Southmont Post Office Passport Services

When you prepare passport photos for your application at the Southmont Post Office, it’s crucial they meet specific federal requirements. Your photos must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size, with your head centered and measuring between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. They need to be in color, taken within the last six months, and printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper. The background must be plain white or off-white. The staff at the Southmont Post Office are trained to spot non-compliant photos, and they also offer on-site photo services for $15 if you prefer to ensure accuracy immediately.

If you require your passport more quickly than the standard processing times, the Southmont Post Office can facilitate expedited services. When you apply, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee of $60, payable to the Department of State. This significantly reduces the processing time. For even faster delivery, you can also opt for 1-2 day delivery for the return of your completed passport book, which costs an extra $19.53. It’s important to note that while the Southmont Post Office will process your application promptly, the actual expedited processing time is controlled by the National Passport Center. Always communicate your travel date to the acceptance agent at Window 3 so they can advise on the best course of action.

While the Southmont Post Office does accept walk-in passport applications, scheduling an appointment is strongly recommended to minimize your waiting time and ensure a dedicated acceptance agent is available. Walk-ins are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and during busy periods, especially mid-mornings or right after lunch, you might experience a significant wait. To guarantee a smooth process, particularly if you’re traveling from a distance, like Salisbury or Lexington, it’s best to book your appointment online through the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or by calling the facility directly during business hours. This way, you can be confident of receiving assistance without unexpected delays.

Yes, the Southmont Post Office provides convenient on-site passport photo services. This is a significant advantage for applicants, as it eliminates the need to visit a separate photography studio or retail store. For a fee of $15, a postal clerk will take your passport photo, ensuring it meets all federal guidelines regarding size, lighting, and background. This guarantees that your photo will be accepted by the Department of State, avoiding potential delays in your application processing. It’s often the most hassle-free option, ensuring compliance right at the point of application submission, which is particularly beneficial for first-time applicants.

Once your passport application has been accepted at the Southmont Post Office and sent to the National Passport Information Center, you can track its status online. Approximately 7 to 10 business days after your application is mailed, you can visit the Department of State’s official website at travel.state.gov/passportstatus and enter your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. This system provides updates on whether your application is ‘In Process,’ ‘Approved,’ or ‘Mailed.’ The Post Office itself does not track the application once it leaves their facility, so the online portal is your primary resource for status updates. Additionally, you can sign up for email notifications to receive alerts when your passport status changes.

The passport office is located at 10584 NC HWY 8 S, SOUTHMONT, NC 27351. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00. Call ahead at 3367980230.0 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 “SOUTHMONT POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

For visitors to the Southmont Post Office, parking is quite convenient and straightforward. A dedicated, free 18-space asphalt parking lot is situated directly on the north side of the building. This lot is easily accessible via a short service road that turns off Flat Creek Road, just a few yards west of its intersection with NC Highway 8 South. There are no parking meters or hourly fees to contend with; all spaces are complimentary for postal patrons. Given the facility’s setting and the capacity of the lot, finding an available space is rarely an issue, even during peak operational hours. There is no legal street parking directly on NC Highway 8 South due to the highway’s traffic flow and lack of shoulders. For your passport appointment, arriving 10-15 minutes prior is advisable, allowing ample time to park, gather your documents, and enter the building without rushing. During the warmer months of July and August, the asphalt can become intensely hot, so exercise caution, particularly if traveling with pets. Conversely, during winter, especially after freezing rain or snow, patches of ice can form, necessitating careful footing when exiting your vehicle and approaching the main 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.