Matthews Post Office Passport Services

The Matthews Post Office generally operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM for retail services, which includes passport acceptance. On Saturdays, the hours are typically shorter, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It is always wise to confirm these hours by calling the facility directly at 704-847-9759 or checking the official USPS locator online, especially around federal holidays. Passport appointments are usually scheduled within these retail service windows, with the busiest times often being weekday lunch hours (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM) and late afternoons, particularly on Fridays. Planning your visit for mid-morning or early afternoon on a Tuesday or Wednesday might result in a more relaxed experience.

While technically the Matthews Post Office may, on rare occasions, accommodate walk-in passport applicants if there are no scheduled appointments or if an unexpected cancellation occurs, it is strongly discouraged and not the official policy. The passport acceptance agents prioritize pre-booked appointments to ensure efficient service and minimize wait times for everyone. Attempting a walk-in typically results in a long wait, or being turned away and asked to schedule an appointment online or by phone. To guarantee that you are seen and your application processed, always schedule your passport appointment in advance, ideally several days or even weeks ahead, especially during peak travel seasons.

The primary distinction between routine and expedited passport processing lies in the speed at which your application is handled by the State Department. Routine processing, as of November 2024, generally takes about 7-9 weeks, and this includes mailing times. This option is suitable if you have no immediate travel plans and are not in a rush to receive your passport. Expedited processing, however, significantly cuts down this timeframe to approximately 2-3 weeks, again including mailing. This service comes with an additional fee of $60 per application. For those with upcoming international travel plans within the next few months, expediting your application is often a prudent choice. The Matthews Post Office will collect this expedited fee along with the standard application fee at the time of your appointment.

Obtaining a passport for a minor (under 16) involves stricter requirements to prevent international child abduction. Both parents (or legal guardians) must appear in person with the child at the Matthews Post Office. You’ll need to present proof of your parental relationship (like the child’s birth certificate), your own valid government-issued photo IDs, and the child’s proof of U.S. citizenship. If one parent cannot attend, they must provide a notarized consent form (DS-3053) along with a copy of their ID. The acceptance agent at the Matthews facility is highly trained to guide you through this specific process, ensuring all necessary consents and documents are properly verified before submission.

Whether you can renew your passport at the Matthews Post Office depends on your eligibility for renewal by mail. Most adult passports can be renewed by mail using Form DS-82 if they were issued when you were 16 or older, are less than 15 years old, and are in good condition. In these cases, you would simply mail your application directly to the National Passport Processing Center and would not need an appointment at the post office. However, if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, is expired beyond 15 years, or is significantly damaged, you must apply in person using Form DS-11, treating it as a new application. For these specific scenarios, you would indeed schedule an appointment and submit your application at the Matthews Post Office, just as if you were applying for the first time.

The passport office is located at 301 E JOHN ST, MATTHEWS, NC 28105. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00. Call ahead at 7048476063.0 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 “MATTHEWS POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Securing parking for your passport appointment at the Matthews Post Office on E John Street is generally manageable, especially with a bit of planning. The most convenient option is the dedicated customer parking lot situated directly behind the post office building. This small, free lot typically offers around 20 spaces, accessible via an alleyway that runs between E John Street and McDowell Street. During peak hours, particularly Tuesday through Thursday mornings between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, these spaces can fill up quickly. Therefore, arriving 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment is highly advisable. Alternatively, metered street parking is available along E John Street and adjacent N Trade Street. These spaces usually cost $1.25 per hour, payable via coin or the ParkMobile app, with a two-hour limit from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. While these spots offer direct access to the front entrance, they are fewer in number. For longer visits or if the immediate lots are full, a larger municipal parking lot is located approximately 0.1 miles (or a 2-minute walk) north, just off North Trade Street behind the Matthews Town Hall. This lot provides an additional 40 free spaces with a three-hour limit. During the summer months, be mindful of the intense North Carolina heat; consider parking closer and minimizing your walk. Conversely, winter mornings can bring icy patches, so extra caution is warranted when navigating the lots and sidewalks around the facility. Planning your parking strategy can significantly reduce stress on the day of your appointment.

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.