Rensselaer Post Office Passport Services

Yes, securing an appointment is highly recommended, and often required, for passport application services at the Rensselaer Post Office. While some larger facilities might accommodate limited walk-ins, the Rensselaer location, due to its staff allocation and dedication to efficient service for the Jasper County community, primarily operates by appointment. Scheduling ensures that a trained passport acceptance agent is available to assist you without extensive waiting. You can typically book an appointment online through the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or by calling the Post Office directly during their operating hours. Doing so guarantees a smoother, more predictable experience, allowing the staff at 225 S. Van Rensselaer Street to dedicate their full attention to your application details.

For urgent passport needs, the Rensselaer Post Office offers expedited processing services at an additional fee. When you apply at 225 S. Van Rensselaer Street, you can select expedited processing on your DS-11 form and pay the associated fee ($60 per application as of late 2024), plus any express mail costs. This significantly shortens the processing time compared to routine service. While the Rensselaer Post Office itself does not issue emergency passports on the spot, their acceptance agents can guide you on the fastest possible application path. For truly life-or-death emergencies within 72 hours, you would need to contact the National Passport Information Center directly and potentially travel to a regional passport agency, such as the one in Chicago, which is about a 90-minute drive north from Rensselaer.

Tracking your passport application after submitting it at the Rensselaer Post Office is a straightforward process. Once your application is accepted and mailed, you’ll receive a tracking number or confirmation. The primary way to monitor its progress is through the U.S. Department of State’s online Passport Application Status System. You’ll need your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number to access your status. Additionally, if you paid for expedited return shipping via Priority Mail Express at the Rensselaer facility, you can track that specific shipment through the USPS website using the tracking number provided on your receipt. Remember to allow a few business days after your appointment at 225 S. Van Rensselaer Street for your application to enter the system before checking its status.

To ensure a successful passport application at the Rensselaer Post Office, you’ll need to bring several key documents. This includes proof of U.S. citizenship, such as your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged passport. You’ll also need valid government-issued identification, like an Indiana driver’s license or state ID card. A completed, but unsigned, DS-11 passport application form is essential – you will sign this in front of the acceptance agent at 225 S. Van Rensselaer Street. Lastly, you’ll need one 2×2 inch passport photo that meets all U.S. Department of State requirements. The Rensselaer Post Office offers on-site photo services, which can save you an extra trip.

If your child, defined as anyone under age 16, needs a passport, both parents or legal guardians must generally appear in person with the child at the Rensselaer Post Office. You’ll need to present proof of your parental relationship (like the child’s birth certificate), your government-issued identification, and evidence of your parental consent. If one parent cannot be present at the 225 S. Van Rensselaer Street location, they must provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) along with a copy of their ID, front and back. For children aged 16 or 17, only one parent is required to appear, or the minor can apply alone with proof of parental consent, but parental presence is still highly recommended to avoid delays. The acceptance agents at the Rensselaer Post Office are well-versed in these specific requirements and can provide further guidance.

The passport office is located at 225 S. VAN RENSSELAER ST., RENSSELAER, IN 47978. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 2198665322.0 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 “RENSSELAER POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Rensselaer Post Office is quite manageable, particularly compared to more congested urban areas. The most convenient option is the small, dedicated parking lot directly adjacent to the building on its south side, accessible via a small drive off S. Van Rensselaer Street. This lot offers approximately 8-10 complimentary spaces, ideal for quick appointments. Should this small lot be full, ample free street parking is available immediately on S. Van Rensselaer Street itself, often with a generous 2-hour time limit during business hours from Monday to Friday, generally between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Additional street parking can be found on parallel streets like Cullen Street, just one block west, or on W. Harrison Street, a block north, offering more options for longer stays if necessary. For those attending a passport appointment, arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled time is a sound strategy to secure a preferred parking spot. During the winter months, from December to February, be mindful of snow accumulation; while the Post Office lot is typically cleared, street parking can be less predictable, and icy patches are common. Conversely, summer appointments, especially between June and August, might mean direct sun exposure, so consider parking in a shaded spot if available on nearby streets. There are no paid parking garages in downtown Rensselaer, making street and small lot parking the only options.

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.