Lawson Post Office Passport Services

Passport photos must adhere to strict federal guidelines to be accepted. For your application at the Lawson Post Office, you’ll need two identical, color photographs, each exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size. These photos must be recent, taken within the last six months, and reflect your current appearance without filters or excessive retouching. The background should be plain white or off-white, free of shadows or patterns. The Post Office staff at 420 N Pennsylvania Ave will carefully review your photos to ensure they meet these specifications, including proper head size and neutral facial expression. While the Lawson Post Office does not offer on-site photo services, local businesses like the CVS Pharmacy just down the street at 450 N Pennsylvania Ave often provide compliant passport photo printing. Be sure to confirm their current service availability and pricing before your appointment.

Whether you can renew your passport at the Lawson Post Office depends on the specific renewal criteria. If you are renewing an adult passport (issued when you were 16 or older) that is less than 15 years old, undamaged, and you can submit your previous passport with the application, you are typically eligible to renew by mail using form DS-82. In this common scenario, you would simply mail your application directly to the National Passport Processing Center and would not need to visit the Lawson facility. However, if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, is expired beyond 15 years, significantly damaged, or you cannot provide it, you would need to apply in person using form DS-11, which the Lawson Post Office at 420 N Pennsylvania Ave can accept. Always review the official Department of State guidelines to determine if you’re eligible for mail-in renewal or require an in-person application at this Lawson location.

To ensure a smooth passport application process at the Lawson Post Office, it’s crucial to arrive with all necessary documentation meticulously prepared. You will absolutely need proof of U.S. citizenship, which is typically your original birth certificate (with a raised seal), a previous undamaged U.S. passport, or your original Certificate of Naturalization. Photocopies are not sufficient for this primary document; the original is required. Additionally, you’ll need a valid form of government-issued identification, such as your Missouri driver’s license or a state-issued ID card. Don’t forget two identical, recent 2×2 inch passport photos. The DS-11 application form should be filled out electronically and printed, but *do not sign it* until instructed by the acceptance agent at Window 3 here at 420 N Pennsylvania Ave. Having these items organized will significantly expedite your visit.

The total cost for a new passport application at the Lawson Post Office involves two separate payments. First, the application fee for a standard passport book is $130 (as of current guidelines), payable by check or money order directly to the ‘U.S. Department of State.’ If you also require a passport card, which is valid for land and sea travel to certain contiguous territories, it’s an additional $30. Second, there’s a mandatory $35 execution fee, payable separately to the ‘USPS’ for the acceptance services provided at the 420 N Pennsylvania Ave facility. This fee can typically be paid by cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card. For expedited processing, which significantly shortens the waiting period, an additional $60 federal fee applies, plus any overnight delivery charges. Always confirm the most current fees directly with the Post Office when scheduling your appointment.

If you require your passport urgently, the Lawson Post Office can facilitate expedited services, though certain limitations apply given its function as an acceptance facility rather than a dedicated passport agency. For an additional $60 federal fee, you can request expedited processing when you submit your application at 420 N Pennsylvania Ave. This significantly reduces the processing time, as of November 2024, to approximately 2.5 weeks. You can also opt for overnight delivery services for both sending your application to the processing center and receiving your completed passport, incurring additional postal charges. For extremely urgent travel, typically within 2-3 weeks, you might need to make an appointment at a regional passport agency in a larger city like Kansas City, MO, which offers same-day or next-day service, as the Lawson Post Office cannot provide that level of immediate turnaround. Always factor in shipping times when calculating urgent needs.

The passport office is located at 420 N PENNSYLVANIA AVE, LAWSON, MO 64062. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-12:00, 13:30-16:30. Call ahead at 8165807042.0 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 “LAWSON POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Lawson Post Office at 420 N Pennsylvania Ave is notably convenient, a significant advantage in a smaller community. Directly in front of the building, on N Pennsylvania Avenue itself, there are four dedicated 30-minute parking spaces, which are ideal for quick visits or those with precisely timed passport appointments. These spaces are strictly enforced between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. While these are often sufficient, especially during off-peak hours, a more reliable option exists. The most recommended parking solution for passport applicants is the free, dedicated customer parking lot situated immediately behind the Post Office building. This paved lot, accessible via an alleyway off E 4th Street (one block north of the Post Office), offers approximately 15 well-marked spaces, including one designated accessible parking spot. From this rear lot, a clearly marked pedestrian pathway leads directly to the Post Office’s rear entrance, which connects to the main lobby, making it a convenient walk of less than 0.1 miles. Alternatively, ample free street parking is available along E 3rd Street, just two blocks south of the facility. While requiring a slightly longer walk, typically 3-4 minutes (about 0.2 miles), these spaces are generally plentiful and unrestricted. During peak summer months, when temperatures can soar to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, utilizing the rear parking lot minimizes sun exposure. Conversely, in winter, when ice and snow can be a factor, the well-maintained rear lot is often cleared faster than street parking, providing a safer and more direct route to 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.