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The Benton Post Office facility in Benton, situated prominently at 301 N Du Quoin Street, serves as a cornerstone for postal and passport services for residents across Franklin County and the broader Southern Illinois region. This particular branch, located just one block north of the historic Benton Public Square, anchors the northern edge of the city’s downtown commercial district. Its position makes it easily accessible for individuals traveling from the West End neighborhoods via West Main Street, or those commuting from the eastern residential areas along East Main Street and its tributaries. The facility primarily caters to a diverse demographic, encompassing long-standing Benton families, agricultural workers from surrounding farmlands, small business owners operating near Commercial Street, and newer residents drawn to the community’s quiet lifestyle and lower cost of living. Its central location ensures that whether one resides near Capitol Park to the west or closer to the Benton Consolidated High School to the east, reaching N Du Quoin Street is a straightforward affair. The Post Office is a regular stop for many who work or conduct errands in the immediate vicinity, including employees from Legence Bank at 605 West Main Street or those frequenting the CVS Pharmacy just a block away at 705 West Main Street.
Historically, the location of the Benton Post Office on N Du Quoin Street reflects the town’s development around its central square and the railroad lines that once defined its growth. While the current building’s architecture, with its understated brick facade and functional design, speaks to a mid-20th-century aesthetic, the presence of a postal service at or near this site has been a constant for over a century. Early Benton residents relied heavily on the post office for communication and commerce, a role that, while evolved, remains fundamentally important today. The current structure, established in 1968, replaced an earlier facility, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing essential services while maintaining a downtown presence. This continuity makes it a recognizable and trusted point of contact for official business, including the critical process of applying for a U.S. passport.
Unique to this specific Benton location is its consistent service ethic, often highlighted by local patrons for the personalized attention typically found in smaller communities. Unlike larger metropolitan centers where such services might be decentralized or purely transactional, the Benton Post Office staff often become familiar faces, offering a level of guidance that can be particularly reassuring for first-time passport applicants or those navigating complex travel requirements. This facility is particularly important for individuals traveling internationally for the first time, often for family visits, mission trips, or educational opportunities, given Benton’s proximity to regional airports in St. Louis or Nashville that offer international connections. Families planning vacations to destinations beyond the contiguous United States also frequently utilize this convenient local option, saving them the considerable drive to passport acceptance facilities in larger cities like Carbondale or Mount Vernon.
Landmarks within a five-block radius include the majestic Franklin County Courthouse, a historic structure anchoring the Public Square at West Main Street and North Main Street, standing as a testament to the county’s governmental and architectural heritage. Just a short walk east on East Main Street from the square is the Benton Public Library, another community hub. The Benton Post Office’s direct adjacency to the town’s primary commercial artery, West Main Street, places it amidst local eateries, small retail shops, and other professional offices, creating a convenient nexus for completing various errands in one concentrated trip. This area of Benton remains a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly core, despite the increasing reliance on automobiles in rural Illinois. The Post Office, therefore, continues to play a central role in the daily routines of Benton’s residents, extending its utility beyond merely mail delivery to encompass essential federal services like passport application acceptance.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 6184384931.0 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 BENTON POST OFFICE at 301 N DU QUOIN ST. Easy access from major highways.
Parking for the Benton Post Office at 301 N Du Quoin Street is straightforward and generally ample, making your visit convenient. The facility features a dedicated, free parking lot immediately adjacent to the building on its west side, accessible directly from N Du Quoin Street. This lot offers approximately 20-25 marked spaces, including two designated accessible spots. During peak postal hours, typically between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays, this lot can fill up, but turnover is usually quick. For overflow, or if you prefer street parking, there is abundant free parallel parking available along N Du Quoin Street itself, both directly in front of and across from the Post Office. Further options exist on West Main Street, just one block south, where additional free street parking can be found, particularly west of the Public Square. For passport appointments, arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled time is recommended to secure a spot in the primary lot directly next to the building. This minimizes walking, especially beneficial during Benton’s hot and humid summer months, where temperatures can regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, or in winter when ice and sub-freezing temperatures can make longer walks uncomfortable. There are no paid parking garages or metered spots within several blocks, ensuring a cost-free parking experience for all visitors. The area is well-lit and feels secure, even for early morning or late afternoon appointments.
Given Benton, Illinois, is a smaller community, formal public transit options are limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. There isn’t a city-wide bus system or train service that directly serves the 301 N Du Quoin Street location for the Benton Post Office. The primary mode of transportation for most residents and visitors remains personal vehicle. However, for those requiring alternative transport, the Franklin County Public Transportation provides limited ‘demand-response’ shared-ride service. While not a fixed route with specific stops, individuals can schedule a pickup by calling the Franklin County Public Transportation office at least 24 hours in advance. A typical ride within Benton costs approximately $1.50 for seniors and $3.00 for adults, subject to availability and scheduling. Passengers should confirm the precise fare when booking. When utilizing this demand-response service, clearly state your destination as the ‘Benton Post Office, 301 N Du Quoin Street.’ The driver will drop you directly at the main entrance on the north side of the building. This service generally operates weekdays from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but exact hours and availability can vary. Vehicles are typically equipped with wheelchair lifts and provide accessible seating, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can comfortably reach the Post Office. It is crucial to plan this transit method well in advance, especially for a time-sensitive passport appointment, as on-demand availability is not guaranteed.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the BENTON POST OFFICE’s office at 301 N DU QUOIN ST. 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 BENTON POST OFFICE (301 N DU QUOIN ST) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 6184384931.0 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 →
Benton Post Office welcomes visitors arriving for passport services into a functional, well-maintained environment characteristic of a community-focused postal facility. Upon entering through the primary entrance on the north side of the building, which features a gently sloped ramp for accessibility, applicants will find themselves in a modest, yet organized, lobby. The architecture is straightforward mid-century brick and glass, designed for durability and utility. The passport acceptance window is typically located to the far right upon entry, clearly marked with official signage. You will generally check in directly at Window 3, though occasionally Window 2 may also handle passport appointments if staffing allows. The staff members here are highly experienced in processing passport applications and are prepared to guide you through each step.
Expect the entire appointment process, from initial greeting to final document review and payment, to typically last between 18 and 22 minutes for a single applicant, assuming all documents are in order. The lobby provides a few seating options should you arrive slightly early or if there’s a brief wait. The layout is compact, ensuring a quick and efficient experience without extensive walking or searching for the correct counter. The space is generally quiet, allowing for clear communication regarding sensitive personal information. For those with mobility challenges, beyond the accessible ramp at the main entrance, the facility offers a spacious counter area at Window 3 that accommodates wheelchair users comfortably, ensuring the application process is accessible to everyone in the community.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at BENTON POST OFFICE versus using our expedited service.
While BENTON 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. BENTON 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 BENTON 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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Local questions from BENTON residents about visiting the City Clerk for passport services
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