Hammond Post Office Passport Services

Yes, the Hammond Post Office at 5530 Sohl Avenue offers convenient on-site passport photo services. This means you can complete your entire passport application process, from taking the required photograph to submitting your forms and documents, all in one visit. The photo service is available during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The trained staff use professional equipment to ensure your photo meets all U.S. Department of State specifications, including the correct size, background, and lighting. This eliminates the need for an extra trip to a separate photo studio or pharmacy, streamlining your application experience significantly and costing a standard fee of $15 for two compliant photos.

When applying for a passport at the Hammond Post Office, there are specific payment requirements to be aware of. The application fee, which goes directly to the U.S. Department of State, must be paid by check or money order. Credit card payments for this fee are not accepted here. A single personal check, certified check, cashier’s check, or money order, payable to ‘U.S. Department of State,’ is required for each application. For the execution fee, which is paid to the Post Office itself for their acceptance services, you have more flexibility. The Hammond Post Office accepts personal checks, money orders, or major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) for the $35 execution fee. It is crucial to have these payment methods prepared before your appointment to avoid delays.

Yes, appointments are absolutely required for all minor passport applications at the Hammond Post Office, just as they are for adults. Furthermore, applying for a passport for a minor (under age 16) has additional specific requirements. Both parents or legal guardians must be present with the minor at the appointment. They must each bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license from Indiana or a neighboring state like Illinois. You will also need to provide proof of parental relationship, typically the child’s original birth certificate or a court order, and evidence of the child’s U.S. citizenship. The minor themselves must also be present. It’s advisable to call the Hammond Post Office at (219) 937-5674 to schedule these appointments well in advance, as they often require more time to process.

U.S. passport photos must adhere to strict guidelines set by the Department of State to ensure proper identification. Specifically, your passport photo needs to be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size. The head, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (including hair), should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm and 35 mm). The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and against a plain white or off-white background. It should be printed on matte or glossy photo paper. When you opt for the photo service at the Hammond Post Office on Sohl Avenue, the trained personnel are equipped to take photos that precisely meet these dimensions and quality standards, eliminating concerns about rejection due to improper sizing or background.

The ability to renew your passport at the Hammond Post Office depends entirely on whether you are eligible to renew by mail. If your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 years or older, is less than 15 years old, is undamaged, and you can submit it with your renewal application, then you would generally renew by mail using Form DS-82. In this common scenario, you would not need an appointment at the Hammond Post Office; you would simply mail your application, passport, photos, and payment directly to the Department of State. However, if any of these conditions are not met (e.g., your passport is expired by more than 5 years, was issued when you were under 16, or is significantly damaged), you must apply in person as if for a first-time passport, using Form DS-11, and the Hammond Post Office can certainly accept that application by appointment.

The passport office is located at 5530 SOHL AVE., HAMMOND, IN 46320. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 2199322757.0 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 “HAMMOND POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Ample parking is a significant advantage when visiting the Hammond Post Office for your passport appointment at 5530 Sohl Avenue. The facility boasts its own dedicated, free surface parking lot situated directly to the east of the building, accessible via a clearly marked entrance on Sohl Avenue. This lot provides approximately 35-40 spaces, including two designated accessible parking spots near the main entrance, ensuring convenience even during peak hours. For those arriving between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the post office sees increased foot traffic, securing a spot in the primary lot is generally manageable, but an alternative exists. Should the main lot be full, visitors can find additional free street parking along Sohl Avenue itself, typically within a half-block radius, though spaces can be competitive. Furthermore, Gostlin Street, one block north, offers more consistent free parallel parking, requiring a short walk of about 0.1 miles to the post office entrance. During the winter months, especially from December to March, applicants should account for potential ice patches in the parking lot and on sidewalks, and during humid Indiana summers, shade can be scarce, so consider parking closer to the building’s eastern edge where a few mature trees provide some relief. Arriving 15 minutes prior to your scheduled passport appointment is a wise strategy to allow for parking and a brief walk, especially if inclement weather is a factor.

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.