. For the passport application fee itself, which is paid directly to the U.S. Department of State, only personal checks, certified checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders are accepted. The Rutherford Post Office does not process credit card payments for this portion. However, the separate $35 execution fee, which is paid to the U.S. Postal Service for accepting your application, can typically be paid using a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), debit card, or cash. It’s always a good practice to bring multiple forms of payment, especially a checkbook, to your appointment at our Rutherford location to avoid any last-minute complications.

The processing time for a passport application submitted at the Rutherford Post Office is determined by the U.S. Department of State, not by the local facility itself. As of November 2024, routine processing averages 7.2 weeks from the date your application is received by the passport agency. If you opt for expedited service, that timeframe shortens considerably to an average of 2.5 weeks. These estimates do not include mailing times to and from the passport agency. While the Rutherford Post Office efficiently forwards your application, the subsequent processing and delivery are external to the local branch. You will receive a tracking number, and you can monitor the status of your application online via the State Department’s website. It is always wise to apply well in advance of any planned travel dates, especially if your itinerary involves international travel from the Napa Valley region.

The passport office is located at 1190 RUTHERFORD ROAD, RUTHERFORD, CA 94573. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 7079637488.0 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 “RUTHERFORD POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Rutherford Post Office is notably convenient, a significant advantage in this busy wine country corridor. A dedicated, free surface parking lot is situated directly in front of the building at 1190 Rutherford Road, offering approximately 10 marked spaces. This lot is generally sufficient for the facility’s volume, especially given that many passport services are by appointment. For those arriving for passport appointments, it is highly recommended to use this specific lot to ensure close and hassle-free access. On occasions when the primary lot is full, which can sometimes occur during peak mid-day postal hours, limited overflow parking may be found on the shoulder of Rutherford Road itself, though caution is advised due to passing traffic. Alternative street parking is rarely an option on Rutherford Road due to its nature as a state highway and the general absence of marked street spaces. There are no paid parking garages or metered spots within several miles, underscoring the value of the post office’s free on-site provision. During the summer months, particularly from June through September, temperatures in Rutherford can regularly exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit; therefore, seeking a shaded spot, if available, or arriving early to avoid the peak heat is a practical strategy. Conversely, during the winter rainy season, the lot can become slick, so exercising care when walking to and from the entrance is advisable.

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.