Ravenswood Post Office Passport Services

Parking near the Ravenswood Post Office can be a bit challenging, especially during standard business hours. Metered street parking is available directly on West Lawrence Avenue, costing around $2.50 per hour, typically enforced until 9 PM Monday through Saturday. These spots fill up quickly, so if you have a passport appointment, plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure one. Alternatively, you might find non-permit residential street parking a few blocks north or south on streets like Rockwell or Campbell Avenues, but always double-check the signage for permit restrictions and street sweeping schedules to avoid a ticket. There’s also a very small, informal gravel lot immediately adjacent to the post office’s west side, shared with nearby businesses, but spaces here are rarely available. Considering public transit or rideshare services might save you time and stress.

Yes, absolutely. For all passport application services at the Ravenswood Post Office, an appointment is not just recommended, it is effectively mandatory. While some facilities might entertain walk-ins during extremely slow periods, the Ravenswood branch prioritizes scheduled visits to ensure dedicated time for each applicant and to manage the flow of patrons efficiently. This policy ensures that the acceptance agent can thoroughly review your documents, answer your questions, and correctly process your DS-11 form without rush. You should call the post office directly at (773) 583-0943 during their business hours or use the official USPS online passport locator to secure a specific time slot. Arriving for an appointment usually means a smoother, faster process, typically taking between 18 to 22 minutes once you’re called to the counter.

Attempting to walk in for passport services at the Ravenswood Post Office without a prior appointment is generally not advisable and may result in a wasted trip. While the staff is always helpful, passport acceptance agents often have a full schedule of pre-booked appointments, particularly given the facility’s popularity in this part of Chicago. Walk-ins are typically accommodated only if there’s an unexpected cancellation or a rare, genuine lull in scheduled appointments, which is infrequent. It’s best to respect the system and the time of both the staff and other applicants. To guarantee that you receive the dedicated attention required for a successful passport application, which involves careful document review and oath administration, always secure an appointment by calling the office or scheduling online. This proactive step will ensure a smooth and efficient visit.

Regarding payment for passport services at the Ravenswood Post Office, it’s crucial to understand that there are two separate fees, each with specific payment requirements. For the passport application fee itself, which is sent to the U.S. Department of State, only a personal check or money order is accepted. Credit cards, debit cards, or cash cannot be used for this portion. However, the separate $35 acceptance facility fee, paid directly to the Ravenswood Post Office for their service in processing your application, can typically be paid using a wider range of options, including cash, debit card, or a major credit card. To avoid any last-minute complications, it’s always best to come prepared with a check or money order made out to ‘U.S. Department of State’ for the application fee, and cash or a card for the acceptance fee.

The Ravenswood Post Office primarily functions as a passport acceptance facility, meaning it processes new passport applications (Form DS-11) and applications for minors. If you are renewing an adult passport (Form DS-82), and you meet specific eligibility criteria—such as your previous passport being issued within the last 15 years, undamaged, and you were at least 16 years old when it was issued—you will generally mail your renewal application directly to the National Passport Processing Center. You can pick up the DS-82 form at the post office, but the facility itself does not accept renewal applications that are mailed by the applicant. However, if your previous passport is damaged, expired for too long, or you don’t meet other DS-82 requirements, you might need to apply as if it’s a new passport (using Form DS-11), in which case the Ravenswood Post Office can certainly assist you with that process by appointment.

The passport office is located at 2522 W. LAWRENCE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60625. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 7735618633.0 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 “RAVENSWOOD POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Navigating parking around the Ravenswood Post Office at 2522 W. Lawrence Avenue requires a strategic approach, particularly during peak weekday hours. Lawrence Avenue itself features metered street parking directly in front of and around the facility, typically priced at $2.50 per hour and enforced from 8 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Saturday. These spaces are often competitive, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM. An alternative is to explore the residential side streets immediately north and south of Lawrence. Streets like Campbell Avenue, Rockwell Street, and Leavitt Street, which run perpendicular to Lawrence, often offer non-permit parking further away from the main thoroughfare. Be mindful that many blocks within a 0.1 to 0.3-mile radius are designated for Zone 810 or 807 residential permit parking; ensure you read all signage carefully to avoid ticketing. There is a very small, somewhat informal gravel lot immediately west of the post office, shared with a few adjacent businesses, which might offer 5-7 unmetered spots if you arrive early enough, but these are rarely vacant. For passport appointments, it’s highly advisable to factor in an additional 15-20 minutes for parking. During winter months, heavy snow can significantly reduce available street parking and sometimes trigger overnight parking bans on arterial streets like Lawrence. Conversely, summer means warmer temperatures and specific street sweeping days (e.g., first and third Tuesdays/Wednesdays for certain blocks), requiring vehicles to be moved by specific times. Checking Chicago’s parking meter app (ParkChicago) for real-time availability on metered spots can also be a helpful strategy.

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.