Wilkesboro Post Office Passport Services

Passport renewals, specifically for adults with undamaged, unexpired passports issued within the last 15 years, are generally handled by mail. This means you would typically fill out Form DS-82 and submit it directly to the National Passport Processing Center yourself, rather than visiting the Wilkesboro Post Office for this specific transaction. However, if your passport was issued more than 15 years ago, was damaged, or you received it before your 16th birthday, you would need to apply in person using Form DS-11. In such cases, the Wilkesboro Post Office is fully equipped to assist you. The acceptance agents at 207 W Main Street can review your DS-11 application, verify your identity, and officially seal your documents for submission, just as they would for a first-time applicant. It’s always best to check the official State Department guidelines to determine if your situation qualifies for a mail-in renewal or requires an in-person visit.

For urgent passport needs, the Wilkesboro Post Office offers expedited processing options, although the application still needs to be mailed. When you visit for your appointment at 207 W Main Street, inform the acceptance agent that you require expedited service. This entails paying an additional $60 fee per application to the Department of State, on top of the standard application and acceptance fees. You also have the option to pay for overnight delivery services, both for sending your application to the processing center and for receiving your completed passport back. While the Wilkesboro Post Office cannot guarantee specific expedited timelines beyond what the State Department offers, choosing these options significantly reduces the waiting period. Routine processing currently averages 7-9 weeks, but with expedited services, you could potentially receive your passport in 2-3 weeks, sometimes even sooner, depending on demand. They’ll ensure all necessary forms and payments for expedited service are correctly handled during your visit.

Regrettably, the Wilkesboro Post Office at 207 W Main Street does not offer on-site passport photo services. This is a common practice for many smaller post office facilities. You’ll need to obtain your compliant 2×2 inch passport photos before your scheduled appointment. Fortunately, there are several convenient options nearby in Wilkesboro for this. The CVS Pharmacy, located just 0.2 miles away at 111 W Main Street, is a popular choice and typically provides compliant photos quickly. Another option is the Walgreens in North Wilkesboro at 1900 US-421 BUS, which is a short drive across the river. We strongly recommend having your photos taken a day or two before your appointment to avoid any last-minute stress or delays, ensuring they meet all federal guidelines for size, lighting, and background. Bringing a couple of sets is a good idea in case one doesn’t quite meet the strict requirements.

Passport photos must adhere to very specific dimensions and quality standards set by the U.S. Department of State to ensure your application is accepted. The photos you bring to your appointment at the Wilkesboro Post Office must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size. Crucially, your head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm – 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head within the photo. They need to be in color, taken within the last six months, and against a plain white or off-white background. No shadows, no filters, no glasses (unless medically necessary with a doctor’s note), and a neutral facial expression or natural smile with both eyes open. It’s vital that the photos are printed on high-quality matte or glossy photo paper. Any deviation from these specifications, even slight ones, can lead to your application being delayed or rejected, so we always advise using a professional photo service like CVS or Walgreens.

Yes, parking is readily available for visitors to the Wilkesboro Post Office, making your passport appointment quite manageable. There are approximately 15 free customer parking spaces located directly on W Main Street in front of the building, which typically have a 2-hour time limit. While these spaces are convenient, they can fill up quickly, especially during peak postal service hours around midday. For a guaranteed spot, we recommend utilizing the larger, free municipal parking lot situated one block north on South Street, behind the Wilkes County Courthouse. This lot provides ample, unrestricted parking and is just a short 2-minute walk to our facility on W Main Street. Regardless of where you park, we suggest arriving about 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow for comfortable transit from your vehicle to our passport acceptance window, ensuring a stress-free experience.

The passport office is located at 207 W MAIN ST, WILKESBORO, NC 28697. Get directions

Hours are 10:00-15:00. Call ahead at 3366676241.0 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 “WILKESBORO POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking directly at the Wilkesboro Post Office on W Main Street is generally convenient, especially for scheduled passport appointments. There are approximately 15 free, designated customer parking spaces directly in front of the building along W Main Street, typically with a 2-hour limit which is ample for your passport visit. These spots are highly sought after, particularly between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays. A more reliable option for parking is the municipal lot located one block north on South Street, behind the Wilkes County Courthouse. This larger, free 47-space lot usually has more availability and offers unrestricted parking. From this lot, it’s a quick and pleasant 0.1-mile walk (about 2 minutes) down Broad Street to W Main Street, then a short stroll east to the post office entrance. For those who prefer not to use the municipal lot, additional street parking can often be found on side streets like Broad Street or South Street, typically within a block or two of the facility. These spots are also free and generally do not have stringent time limits, offering good alternatives if the primary W Main Street spaces are occupied. During the summer months, arriving a few minutes early for a passport appointment is advisable to secure a shaded spot, as the exposed asphalt can get quite hot. Conversely, in winter, be mindful of potential icy patches in the municipal lot after overnight freezes, especially in shaded corners. Planning to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment time will ensure you have ample opportunity to find suitable parking and navigate to the entrance without rush.

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.