Preston Post Office Passport Services

Passport photos must adhere to strict U.S. Department of State guidelines to be accepted at the Preston Post Office. The required dimensions are 2×2 inches, printed on matte or glossy photo paper, and must be in color. Crucially, your head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. Ensure the photo is taken against a plain white or off-white background, with no shadows. The Preston Post Office does offer on-site passport photo services for a fee of $15, which guarantees compliance with these specific requirements and saves you a trip elsewhere. This is often the most convenient option for applicants from Preston and surrounding Caroline County areas, ensuring your application isn’t delayed due to an incorrect photo.

When applying for a passport at the Preston Post Office, you will need to manage two distinct payments. The first payment, for the passport application fee itself, must be made directly to the ‘U.S. Department of State’ via check or money order only; credit cards or cash are not accepted for this portion. The second payment covers the passport execution fee, which is payable to the ‘Postmaster.’ For this $35 execution fee, the Preston Post Office accepts a wider range of payment methods, including money orders, debit cards, personal checks, or cash. It’s vital to have both payments prepared in the correct format before your appointment to avoid delays. For instance, you might use a personal check for the State Department fee and a debit card for the Post Office execution fee, making the process smooth and efficient for the local staff and for you.

While the Preston Post Office strives to accommodate all passport applicants, scheduling an appointment is strongly recommended to ensure you receive prompt service and to avoid potential delays. Walk-ins are generally subject to the availability of a passport acceptance agent and can only be processed if there’s an open slot between scheduled appointments. Given the typically lower staffing levels in a smaller branch like Preston’s, relying on a walk-in can lead to significant wait times or even a request to return another day. To guarantee your spot and make the most efficient use of your time, it is always best to call the Preston Post Office directly during business hours to schedule a specific appointment for your passport application. This ensures an agent is ready to assist you without unexpected waits.

If you require your passport urgently, the Preston Post Office can facilitate expedited processing for an additional fee. By selecting expedited service on your DS-11 application form and paying the extra $60 fee to the ‘U.S. Department of State’ (via check or money order), your application will be processed faster than routine service. Furthermore, you can opt for 1-2 day delivery for the return of your completed passport book for an additional $19.53. While the Preston facility handles the acceptance and mailing, the actual expedited processing occurs at a national passport agency. For extreme emergencies, such as imminent international travel within 2-3 weeks, you might need to contact the National Passport Information Center directly to inquire about a truly urgent appointment at a regional passport agency, such as the one in Philadelphia or Washington D.C., as this facility cannot provide same-day or very short-notice issuance.

Yes, the Preston Post Office provides convenient on-site passport photo services. This is a significant advantage for applicants in Preston and the surrounding Caroline County region, eliminating the need to visit a separate photography studio or drugstore. For a fee of $15, a trained postal employee will take your photo, ensuring it meets all the strict federal requirements for size, background, and facial expression. Having your photo taken at the facility where you submit your application guarantees that the photo is compliant, minimizing any potential for your application to be rejected due to photo issues. It’s a simple, quick process that can be completed right before your passport appointment, streamlining your entire application experience at 301 Main Street.

The passport office is located at 301 MAIN STREET, PRESTON, MD 21655. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 4106732166.0 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 “PRESTON POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Preston Post Office is generally straightforward and convenient, reflecting the less congested nature of a small town. The most accessible option is the designated customer parking lot located directly behind the Post Office building, accessible via a narrow paved drive that cuts in from Maple Avenue, just a quarter-block north of the Main Street intersection. This free lot offers approximately 15-18 marked spaces, including one accessible space, and is rarely completely full, even during peak postal hours. For overflow or if you prefer street parking, numerous free spaces are available along Main Street itself, directly in front of the Post Office and extending for a block in either direction, between the intersections of Church Street and Aldermanbury Street. These street spaces are typically unrestricted, without meters or time limits, making them ideal for the duration of a passport appointment. Additionally, limited free street parking can be found on Maple Avenue, within half a block of the facility, providing another 8-10 potential spots. During the hotter summer months, direct sun exposure in the Main Street spaces can make a vehicle quite warm, so consider the shaded lot behind the building if possible. In winter, light snowfall might mean the side streets like Maple Avenue are cleared slightly slower than Main Street, but the Post Office lot itself is usually maintained diligently. For a passport appointment, arriving 10-15 minutes early should ensure ample time to secure a convenient parking spot, often within a 0.1-mile walk of the entrance.

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.