Sierra Madre Post Office Passport Services

At the Sierra Madre Post Office, for fees directly payable to the U.S. Department of State for your passport book or card, only checks (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s), money orders, or bank drafts are accepted. These must be made out to ‘U.S. Department of State.’ However, the separate execution fee of $35 paid to the Post Office for processing your application can be paid with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), a debit card, a check, or a money order. It’s important to keep these two distinct payments in mind to avoid any delays at Window 3 during your scheduled appointment. Having both forms of payment prepared ensures a smooth and efficient transaction for your passport application in Sierra Madre.

If you require your passport urgently, the Sierra Madre Post Office facilitates expedited processing services. For an additional fee of $60 per application, payable to the U.S. Department of State, your application will be processed on an accelerated timeline. Additionally, you can opt for 1-2 day delivery for the return of your completed passport, which costs an extra $19.53. While the Sierra Madre Post Office itself doesn’t offer same-day issuance, choosing these expedited options significantly reduces the overall wait time from standard processing. It’s crucial to clearly indicate your request for expedited service when submitting your application at Window 3, ensuring all necessary fees are included.

The Sierra Madre Post Office strongly recommends and often requires appointments for all passport application submissions to ensure efficient service and minimal waiting times for residents. While the lobby may not appear overly crowded, dedicated passport acceptance agents have specific appointment slots. Occasionally, if there’s a cancellation or a brief lull, a walk-in might be accommodated, but this is rare and not guaranteed, particularly during the popular mid-day hours (11 AM to 2 PM). To avoid a potentially wasted trip down Baldwin Avenue, it is always best practice to schedule your passport appointment in advance through the USPS online scheduler or by calling the Sierra Madre Post Office directly. This guarantees you a dedicated slot at Window 3 and helps manage the flow of services.

Passport photos must adhere to strict U.S. Department of State guidelines to be accepted. Your photos should be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size. The image itself, from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm and 35 mm). They need to be in color, taken within the last six months, and printed on matte or glossy photo paper. No shadows on your face or background are permitted, and your expression should be neutral or a natural, slight smile with both eyes open. When submitting your application at the Sierra Madre Post Office, the passport acceptance agent will carefully review your photos for compliance. Many local pharmacies, like PAX Pharmacy 2 at 29 N Baldwin Ave, offer passport photo services that meet these specifications.

No, the Sierra Madre Post Office on Baldwin Avenue does not currently offer on-site passport photo services. Applicants are required to bring two recent, compliant passport photos with them to their scheduled appointment. It is essential that these photos meet all U.S. Department of State guidelines regarding size, background, and facial expression. Before your visit, you can get compliant photos taken at several nearby locations in Sierra Madre, such as PAX Pharmacy 2 at 29 North Baldwin Avenue, which is just a short walk across the street. Having your photos ready beforehand will ensure your passport application process proceeds smoothly and without delay at Window 3.

The passport office is located at 61 S. BALDWIN AVENUE, SIERRA MADRE, CA 91024. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 6268363596.0 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 “SIERRA MADRE POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Finding parking around the Sierra Madre Post Office requires a bit of local knowledge, especially during peak weekday hours between 10 AM and 3 PM. Directly on South Baldwin Avenue, metered street parking is available at a rate of $1.50 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM. These spots tend to fill up quickly, particularly those closest to the post office entrance. For a more reliable option, a small public lot with approximately 25 spaces is located just behind the post office, accessible via a narrow driveway on Montecito Avenue. While convenient, this lot is often at capacity, and turnover can be slow. Many locals opt for free, unrestricted street parking on the residential side streets west of Baldwin Avenue, such as Montecito Avenue (further west of the post office driveway) or Highland Avenue. These options usually require a walk of 2 to 3 blocks (approximately 0.1 to 0.2 miles) to reach the post office. During warmer months, especially July and August when temperatures can reach into the high 90s, consider parking closer or bringing water for the short walk. In the rare event of winter rain, carrying an umbrella is advisable if parking off-street. For passport appointments, arriving 10-15 minutes early is a sound strategy to secure a suitable parking spot without feeling rushed.

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.