Grand Haven Post Office Passport Services

Absolutely, when applying for a passport for a minor (under 16) at the Grand Haven Post Office, both parents or legal guardians are required to appear together with the child. This ensures proper identification and consent for the minor’s travel document. Both parents must present valid, government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, and also provide proof of parental relationship, like the child’s original birth certificate. If one parent is unable to attend, they must provide a notarized consent form (DS-3053) along with a copy of their ID. The knowledgeable agents at the Washington Avenue facility are well-versed in these requirements and can guide you through the process efficiently.

Passport photos submitted at the Grand Haven Post Office must adhere to strict U.S. Department of State guidelines to ensure acceptance. Your photos need to be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size, printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper, and taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. The image itself should show a full-face, front view, with a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, and both eyes open. Head coverings are generally not permitted unless for religious reasons, and glasses are strictly prohibited in new passport photos. The Post Office on Washington Avenue does offer on-site photo services for a fee of $15, which guarantees compliance with all these specific regulations, often saving applicants an extra trip.

Yes, securing an appointment is highly recommended, and often required, for passport services at the Grand Haven Post Office. While some facilities might accept walk-ins during very slow periods, the Washington Avenue location generally operates by appointment to manage demand and minimize wait times for all patrons. You can easily schedule your visit through the USPS online appointment scheduler or by calling the facility directly during business hours. Arriving without a pre-booked slot, particularly on a busy weekday morning or during the summer, risks a lengthy wait or being turned away entirely. Scheduling in advance ensures a smooth, efficient experience with the passport acceptance agent.

The primary distinction between routine and expedited processing for your passport application at the Grand Haven Post Office lies in the speed of delivery and the associated cost. Routine processing, as of November 2024, currently averages 7-10 weeks for delivery after your application has been accepted. This option is suitable if you have no immediate travel plans. Expedited processing, however, significantly shortens this timeframe to 3-5 weeks, including mailing times, but incurs an additional federal fee of $60 per application. For those with urgent travel needs, you can choose expedited service and also pay for 1-2 day delivery for an extra $19.53, further reducing the overall wait once the passport is printed. Discussing your travel dates with the agent at the Washington Avenue branch can help determine the best option for your specific situation.

If your child needs a passport, the process at the Grand Haven Post Office involves specific requirements for minors under age 16. Both parents, or legal guardians, must typically appear in person with the child. You’ll need to present proof of U.S. citizenship for the child (original birth certificate or previous passport), proof of parental relationship (child’s birth certificate or adoption decree), and valid government-issued identification for both parents. If one parent is unavailable, a notarized DS-3053 form (Statement of Consent) is required from the absent parent, along with a copy of their ID. The passport agents at the 324 Washington Avenue facility are very experienced in handling minor applications and can provide detailed guidance to ensure all necessary forms and documents are correctly submitted, preventing delays.

The passport office is located at 324 WASHINGTON AVENUE, GRAND HAVEN, MI 49417. Get directions

Hours are 10:30-15:30. Call ahead at 6168420510.0 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 “GRAND HAVEN POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Grand Haven Post Office at 324 Washington Avenue requires a bit of local knowledge, especially during peak seasons. Directly in front of the post office on Washington Avenue, you’ll find limited metered street parking. These spots typically cost $1.50 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with a two-hour maximum. These are often in high demand, particularly during lunchtime and early afternoon. For a more reliable option, consider the City Parking Deck located just two blocks south at the intersection of 2nd Street and Columbus Avenue. This deck offers ample spaces and is a convenient, covered option, especially during Grand Haven’s often snowy winters or hot summer afternoons. Rates here are $1.00 for the first hour and $0.75 for each subsequent hour, with a daily maximum of $8.00. From the parking deck, it’s a straightforward 5-minute walk north on 2nd Street, then a left onto Washington Avenue to reach the post office. Additionally, some free, unrestricted street parking can be found on side streets further east, such as Beechtree Street or Lafayette Street, typically three to four blocks away. While these require a slightly longer walk (7-10 minutes, approximately 0.3 to 0.4 miles), they can be a cost-effective solution for longer appointments or when street parking is scarce. During summer festivals or busy tourist weekends, planning an extra 10-15 minutes for parking is highly advisable.

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.