Oswego Post Office Passport Services

When applying for a passport at the Oswego Post Office, understanding the distinction between routine and expedited processing is crucial for planning your travel. Routine processing involves the standard application timeline, which, as of November 2024, averages 7.2 weeks for delivery after your application is accepted. This is the more cost-effective option, ideal for individuals with flexible travel plans several months in the future. Expedited processing, on the other hand, significantly shortens this waiting period. For an additional fee of $60, your application will be fast-tracked, reducing the processing time to an average of 2.5 weeks, as of the same date. This service is essential for those with urgent travel needs, such as a family emergency or a last-minute business trip. You can request expedited service directly when submitting your application at the Oswego Post Office’s acceptance window, and it’s advisable to also opt for expedited return shipping for an extra $19.53 to receive your new passport even faster once it’s processed. Always factor in these timelines when making flight or accommodation reservations.

While the Oswego Post Office at 391 W FIRST ST does handle passport applications, they operate strictly by appointment for these services. Walk-ins for passport applications are generally not accepted. This policy ensures that the clerks can dedicate sufficient time to each applicant, thoroughly review all documents, and prevent long, unpredictable wait times for both passport applicants and regular postal customers. To avoid a wasted trip, it is absolutely essential to schedule your appointment in advance. You can do this conveniently through the USPS online appointment scheduler or by calling the post office directly during business hours. Even if you only need a passport photo, it’s best to confirm if walk-in service is available for that specific task, as some facilities may require an appointment for photos as well, especially during busy periods. Arriving without a pre-booked slot will likely result in being turned away and asked to schedule for a later date.

The cost of a U.S. passport book varies depending on the applicant’s age and desired processing speed when applying at the Oswego Post Office. For adults (16 and over), a new passport book costs $130, plus a separate $35 acceptance fee paid directly to the USPS. For minors (under 16), the passport book fee is $100, also with the $35 acceptance fee. It’s crucial to understand that these two fees are paid separately: the passport application fee (e.g., $130 or $100) must be paid by check or money order directly to the ‘U.S. Department of State,’ while the $35 acceptance fee can be paid by check, money order, or credit/debit card to the ‘Postmaster.’ If you opt for expedited processing, add $60 to the State Department fee. For faster delivery, expedited return shipping is an additional $19.53. Having these payment methods prepared correctly before your appointment at 391 W FIRST ST will streamline the entire application process significantly.

If you find yourself in an urgent situation requiring a passport faster than the typical expedited processing timeframe, there are specific avenues available, though the Oswego Post Office itself has limitations. For genuine life-or-death emergencies or urgent international travel within 2-3 weeks, you would need to contact a Passport Agency or Center directly. The closest Passport Agency to Oswego, NY, is in Buffalo, NY, which is approximately a 3-hour drive. You would need to make an appointment at the Buffalo Passport Agency by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. These agencies handle extremely time-sensitive applications and require proof of urgent travel. While the Oswego Post Office can process standard expedited applications (averaging 2.5 weeks), they cannot facilitate same-day or next-day passport issuance. Therefore, if your travel window is under two weeks, contacting the Buffalo agency is your most effective course of action, even considering the significant travel.

After submitting your passport application at the Oswego Post Office, tracking its progress is straightforward and highly recommended. The most reliable method is through the U.S. Department of State’s online Passport Application Status System. You’ll need the last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number of the primary applicant to access the status. It typically takes 7 to 10 business days for your application to appear in the system after it has been mailed from the Oswego Post Office and received by the State Department. The status updates will tell you if your application is ‘In Process,’ ‘Approved,’ or ‘Mailed.’ Additionally, if you opted for expedited return shipping for $19.53, you will receive a tracking number from the State Department via email once your passport is mailed out. This allows you to monitor its delivery directly through USPS. Keep your application receipt from the Oswego Post Office handy, as it contains important information you might need.

The passport office is located at 391 W FIRST ST., OSWEGO, NY 13126. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-15:00. Call ahead at 3153433881.0 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 “OSWEGO 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 Oswego Post Office at 391 W FIRST ST can be somewhat limited, especially during peak afternoon hours. There are approximately 8 designated spaces in a small lot immediately adjacent to the building’s north side, accessible directly from West First Street. These spots are free but fill quickly. For more reliable options, metered street parking is available along West First Street itself, typically costing $1.50 per hour from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, payable via coin or the ParkMobile app. You can usually find spots within one block north towards Cayuga Street or one block south towards Utica Street. These meters have a two-hour limit, which is ample for most passport appointments. Alternatively, a free municipal lot with approximately 40 spaces is situated two blocks east on East First Street, between Bridge Street and Oneida Street, behind the Oswego City Hall. This lot offers a convenient, albeit slightly longer, 0.25-mile walk to the post office, crossing the Bridge Street bridge. When planning your visit, aim to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled passport appointment to secure suitable parking. During winter months, Oswego experiences significant snowfall, so West First Street parking can be impacted by snowplow operations and accumulated snow banks; allow extra time for finding a spot and navigating icy sidewalks. Summer brings warmer weather, making the walk from the municipal lot more pleasant, but also potentially higher demand for street parking as downtown activity increases. Always double-check meter times and restrictions to avoid tickets, especially if your appointment might extend slightly.

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.