Uspo – Buena Vista Passport Services

While the Uspo – Buena Vista strives to accommodate all applicants, securing an appointment is highly recommended to guarantee prompt service and minimize wait times, especially during peak travel seasons like summer or before major holidays. Passport acceptance hours at this facility are typically Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You can schedule an appointment online via the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or by calling the facility directly at their local number, (719) 395-2361. Walk-in service is sometimes available, but it is entirely dependent on the current staffing levels and the volume of scheduled appointments; during busy periods, walk-ins might experience significant delays or be asked to return another day. Planning ahead ensures a smoother experience for everyone involved.

Yes, the Uspo – Buena Vista facility offers convenient on-site passport photo services. This is a significant advantage, as it allows you to complete all necessary steps—application, document review, and photography—in a single visit, eliminating the need to visit a separate photo studio. The postal clerks are trained to take compliant passport photos that meet all U.S. Department of State requirements, including correct sizing, background, and facial expression. The fee for passport photos is typically $15.00, payable at the time of service. Opting for photos at the facility ensures they will be accepted with your application, reducing potential delays caused by non-compliant images. It’s a quick, efficient process designed to make your application as hassle-free as possible.

To ensure a successful passport application at Uspo – Buena Vista, you’ll need to bring several key documents. Foremost is proof of U.S. citizenship, which can be your original birth certificate (with a raised seal), a previous undamaged U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. You will also need a valid government-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license from Colorado or another state. Additionally, bring a completed, but UNSIGNED, Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport), which can be downloaded and printed from the Department of State website. Finally, you will need one 2×2 inch passport photograph (if not using the facility’s photo service) and the applicable fees, payable by check or money order to the ‘U.S. Department of State’ for the application fee, and separately to the ‘U.S. Postal Service’ for the acceptance and photo fees.

U.S. passport photos must adhere to very specific dimensions and quality standards to be accepted by the Department of State. The required size is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). Your head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and printed on matte or glossy photo paper. It’s crucial that your photo has a plain white or off-white background with no shadows. You must have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile with both eyes open. Glasses, hats, and uniforms are generally not permitted, except for medical or religious reasons with a signed statement. As mentioned, the Uspo – Buena Vista offers photo services specifically calibrated to these requirements, guaranteeing compliance.

If you require your passport urgently, the Uspo – Buena Vista can still facilitate the process by allowing you to apply for expedited service. When submitting your application, you will need to indicate your request for expedited processing on the Form DS-11 and include the additional expedited fee, which is currently $60.00 per application, payable to the U.S. Department of State. While the Buena Vista facility itself does not directly issue passports, sending your application via expedited service dramatically reduces the processing time at the passport agency. As of November 2024, expedited processing averages 2.5 weeks, compared to 7.2 weeks for routine service. You can also opt for 1-2 day delivery for the return of your passport book for an additional $19.53. For extreme urgency, such as international travel within 2-3 weeks, you would need to contact a regional passport agency directly for an in-person appointment, which is typically located in major cities like Denver.

The passport office is located at 110 BROOKDALE AVE, BUENA VISTA, CO 81211. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 7193952446.0 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 “USPO – BUENA VISTA” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Uspo – Buena Vista facility at 110 Brookdale Avenue is generally straightforward and convenient, particularly when compared to larger urban centers. The most direct option is the dedicated, free asphalt parking lot situated immediately to the west of the post office building. This lot typically offers between 15 to 20 spaces, including two designated accessible parking spots, providing ample room for most visitors even during peak hours. For those rare occasions when the primary lot is full, additional complimentary street parking is usually available along Brookdale Avenue itself, directly in front of and across from the facility. These spots are unmarked but widely utilized by locals, with no hourly restrictions or meters to worry about. Another viable option can be found one block west on East Main Street, where several public parking spaces exist, often free for up to two hours. From East Main Street, it’s a short, flat 0.1-mile walk back to the post office. Arriving 10-15 minutes prior to a scheduled passport appointment is a sound strategy to ensure you secure a spot directly adjacent to the building. During winter months, typically November through April, Buena Vista experiences significant snowfall. While the post office staff usually clears the main lot quickly, street parking might be more challenging due to snowbanks or ice, necessitating extra caution. Summer months, especially July and August, see an influx of tourists, which can occasionally make street parking slightly more competitive around the downtown area, but the post office’s dedicated lot usually remains manageable.

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.