Gary Main Post Office Passport Services

Absolutely, when applying for a passport for a minor (under age 16) at the Gary Main Post Office, it is highly recommended that both parents or legal guardians appear together with the child. This ensures a smoother process, as the accepting agent at 1499 Martin Luther King Drive needs to verify the identities and consent of both parents. You’ll both need to present valid government-issued identification, such as an Indiana driver’s license, along with proof of your parental relationship (like the child’s birth certificate) and the child’s citizenship evidence. If only one parent can appear, they must provide the second parent’s notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) along with a copy of the non-appearing parent’s ID, front and back. The staff here are well-versed in these requirements and can guide you through any specific scenarios you might encounter.

The total cost for a passport application at the Gary Main Post Office involves two separate payments: one to the U.S. Department of State for the passport itself, and a separate execution fee to the Post Office. For a new passport book, the Department of State fee is $130 for adults (age 16 and over) and $100 for minors (under 16). The Post Office’s execution fee, which covers the processing of your application, is a standardized $35. Therefore, an adult applicant should expect to pay $165 in total for a new passport book, and a minor $135. You’ll need a check or money order payable to the ‘U.S. Department of State’ for the larger fee, and the $35 execution fee can be paid by check, money order, or credit/debit card directly at the counter at 1499 Martin Luther King Drive. Expedited processing, adding $60, and 1-2 day delivery for $19.53 are optional additional costs.

The primary distinction between routine and expedited passport processing lies in the speed at which your application is handled by the Department of State. Routine processing, which is the standard service, typically takes several weeks to complete. As of November 2024, routine processing is averaging 7.2 weeks. Expedited processing, on the other hand, prioritizes your application for a faster turnaround, usually within a few weeks. The current expedited timeframe is averaging 2.5 weeks. There’s an additional fee of $60 per application for expedited service, plus optional 1-2 day delivery for an extra $19.53 if you need your passport delivered quickly after processing. If you have immediate travel plans from Gary, choosing expedited service is crucial. When you visit the Gary Main Post Office at 1499 Martin Luther King Drive, the passport acceptance agent will confirm the most current processing times and guide you on selecting the best option for your travel needs.

The Gary Main Post Office can facilitate certain passport renewals, but it depends on your specific circumstances. If your most recent passport was issued less than 15 years ago, you were at least 16 years old when it was issued, and it is undamaged, you can likely renew by mail using Form DS-82. In such cases, you wouldn’t need an appointment at 1499 Martin Luther King Drive. However, if your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you were under 16 when it was issued, or it is lost, stolen, or significantly damaged, then you must apply in person as if it were a new passport. This means you will need to schedule an appointment at the Gary Main Post Office and bring all required documentation, including proof of citizenship, valid ID, and a new passport photo. The acceptance agents here can help you determine the correct renewal pathway.

The Gary Main Post Office at 1499 Martin Luther King Drive offers passport application services by appointment during specific hours, which differ slightly from its general postal service hours. For passport acceptance, appointments are typically available Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. On Saturdays, limited passport appointment slots may be available from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, but these fill up quickly due to demand. It is always advisable to confirm the current hours and book your appointment well in advance through the USPS online scheduling system, as walk-in passport services are generally not accommodated. The lobby is open for general postal business from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays, but please remember passport services require a dedicated time slot.

The passport office is located at 1499 MARTIN LUTHER KING DRIVE, GARY, IN 46401. Get directions

Hours are 9:30-15:30. Call ahead at 2198868000.0 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 “GARY MAIN POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Gary Main Post Office is primarily available in the dedicated lot directly adjacent to the facility at 1499 Martin Luther King Drive. This lot, situated immediately south of the building, offers a generous 47-space capacity, exclusively for post office patrons. It is a free lot, meaning there are no hourly or daily charges, which is a significant convenience for those attending appointments. During peak hours, typically weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, and on Friday afternoons, the lot can approach full capacity. However, turnover is generally quick, with a wait of no more than 5-10 minutes being rare. For overflow or alternative parking, limited metered street parking is sometimes available on Broadway, approximately one block east. These meters typically charge $1.25 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. While less convenient, it can serve as a backup. When planning your visit, especially during the colder months, be mindful of Gary’s winter conditions; heavy snowfall can reduce available spaces in the main lot due to snow accumulation, and ice can make walking surfaces slick. In summer, the asphalt lot can become quite warm, so consider arriving a few minutes early to secure a spot closer to the entrance for comfort. For optimal parking, aiming for mid-afternoon appointments usually provides the easiest experience.

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.