Braidwood Post Office Passport Services

Yes, securing an appointment is strongly recommended for passport application services at the Braidwood Post Office. While some post offices might occasionally accommodate walk-ins during very slow periods, the Braidwood facility prioritizes scheduled appointments to ensure efficient processing and minimal wait times for all applicants. The small team here dedicates specific time slots for passport services to ensure each application receives thorough attention, which is crucial for a smooth process. You can easily book an appointment online through the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or by calling the post office directly at their local number during business hours. Arriving without a pre-booked slot might lead to significant delays or being asked to return at a later, scheduled time, especially during peak travel planning seasons like spring and early summer. Planning ahead with an appointment ensures the staff at 280 W Main Street can fully prepare for your visit.

When applying for a passport for a minor (under 16 years old) at the Braidwood Post Office, specific requirements apply to ensure the child’s safety and proper documentation. Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the child and present valid, government-issued identification. Additionally, you will need proof of your parental relationship, such as the child’s original birth certificate or a court order, alongside the child’s proof of U.S. citizenship. If one parent is unavailable, the appearing parent must provide either the absent parent’s notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) or proof of sole custody. The dedicated staff at the Braidwood Post Office are well-versed in these specific regulations and are available to clarify any questions you might have regarding minor passport applications, ensuring a compliant submission.

After submitting your passport application at the Braidwood Post Office, you can conveniently track its status online. The primary method is to visit the U.S. Department of State’s online Passport Application Status System. You will need your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number to access the information. Typically, it takes 7-10 business days after your appointment at 280 W Main Street for your application to be entered into the system and become trackable. The Braidwood Post Office staff will provide you with a receipt containing relevant details, but they do not have access to the real-time processing status once the application leaves their facility. For urgent travel needs, it’s advisable to note your application’s locator number from the receipt for direct inquiries with the National Passport Information Center.

While the Braidwood Post Office at 280 W Main Street primarily operates on an appointment basis for passport services, occasional walk-ins might be accommodated if the schedule permits. However, this is not guaranteed and largely depends on the current staffing levels and the number of pre-booked appointments for that particular day. To avoid disappointment and potential lengthy waits, it is always strongly advised to schedule your passport appointment in advance. The clerks often manage a full calendar, especially around midday and during school holidays. If you choose to walk in, be prepared for the possibility of being asked to return later or to schedule an appointment. For a small community post office like Braidwood’s, securing a confirmed slot ensures that you receive dedicated time and attention for your application, making the entire process far smoother and more predictable.

Yes, appointments are absolutely required for passport applications involving minors at the Braidwood Post Office. The process for children’s passports is more intricate, necessitating the presence of the child and both parents (or specific documented exceptions). This takes a significant amount of time for the postal clerk to verify identities, parental consent, and citizenship documents, as well as to administer the oath. Booking an appointment ensures that the dedicated staff at 280 W Main Street can allocate the necessary time without rushing, providing you with a thorough and accurate application process. Attempting a walk-in for a minor’s passport is highly discouraged, as the detailed requirements almost invariably necessitate a pre-scheduled time slot to prevent delays and ensure all Department of State regulations are met.

The passport office is located at 280 W MAIN ST, BRAIDWOOD, IL 60408. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-15:00. Call ahead at 8154583422.0 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 “BRAIDWOOD POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Convenient parking options are readily available when visiting the Braidwood Post Office at 280 W Main Street. The facility offers a dedicated, free on-site parking lot situated immediately to the east of the building. This paved lot provides approximately 15 designated spaces, including accessible parking, and is typically sufficient for the volume of visitors, especially during passport appointment hours. Access to this lot is directly off W Main Street. For times when the main lot might be full, ample free street parking is available along W Main Street itself, directly in front of the post office, and on adjacent side streets like School Street, just a block to the west. These spots generally do not have time restrictions during business hours, allowing for a stress-free visit. However, during periods of heavy snowfall in winter, particularly from December through March, some street parking spots might be temporarily reduced due to plowing efforts, so the on-site lot remains the most reliable option. In the summer months, from June to August, while parking is plentiful, consider the direct sun exposure in the open lot if you have sensitive passengers or need to keep items cool in your vehicle. For optimal convenience, aiming for the on-site lot ensures the shortest walk, a mere 20-30 feet from your vehicle to the main entrance.

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.