West Branch Post Office Passport Services

Absolutely, ample parking is a key convenience when visiting the West Branch Post Office for your passport needs. You’ll find a dedicated, free municipal parking lot situated immediately south of the facility at 122 S Third Street, offering around 25-30 spaces. This lot provides direct, easy access to the main entrance, ensuring a minimal walk. Additionally, free street parking is typically available along S Third Street for several blocks, as well as on E Houghton Avenue, usually just a block away. During busy times like mid-morning on a Tuesday, checking the street parking options might be helpful, but generally, finding a spot is not an issue, even for those needing a little extra time for their appointment. Always be mindful of seasonal conditions, particularly winter snow, which might affect space availability slightly.

Yes, the West Branch Post Office does accept various forms of payment for the $35 execution fee. You can typically pay this fee using a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), debit card, personal check, money order, or cash. However, it is absolutely critical to remember that the separate passport application fee, which goes directly to the U.S. Department of State (currently $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card), must be paid by check or money order only. They cannot accept cash or credit cards for the State Department portion. To streamline your visit to 122 S Third Street, always come prepared with a checkbook or a money order made out to the ‘U.S. Department of State’ for the application fee.

Understanding the distinction between routine and expedited passport processing is crucial for planning your international travel from West Branch. Routine processing involves the standard turnaround time, which as of November 2024, averages approximately 7.2 weeks from the day your application is received. This option is suitable if your travel plans are well in the future and you’re not facing any immediate deadlines. Expedited processing, on the other hand, significantly speeds up the timeline, reducing it to an average of 2.5 weeks for an additional fee of $60 per application. This fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State, ideally by a separate check. At the West Branch Post Office, the staff will clearly mark your application for expedited service if requested, ensuring it’s handled appropriately. Always consider the added cost versus your departure date to make the best decision for your travel needs.

To ensure a smooth passport application process at the West Branch Post Office, you’ll need to gather several key documents. Crucially, you must bring proof of U.S. citizenship, which is typically your original birth certificate (with a raised seal), a previous undamaged passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Second, you’ll need proof of identity, usually a valid, government-issued photo ID like your Michigan driver’s license. Remember to bring both the original and a clear photocopy of the front and back of your ID. You will also need a completed but unsigned DS-11 application form, and one recent passport photo that meets federal guidelines (no glasses, neutral expression). Finally, have your payment ready: a check or money order for the U.S. Department of State, and cash, check, or card for the $35 execution fee to the Post Office.

Yes, it is highly recommended that both parents attend the passport application appointment for a minor (under 16) at the West Branch Post Office. This ensures a smoother process, as both parents can present their valid photo IDs and demonstrate parental relationship to the child with an original birth certificate. The minor child must also be present. If only one parent can attend, that parent must present the second parent’s consent (Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent), signed and notarized, along with a copy of the non-applying parent’s ID (front and back). Alternatively, if one parent has sole legal custody, documentation proving this must be presented. The experienced staff at 122 S Third Street are well-versed in these requirements and can guide you through any specific family situations, ensuring all necessary protocols are met.

The passport office is located at 122 S THIRD ST, WEST BRANCH, MI 48661. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 9893452691.0 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 “WEST BRANCH POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for your passport appointment at the West Branch Post Office is notably convenient, a significant advantage in any downtown area. Directly adjacent to the facility at 122 S Third Street, a dedicated, free municipal parking lot offers ample space, typically accommodating 25-30 vehicles. This lot is accessible via a well-maintained asphalt driveway just south of the post office building, off S Third Street. For optimal convenience, aim for a space in the first row closest to the entrance, reducing your walking distance to less than 50 feet. Should this primary lot be full during peak midday hours (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM), particularly on Tuesdays or Thursdays, additional free street parking is readily available along S Third Street itself, stretching for several blocks in both directions. These spots typically do not have time limits, allowing for a relaxed visit. Furthermore, numerous public parking spaces can be found within a short block radius on E Houghton Avenue, just west of S Third Street, often with an abundance of availability behind the local businesses. These options are all within a comfortable 0.1 to 0.2-mile walk. During Michigan’s winter months, from late November through March, be mindful of snow accumulation. While city crews are diligent, parking spaces can sometimes be narrower, and walkways may require careful navigation due to ice. Arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment during winter is advisable to allow for these conditions. Conversely, summer parking is generally effortless, but watch for occasional street fair closures on S Third Street, which are usually well-signed in advance.

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.