Manhattan Post Office Passport Services

While some passport acceptance facilities allow walk-ins, the Manhattan Post Office strongly recommends scheduling an appointment in advance for all passport services. This ensures a dedicated time slot for your application, minimizing wait times and allowing the staff to prepare for your visit efficiently. You can typically 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. Although they strive to accommodate residents from Manhattan and surrounding areas like Elwood, a pre-booked slot guarantees you’ll be seen, especially during peak travel planning seasons or school holiday periods. Walk-in availability is purely dependent on cancellation or no-show slots, which are rare and unpredictable at this busy State Street location.

Yes, appointments are absolutely required for all minor passport applications at the Manhattan Post Office. Furthermore, special requirements apply for applicants under 16 years of age. Both parents, or the child’s legal guardian(s), must typically be present with the minor at the 185 South State Street facility. Each parent will need to present valid government-issued identification. If only one parent can attend, they must also provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) from the absent parent, along with a copy of their ID, or proof of sole legal custody. These stringent requirements are in place to prevent international child abduction and ensure proper parental consent, and the Manhattan Post Office staff are trained to verify all these details meticulously during your scheduled appointment.

Absolutely, it is highly recommended that both parents apply together for a child’s passport at the Manhattan Post Office. When both parents are present, it significantly streamlines the application process, as it negates the need for a Statement of Consent Form DS-3053. Each parent must bring their valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license from Illinois or another state, along with the child’s proof of U.S. citizenship and a passport photo. This ensures all necessary consents are provided directly to the acceptance agent at 185 South State Street, helping to prevent any delays that might arise from missing documentation or questions about parental approval. It’s the most straightforward path to securing your child’s travel document.

If your child needs a passport, the Manhattan Post Office is fully equipped to handle minor passport applications, but it’s a process with specific requirements to ensure the child’s protection and proper consent. You’ll need to gather their original birth certificate (or other proof of U.S. citizenship), a recent passport-compliant photo, and both parents must ideally attend the appointment with their valid government-issued IDs. If one parent is unavailable, specific notarized consent forms are required. Schedule an appointment at 185 South State Street and be prepared for the acceptance agent to meticulously review all documents, ensuring compliance with federal regulations for minors. The dedicated staff will guide you through each step, ensuring all forms are correctly completed before submission.

Passport processing times fluctuate based on demand and the level of service you select, but the Manhattan Post Office ensures your application is sent to the processing agency promptly. As of November 2024, routine processing averages 7.2 weeks, and this timeline begins from the day the National Passport Information Center receives your application, not from your appointment date at 185 South State Street. For those with urgent travel plans, expedited processing is available for an additional fee, currently averaging 2.5 weeks, and you can also opt for 1-2 day delivery for an extra charge once the passport is printed. Always factor in shipping times both to and from the processing center when calculating your total wait, especially if you live further out in areas like Wilton Center.

The passport office is located at 185 S STATE STREET, MANHATTAN, IL 60442. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 8154783112.0 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 “MANHATTAN POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Convenient parking is readily available for your passport appointment at the Manhattan Post Office, making your visit as stress-free as possible. The facility, located at 185 South State Street, provides a dedicated, free surface parking lot directly adjacent to the building on its west side. This paved lot offers approximately 15-20 spaces, ensuring ample parking even during busier periods. You can easily access this lot from State Street by turning west just past the post office building if you’re heading south, or immediately before it if traveling north. For those times when the main lot might be unexpectedly full, additional free street parking is available along North Street, just one block north of the post office. While these spaces are metered in some parts of downtown Manhattan, the stretch closer to the post office is generally free for short-term parking, typically allowing up to two hours. This is an excellent alternative, requiring only a brief walk of about 0.1 miles (or half a block) back to the facility entrance. During winter months, particularly after snowfall, be mindful of potential ice patches in the parking lot and on sidewalks; the post office staff typically clear these areas promptly, but caution is advised. In summer, the direct sun can heat car interiors quickly, so consider timing your visit earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon if you prefer cooler conditions.

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.