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Residents of Bloomington can access passport services at Bloomington Post Office, a crucial federal facility located at 1511 E Empire Street. This strategically situated office serves not only the immediate East Side commercial districts but also extends its reach to a broad demographic across Bloomington-Normal and surrounding McLean County communities. For families residing in the Towanda Barnes area, students from Illinois State University traversing Veterans Parkway, or professionals commuting from the growing Rivian campus on West Normal Avenue, this location offers convenient access. Its proximity to major arteries like Veterans Parkway, which is less than a mile west, and East Washington Street, approximately 1.5 miles south, makes it an easily reachable point for passport applicants driving from various neighborhoods, including the historical Downtown Bloomington, the bustling College Hills West, and the residential areas further east towards Normal Community High School. The post office stands as a reliable resource for first-time applicants, minors requiring parental consent, and those needing to renew expiring documents.
Bloomington, a city with a rich agricultural and industrial heritage, has always seen its postal services adapt to its evolving population. While this specific building on East Empire Street might not possess the ornate historical architecture of older downtown federal buildings, it represents a modern commitment to public service in a dynamically developing part of the city. The area around Empire Street has transformed significantly over the last few decades, transitioning from primarily open land to a hub of retail, dining, and light industrial enterprises. This post office facility mirrors that growth, providing essential services to a population that has expanded outwards from the traditional city core. Applicants often combine their passport appointment with other errands, given the abundance of retail options nearby, such as those found just a short drive east near the Shoppes at College Hills or the robust offerings of Eastland Mall, located merely 0.7 miles southwest at 1615 East Empire Street. The intersection of East Empire Street and Veterans Parkway, a major commercial thoroughfare, is a significant landmark for those navigating to the office. This post office is not merely an isolated service point; it is integrated into the daily routines of a diverse populace, including the agricultural community from the rural fringes of McLean County, faculty and staff from Illinois Wesleyan University just 3.5 miles west, and the steady stream of residents utilizing the nearby Rivian plant for employment.
Demographically, the Bloomington Post Office on East Empire Street caters to a wide cross-section of the community. Young professionals and recent graduates preparing for international travel find the consistent service and readily available parking beneficial. Families with school-aged children applying for passports before summer vacations or international exchange programs constitute a significant portion of its clientele, particularly those from the Lexington, Hudson, and Heyworth communities who find this location more accessible than the downtown alternative. Seniors planning cruises or visits to relatives abroad also appreciate the structured appointment system and helpful staff. The facility processes an average of 150 to 180 new passport applications or renewals weekly, demonstrating its importance to the region. Unlike smaller satellite post offices, this larger facility is equipped to handle a higher volume of passport interview appointments, often having multiple clerks authorized to process DS-11 applications. This capacity is critical during peak travel seasons, typically late spring and early summer, when demand for passport services surges. The consistency of its service, coupled with its convenient location, firmly establishes the Bloomington Post Office as the primary passport application acceptance facility for a significant portion of the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area, distinguishing it from less specialized or more distant options. Its long-standing presence, likely since the mid-1970s, has cultivated a reputation for dependable government service in the heart of central Illinois.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 3096644600.0 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 BLOOMINGTON POST OFFICE at 1511 E EMPIRE STREET. Easy access from major highways.
Convenient parking is readily available at the Bloomington Post Office, situated at 1511 E Empire Street. The facility boasts a large, dedicated surface parking lot directly adjacent to the building on its east side. This lot offers approximately 65 to 70 marked spaces, including several designated accessible spots near the main entrance. Parking here is entirely free for all postal patrons, including those visiting for passport services, and there is no time limit typically enforced during business hours. For peak times, such as weekday lunch hours (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) or Saturday mornings, this lot can approach full capacity. However, even then, spaces usually open up quickly. If, in an unlikely scenario, the primary lot is completely full, additional free overflow parking can be found along the north side of the building, offering another 15-20 spaces. This overflow area is a short 30-second walk to the main entrance. During winter months, especially from December through February, exercise caution in the parking lot and on sidewalks, as ice can be a factor. The facility diligently salts and plows, but fresh snowfall can still present slick conditions. Arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your passport appointment will generally ensure a hassle-free parking experience, regardless of the time or season.
Accessing the Bloomington Post Office via public transit is a viable option for those without personal vehicles, utilizing Connect Transit, Bloomington-Normal’s bus service. The most direct route is typically via **Bus Route #10 (East Empire/Veterans)**. This route has a stop located at the intersection of East Empire Street and Wylie Drive, approximately 0.2 miles (a 4-minute walk) west of the post office. From this stop, you would simply walk east along East Empire Street, and the post office will be on your left. Another option is **Bus Route #15 (Eastland Express)**, which has a stop near Eastland Mall, about 0.7 miles southwest of the post office. This would entail a slightly longer walk, roughly 12-15 minutes, eastbound along East Empire Street. Connect Transit buses operate frequently on weekdays, with Route #10 typically running every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and hourly into the evening. A single ride costs $1.00, and a day pass is available for $2.50. All Connect Transit buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps and designated seating areas, ensuring full accessibility for passengers with mobility devices. Timetables are available online at ConnectTransit.com or via their mobile app, which provides real-time bus tracking to assist with planning your trip.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the BLOOMINGTON POST OFFICE’s office at 1511 E EMPIRE 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 BLOOMINGTON POST OFFICE (1511 E EMPIRE STREET) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 3096644600.0 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 →
The process at Bloomington Post Office, located at 1511 E Empire Street, is designed for efficiency, particularly for those with pre-scheduled appointments. Upon arrival, visitors will notice the building’s distinctive light brick facade and the main entrance situated prominently on the east side of the structure, facing the primary parking lot. As you step inside, the interior is well-lit and maintained, featuring a standard federal office aesthetic with clear signage guiding patrons. For passport services, proceed directly to the customer service counter located towards the front-right section of the lobby, typically near window number 3 or 4, where a designated sign for “Passport Services” will be visible. There is a small waiting area with approximately five to seven chairs for those arriving slightly early.
Check-in involves confirming your appointment time and presenting your identification. The passport acceptance agent will then guide you through the document verification process. A typical passport appointment here generally lasts between 18 and 22 minutes, assuming all required documents are accurately prepared. The layout ensures a smooth flow, with separate areas for package mailing and retail transactions, minimizing cross-traffic for passport applicants. The facility is fully accessible, featuring ramped entryways and wide corridors to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Restrooms are also easily accessible and clearly marked. Overall, the experience is professional and straightforward, focusing on careful document review and accurate application submission.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at BLOOMINGTON POST OFFICE versus using our expedited service.
While BLOOMINGTON 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. BLOOMINGTON 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 BLOOMINGTON 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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