Kingston Post Office Passport Services

The Kingston Post Office at 90 Cornell Street is primarily an acceptance facility for new passport applications (Form DS-11) and provides passport photo services. For eligible adults renewing their passport (using Form DS-82), the renewal process is typically handled by mail directly to the National Passport Processing Center. This means you generally will not submit your renewal application in person at the Kingston facility. However, the clerks can certainly answer general questions about the renewal process and provide you with the correct forms and mailing instructions. If your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or if you were under 16 when it was issued, or if your name has changed and you cannot provide legal documentation of the change, you will actually need to apply as a first-time applicant using Form DS-11, which *can* be done in person at this Kingston location. It’s always best to check the specific requirements on the travel.state.gov website or call ahead to the Kingston Post Office to confirm your eligibility for mail-in renewal versus in-person application.

When visiting the Kingston Post Office for your passport application, a specific set of documents is required to ensure a smooth process. You will need proof of U.S. citizenship, such as your original birth certificate (with a raised seal), a previous undamaged U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Photocopies are not accepted for proof of citizenship. Additionally, you must bring a valid government-issued identification, like a New York State driver’s license or a state ID card. Remember to bring both the original ID and a front-and-back photocopy of it. You’ll also need one recent color passport photograph; if you haven’t taken one yet, the Kingston Post Office offers photo services on-site for $15.00. Finally, be prepared for payment: the application fee must be a check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of State,” and the $35 execution fee can be paid by check, money order, or credit card directly to the post office.

The processing times for passport applications can vary, so it’s wise to plan well in advance of your travel dates. As of November 2024, routine processing for a passport application submitted at the Kingston Post Office averages about 7 to 10 weeks from the date the application is received by the Passport Agency, not from your appointment date. If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for expedited processing, which currently takes approximately 3 to 5 weeks. This service incurs an additional federal fee of $60 per application. It’s important to remember that these estimates do not include mail delivery times, which can add a few extra days on either end. If you have immediate travel needs, generally within 2-3 weeks, you would need to contact a regional passport agency directly, as the Kingston Post Office cannot facilitate urgent same-day or next-day issuances.

While the Kingston Post Office does its best to accommodate all customers, passport acceptance services for Form DS-11 applications are primarily handled by appointment only. Walk-ins are generally discouraged and may not be accepted, especially during busy periods like weekday lunch hours or late afternoons. Scheduling an appointment ensures that a trained passport acceptance agent is available to review your documents thoroughly without a prolonged wait. Appointments can be easily scheduled online through the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Attempting a walk-in may result in being turned away or asked to schedule for a later date, which could significantly delay your passport application process. To avoid any frustration and ensure a smooth experience at the Cornell Street location, always secure an appointment beforehand.

Once your passport application has been submitted and mailed from the Kingston Post Office, you can track its status online. Approximately 7 to 10 business days after your application is submitted, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s online Passport Application Status System at travel.state.gov. You will need your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to access your application’s status. This system will inform you whether your application is ‘In Process,’ ‘Approved,’ or ‘Mailed.’ It’s crucial to allow the initial 7-10 business days for the application to be received and entered into the system before attempting to track it. If you opted for expedited shipping when your passport is mailed back to you, you will receive a tracking number from USPS directly. The clerks at the Kingston Post Office do not have access to your application’s status once it leaves their facility.

The passport office is located at 90 CORNELL STREET, KINGSTON, NY 12401. Get directions

Hours are 10:00-15:00. Call ahead at 8453312286.0 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 “KINGSTON POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Kingston Post Office at 90 Cornell Street is generally straightforward, though strategic planning can enhance your visit, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather. The most convenient option is the dedicated, free asphalt parking lot immediately adjacent to the building on its west side. This lot offers approximately 35 spaces, including several clearly marked accessible spots closest to the main entrance. While typically sufficient, it can fill up quickly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on weekdays. Should the lot be full, metered street parking is available along Cornell Street itself, directly in front of the post office. These meters typically charge $1.00 per hour, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a two-hour maximum. Payment can often be made via the Passport Parking app or by coin. For longer visits or when both the lot and Cornell Street meters are occupied, additional metered parking can be found a block south on Broadway, or two blocks east on Fair Street, where rates are similar. These options would require a brief 3-5 minute walk back to the post office. During Kingston’s harsh winters, particularly after heavy snowfalls, the post office’s lot is usually plowed promptly, but street parking might be limited by snowbanks. In summer, the exposed lot can get quite hot, so consider arriving a few minutes early to find a shaded spot on Cornell Street if available.

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.