Walnut Cove Post Office Passport Services

Yes, the Walnut Cove Post Office does offer expedited service for passport applications. When you complete your DS-11 form for a new passport, you’ll have the option to select expedited processing, which significantly reduces the federal government’s processing time. There is an additional fee for this service, typically $60 per application, payable to the U.S. Department of State. Furthermore, you can also opt for expedited shipping both ways – for your application to the processing center and for your completed passport to be returned to you. This would involve an additional $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery from the State Department, and a separate fee to the USPS for sending your application package via Priority Mail Express, usually around $30. Be sure to clearly mark your application for expedited service and discuss all shipping options with the clerk at Window 1 during your appointment.

For most adult passport renewals, you generally cannot process them directly at the Walnut Cove Post Office. The vast majority of adult renewals (Form DS-82) are handled by mail, sent directly to the National Passport Processing Center. You can pick up a DS-82 form at our facility at 217 N Main Street, or download and print it online. You would then mail your old passport, new photos, the completed DS-82 form, and the applicable fee directly. However, if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, or if it was lost, stolen, or damaged, then you are required to apply in person using Form DS-11, which our Walnut Cove Post Office staff are fully equipped to assist with. If you’re unsure which category your renewal falls into, our clerks can provide guidance during our regular passport service hours.

While the Walnut Cove Post Office strives for convenience, passport services, especially for new applications, are primarily handled by appointment to ensure dedicated time for each applicant. This helps minimize wait times for everyone. Although walk-ins are occasionally accommodated if there’s an immediate opening due to a cancellation or no-show, this is not guaranteed, and you might experience a significant wait, or be asked to schedule an appointment for a later time. To ensure you receive prompt and thorough service, it is highly recommended to schedule your passport acceptance appointment in advance through the USPS online appointment scheduler. This secures your spot at Window 1 at 217 N Main Street and allows you to prepare all necessary documents without feeling rushed.

To complete your passport application successfully at the Walnut Cove Post Office, you’ll need a specific set of documents. Firstly, bring proof of U.S. citizenship, which can be an original birth certificate (not a copy), a previous undamaged U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Secondly, you’ll need valid photo identification, such as a state-issued driver’s license or a military ID. Both the original and a photocopy (front and back) of your ID are required. You also need a completed but unsigned DS-11 application form, which you can print from the State Department website. Lastly, one recent color passport photo (2×2 inches) is essential. Our facility does not offer on-site photo services, so please acquire your photo beforehand from a local provider like Family Pharmacy at 317 N Main Street or CVS Pharmacy at 610 N Main Street.

The processing times for passport applications vary depending on the service level selected. As of November 2024, routine processing for a new passport application submitted at the Walnut Cove Post Office averages 7 to 10 weeks. If you opt for expedited service, the processing time is considerably shorter, typically averaging 3 to 5 weeks. These estimates do not include mail delivery times, which can add a few extra days on either end. It’s always a good practice to check the most current processing times on the U.S. Department of State website before your appointment, as these can fluctuate based on demand. Remember, these times begin once your application package is received at the passport processing center, not from the date you submit it at our 217 N Main Street location.

The passport office is located at 217 N MAIN ST, WALNUT COVE, NC 27052. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00. Call ahead at 3365917380.0 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 “WALNUT COVE POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

For those driving to the Walnut Cove Post Office at 217 N Main Street for their passport appointment, several parking options are available, though planning during peak hours is advisable. The most convenient choice is the free, dedicated parking lot situated directly behind the post office building. Access to this lot is easiest from Brookside Drive, turning off N Main Street. This asphalt lot typically offers 15-20 spaces, including two designated accessible spots, and usually has reasonable availability, especially outside of the busiest mail drop-off times (mid-morning and late afternoon). From this lot, a paved walkway leads directly to the back entrance of the post office, requiring a short walk of less than 50 feet. Alternatively, limited free street parking is available along N Main Street directly in front of the post office. These spots are typically metered for a one-hour limit from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, which is generally sufficient for a passport appointment. However, during the bustling lunch hour or on specific market days, these street-side spaces can fill quickly. During summer months, parking in direct sun can make a quick dash inside appealing, while in winter, especially after freezing rain, the lot on Brookside Drive tends to be better maintained for ice and snow removal. Consider arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled time to secure a comfortable spot, particularly if your appointment falls between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, which are generally the busiest periods for both postal and passport services.

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.