Chelsea Post Office Passport Services

The Chelsea Post Office, located at 1101 South Main Street, maintains specific hours for both general postal services and dedicated passport appointments. For general postal services, including mailing and package drop-off, the facility operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. However, passport acceptance services require a pre-scheduled appointment and are typically available during a more condensed window, often from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM on weekdays. It is imperative to verify current passport appointment availability and hours directly when scheduling, as these can occasionally fluctuate based on staff availability and demand. The facility is closed on all federal holidays, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

Yes, for a minor applicant (under age 16) at the Chelsea Post Office, it is generally required that both parents or legal guardians appear in person with the child. This ensures proper consent and identity verification. Each parent must present valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, and also provide proof of parental relationship to the child (e.g., birth certificate, adoption decree). If only one parent can appear, they must provide the second parent’s written consent, typically using a completed and notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, along with a photocopy of the non-appearing parent’s ID. In cases of sole legal custody, the appearing parent must present official documentation proving their exclusive custody rights. The clerks at the Chelsea Post Office are highly experienced in guiding families through these requirements to ensure a smooth application process for your child’s passport.

For your passport application at the Chelsea Post Office, your photos must adhere to strict U.S. Department of State specifications. Each applicant needs two identical, recent color photographs, measuring exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). They must be taken within the last six months, clearly showing a full-face, front view, with a plain white or off-white background. Crucially, there should be no glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious or medical reasons, with a signed statement), and your expression should be neutral or a natural, slight smile. Many local pharmacies, like the CVS just down the street at 1121 S Main St, offer passport photo services that meet these specific requirements. While the Chelsea Post Office sometimes offers photo services, it’s always best to confirm availability when booking your appointment or have your photos ready beforehand to avoid any delays.

Yes, expedited service is available for passport applications submitted at the Chelsea Post Office, allowing for a significantly faster processing time. When you apply, you simply inform the passport acceptance agent that you require expedited processing. An additional fee of $60 per application is applied by the Department of State for this service, beyond the standard application fees. You can also opt for expedited shipping of your completed passport from the processing agency back to you, which incurs another fee, typically around $19.53. The postal clerks at Chelsea will meticulously review your application to ensure all forms are correctly filled out and all required documents are present, minimizing any potential for delays. They can also advise on current processing times for both routine and expedited applications, ensuring you make the most informed decision for your travel needs.

After submitting your passport application at the Chelsea Post Office, you can easily track its status online. The most reliable method is to visit the U.S. Department of State’s official website and use their Online Passport Status System. You’ll need to provide your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to access your application’s real-time status. It typically takes 7 to 10 business days for your application to show up in the system after it’s been mailed from the Chelsea Post Office and received by a passport processing agency. If you require further assistance or encounter issues with the online tracker, you can call the National Passport Information Center directly. Always keep the receipt provided by the Chelsea Post Office, as it contains important details for tracking and inquiries.

The passport office is located at 1101 SOUTH MAIN STREET, CHELSEA, MI 48118. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 7344758483.0 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 “CHELSEA POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Convenient parking options are readily available for your passport appointment at the Chelsea Post Office. The most straightforward choice is the dedicated, free 18-space parking lot located directly adjacent to the building on its south side, accessible via a driveway just off South Main Street. This lot typically has ample availability, especially outside of peak postal hours, providing parking immediately proximate to the entrance. For those times when the on-site lot is full, which can occur during late morning mail rushes or specific community events, several other options exist within a short walking distance. Directly across South Main Street, there’s additional free street parking, though spaces are limited to two hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. A larger public parking lot, Municipal Lot #1, is situated just two blocks north and one block east, behind the businesses on Main Street, accessible from West Middle Street. This lot offers free, unrestricted parking and is a comfortable 0.3-mile walk from the Post Office, taking approximately five minutes. Navigating to the Post Office from this lot involves walking south on Main Street. During the winter months, especially from December to March, be mindful of potential snow accumulation in all lots and on sidewalks; allow a few extra minutes for slower walking speeds and icy patches. Summer months, particularly during the Chelsea Sounds & Sights Festival in July, might see increased downtown traffic and reduced parking availability, so planning to arrive 15-20 minutes early is a wise strategy for any season.

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.