Cranford Post Office Passport Services

For the federal passport application fees, which are sent directly to the U.S. Department of State, the Cranford Post Office strictly adheres to federal guidelines, meaning only personal checks, certified checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders are accepted. These payments should be made payable to the “U.S. Department of State.” It is absolutely essential to have this payment method prepared in advance, as credit cards or cash cannot be used for the federal portion. However, for the separate $35 passport execution fee, which is retained by the Cranford Post Office for its service, you have more flexibility. For this local fee, you can use a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), a debit card, a personal check, a money order, or cash. Ensure you arrive at the 3 Miln Street location with both payment methods ready to streamline your appointment.

As of November 2024, the processing times for passport applications submitted at the Cranford Post Office are consistent with national averages, though they can fluctuate based on demand. For routine service, applicants should anticipate a wait of approximately 7 to 9 weeks from the date the application is sent from 3 Miln Street to the passport processing center. If you require your passport sooner, expedited service is available for an additional fee, reducing the processing time significantly to around 2 to 3 weeks. It’s crucial to factor in mailing time, both to the processing center and back to your Cranford address. Always consult the official U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date processing estimates, as these can change without prior notice, especially during peak travel seasons.

Yes, the Cranford Post Office is equipped to take official passport photos directly on-site, providing a convenient one-stop solution for your application needs. You can get your photo taken immediately before your passport appointment at the 3 Miln Street location, eliminating the need for a separate trip to a photo studio or pharmacy. The cost for two government-compliant passport photos is $15. This service ensures your photos meet all the strict U.S. Department of State requirements regarding size, background, and facial expression. While walk-ins for photos only might be accommodated if staff are available, it’s generally best to combine this with your scheduled passport application appointment to guarantee a seamless experience. Just inform the passport acceptance agent that you require photos when you check in for your appointment.

Once your passport application is successfully submitted and mailed from the Cranford Post Office at 3 Miln Street, tracking its progress is primarily done through the U.S. Department of State. You will receive a mailing receipt from the post office, but the official tracking begins when your application arrives at a passport agency or center. To check the status, visit the official Passport Application Status System on the Department of State’s website. You’ll need to provide your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Please allow 7 to 10 business days after your Cranford Post Office appointment for your application status to become viewable online, as it takes time for mail to be processed and entered into the federal system. The Cranford Post Office staff can confirm your submission but cannot provide status updates once the application leaves their facility.

Yes, for a portion of your passport application fees, the Cranford Post Office does accept credit cards. Specifically, the $35 passport execution fee, which is paid directly to the post office for their service in accepting and sealing your application, can be paid using major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. This provides a flexible payment option for the local service charge. However, it is crucial to remember that the separate, larger fee for the passport book or card itself, which is sent to the U.S. Department of State, must be paid by check or money order. They do not accept credit cards for this federal component. Therefore, when you visit the 3 Miln Street location, be sure to have both a valid credit card for the execution fee and a check or money order prepared for the State Department fee.

The passport office is located at 3 MILN STREET, CRANFORD, NJ 7016. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 9082763506.0 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 “CRANFORD 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 Cranford Post Office, located at 3 Miln Street, requires a bit of local knowledge. Directly in front of the post office on Miln Street, there are approximately 10-12 metered street parking spaces available. These spaces operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, costing $1.25 per hour, payable via kiosk or the ParkMobile app using Zone 1101. These specific spots can fill quickly, especially during peak postal hours or lunch breaks. For more guaranteed availability, a municipal parking lot, Lot 3, is conveniently located just one block south on North Union Avenue, near the TD Bank. This lot offers roughly 40 spaces at $1.00 per hour, with a 3-hour maximum, making it an excellent option for a typical passport appointment. If you anticipate a longer stay or prefer covered parking, the Lot 7 parking garage at 200 South Avenue East, about a 0.4-mile walk (7-8 minutes), charges $0.75 for the first hour and $0.50 for subsequent hours, usually having ample room. During the colder winter months, particularly after a snowfall, street parking on Miln Street can be significantly reduced due to snowdrifts and plowing operations, making the municipal lots on North Union Avenue or the South Avenue garage the most reliable parking strategy. Conversely, in summer, street parking might be impacted by downtown Cranford street fairs or festivals, so always check local advisories.

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.