Santa Claus Post Office Passport Services

Yes, the Santa Claus Post Office at 45 N. Kringle Place offers convenient on-site passport photo services. This means you can complete your entire application process, from submitting documents to having your photo taken, all in one visit. The photo service is available during regular passport acceptance hours and typically costs $15 for two compliant 2×2 inch photos. The postal clerks are trained to ensure your photo meets all U.S. Department of State requirements, including correct sizing, background, and head positioning, which helps prevent delays in your application processing. It’s an excellent time-saving feature, especially for those who appreciate the efficiency of a single stop in this small, busy holiday town.

While the Santa Claus Post Office does accommodate walk-in passport applications when staffing and workload permit, securing an appointment is highly recommended to guarantee service. Due to its popularity, especially during the peak travel planning months of spring and summer, and the unique holiday mail volume in November and December, slots can fill quickly. Walk-ins are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and there might be a significant wait, or you could be asked to return another day if the acceptance agents are fully booked with scheduled appointments. To ensure a smooth and efficient visit, particularly if you are traveling from outside Santa Claus, always book an appointment online through the official USPS appointment scheduler. This ensures a dedicated time slot at Window 3, minimizing your wait and maximizing your efficiency.

The Santa Claus Post Office primarily functions as an acceptance facility for *new* passport applications (Form DS-11). For most passport renewals (Form DS-82), you are typically instructed to renew by mail directly to the National Passport Processing Center. This applies if your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and you can submit it with your application. However, if your passport was issued when you were under 16, or if it is significantly damaged, stolen, or lost, you would need to apply for a *new* passport using Form DS-11 and visit the Santa Claus Post Office in person. It’s always best to verify the specific renewal criteria on the Department of State website or call the post office directly to confirm your eligibility for mail-in renewal versus in-person application.

When applying for a passport at the Santa Claus Post Office, you will encounter two separate fees: the passport application fee, payable to the U.S. Department of State, and the execution (acceptance) fee, payable to the USPS. For the application fee, the Department of State accepts personal checks, certified checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, or a credit card using Form DS-11. For the execution fee, payable directly to the Santa Claus Post Office for their service, they accept money orders, personal checks, cashier’s checks, certified checks, and debit or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). Cash is generally not accepted for the application fee to the State Department but can be used for the USPS execution fee. It’s always prudent to bring multiple payment methods to your appointment at 45 N. Kringle Place to ensure a smooth transaction.

Yes, an appointment is strongly recommended for passport services at the Santa Claus Post Office to guarantee that a trained acceptance agent is available to assist you. While they occasionally accommodate walk-ins, especially during quieter periods, scheduled appointments receive priority. Without an appointment, you risk considerable wait times or the possibility of being turned away if the facility is at capacity or short-staffed, particularly during busy seasons like late spring and early summer when travel planning is at its peak, or during the intensive holiday mail processing period. To schedule your passport service time, visit the USPS website’s passport appointment scheduler. This simple step ensures a streamlined experience for your visit to 45 N. Kringle Place, allowing you to plan your day in this unique town more effectively.

The passport office is located at 45 N. KRINGLE PLACE, SANTA CLAUS, IN 47579. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-12:30, 13:30-16:00. Call ahead at 8129374469.0 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 “SANTA CLAUS POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Santa Claus Post Office is straightforward and generally unproblematic, even during peak seasons. The facility provides a dedicated, free 15-space surface parking lot immediately adjacent to the building on its east side, directly accessible from N. Kringle Place. These spaces are clearly marked and offer ample room for most vehicles. Additionally, a designated accessible parking space is available closest to the north entrance, providing convenient access for those with mobility challenges. On days when the main lot reaches capacity, usually only around the intense holiday mailing rush in December, alternative free street parking can be found along N. Kringle Place itself, typically within 100 feet to the north or south of the post office driveway. Further free parking is often available on the side streets intersecting N. Kringle Place, such as on Elf Road, just a half-block west, which offers additional pull-off spots. For passport appointments, arriving 10-15 minutes early usually guarantees a spot in the primary lot. During the summer months, when Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari draws significant crowds to the area, traffic on N. Kringle Place can be heavier, so allowing a few extra minutes for travel is prudent. Winter visits can mean contending with icy patches in the parking lot or on the sidewalks, particularly after a snowfall, so exercise caution. The parking lot is regularly cleared, but light accumulations can persist. Overall, securing parking for a passport appointment here is rarely a source of stress, contributing to a smoother overall 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.