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At 245 WASHINGTON STREET in Saratoga Springs, the United States Post Office stands as a cornerstone of the city’s civic infrastructure, a familiar and dependable fixture for residents and visitors alike. Situated squarely in Saratoga Springs’ vibrant downtown core, just a short walk west of Broadway, this facility is more than just a place to mail letters; it serves as the official passport acceptance agent for a significant portion of Saratoga County. Its strategic location places it at a nexus easily accessible from several key Saratoga Springs neighborhoods, including the historic West Side, known for its charming Victorian homes and tree-lined streets, and the bustling Union Avenue corridor, which hums with activity during the Saratoga Race Course season. Families from the expansive Geyser Crest residential area and professionals commuting from the North Broadway district consistently rely on this Washington Street establishment for their postal and passport requirements.
The architectural style of the Saratoga Springs Post Office, a classic example of federal public works design from the mid-20th century, presents a dignified brick facade and sturdy construction that harmonizes with the city’s blend of historic and modern structures. Established in 1938, this building has witnessed decades of Saratoga Springs’ evolution, from a summer resort town to a year-round economic and cultural center. Its design, while functional, incorporates subtle elements that reflect the era’s emphasis on public service and enduring quality. Inside, the spacious lobby, with its high ceilings and polished floors, provides a welcoming, albeit often busy, environment for citizens conducting their essential business.
The demographic utilizing this particular post office for passport services is remarkably diverse. During the non-racing seasons, local families from the surrounding residential streets like Clinton Street, Federal Street, and Clark Street frequently schedule appointments for their children’s first passports or for family renewals ahead of planned international vacations. Retirees residing in the various senior communities around the city, such as those near Excelsior Avenue, often come seeking renewal assistance or advice on international travel documentation. As spring gives way to summer, the clientele shifts to include a noticeable influx of seasonal residents and workers, many of whom are preparing for travel related to the tourism industry or returning to their home countries after the Saratoga Race Course season concludes. Students from Skidmore College, located just a few miles north on North Broadway, also find this facility convenient for securing the necessary documents for study abroad programs or post-graduation international endeavors. The proximity to the vibrant cultural scene, including institutions like the Universal Preservation Hall at 25 Washington Street, merely two blocks east, means that individuals involved in the arts and entertainment sector frequently visit, often on tight schedules before international performances or conferences.
Historically, the Saratoga Springs Post Office at this Washington Street location has adapted to the city’s growth. Prior to its construction, postal services were housed in various downtown buildings, reflecting the city’s continuous expansion from its 19th-century boom days centered around the mineral springs and grand hotels. This specific site was chosen for its central yet accessible position, allowing it to serve a burgeoning population that was spreading beyond the immediate Broadway thoroughfare. Its establishment during the late 1930s also coincided with significant federal investment in public infrastructure, ensuring a robust, long-lasting facility. The presence of nearby institutions such as the Saratoga Springs Public Library at 49 Henry Street, approximately three blocks southeast, and the Saratoga Springs City Center at 522 Broadway, four blocks east, further underscores its centrality within the community’s civic and commercial life. Congress Park, a beloved urban oasis known for its famous mineral springs and the historic Canfield Casino, is just a five-block stroll to the southeast, making it a convenient stop for many residents integrating errands into their daily routines or leisure activities.
What makes this facility particularly valuable for passport applicants is its consistent availability of appointments, often less congested than larger metropolitan post offices. While wait times can increase during peak travel seasons, especially from late spring through early summer, the staff are generally well-versed in the intricate requirements of passport applications. They maintain a strict adherence to Department of State guidelines, which minimizes errors and delays for applicants. This precision is especially critical for first-time applicants, who benefit from the detailed review process offered by the accepting clerks. The post office also offers passport photo services on-site, a convenience that streamlines the application process significantly, eliminating the need for a separate trip to a pharmacy or photo studio. This integrated service is particularly appreciated by parents with young children, who find the one-stop approach incredibly helpful. The facility also accepts both checks and money orders for the Department of State fees, along with various payment methods for the acceptance fee, providing flexibility for applicants. The Saratoga Springs Post Office on Washington Street remains a reliable and authoritative resource for securing essential travel documents, firmly embedded in the daily rhythm of this unique upstate New York city.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 5185841545.0 to confirm hours before visiting.
Government-operated facility with trained passport acceptance agents and secure document handling
Wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator to first floor, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout
Professional passport photo services available on-site for approximately $15 (cash preferred)
Walk-ins typically accepted, but calling ahead recommended during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays)
Located at SARATOGA SPRINGS POST OFFICE at 245 WASHINGTON STREET. Easy access from major highways.
Parking for the Saratoga Springs Post Office at 245 Washington Street requires some planning, especially during peak hours or the summer track season. Directly in front of the post office on Washington Street, there are a limited number of metered spaces available, typically priced at $1.50 per hour from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. These spots can be scarce. For a more reliable option, consider the municipal parking lot located on Division Street, approximately 0.2 miles (a brisk 3-minute walk) to the north. This lot, often called the “City Center Garage surface lot,” offers 47 metered spaces at a similar hourly rate, with slightly better availability. Another viable choice is street parking along West Circular Street or Clinton Street, both within two to three blocks west of the post office. These residential-adjacent streets often have unmetered parking, but availability fluctuates. During the Saratoga Race Course season (July-September), parking anywhere in downtown Saratoga Springs becomes exceedingly competitive, and applicants should plan to arrive 30-45 minutes early. Winter weather, particularly heavy snowfalls, can reduce the number of available street spaces due to snowbanks, so factor in extra time for finding a spot and navigating icy sidewalks. The best strategy for an assured appointment is to utilize the Division Street municipal lot and walk the short distance, allowing 10-15 minutes for parking and transit.
Accessing the Saratoga Springs Post Office via public transit is straightforward, primarily through the CDTA (Capital District Transportation Authority) bus service. The most convenient route is the CDTA Route 450, often referred to as the ‘Saratoga Local.’ This route has a designated stop directly on Washington Street, precisely in front of the post office building at 245 Washington Street. Buses on Route 450 operate approximately every 30 minutes during weekdays and hourly on Saturdays, with no Sunday service, so checking the current schedule is advisable. A single ride costs $1.50, and exact change is required if paying with cash, or you can use a Navigator card. Another option is CDTA Route 452, which serves parts of the Geyser Crest area and stops at the intersection of Washington Street and Broadway, about two blocks east of the post office. From this stop, a short 5-minute walk west on Washington Street will bring you directly to the facility. All CDTA buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps and priority seating, ensuring full accessibility for passengers with mobility devices. The Saratoga Springs Amtrak Station is located approximately 1.5 miles southeast, at 26 Station Lane. While not directly walkable for most passport applicants, a taxi or rideshare service from the Amtrak station to the post office takes about 5-7 minutes. Planning your arrival during off-peak hours can make your transit experience smoother, as the buses can get crowded during morning and afternoon commuter times.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the SARATOGA SPRINGS POST OFFICE’s office at 245 WASHINGTON STREET. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.
Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.
Walk into SARATOGA SPRINGS POST OFFICE (245 WASHINGTON STREET) 9:00-14:00. We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 5185841545.0 to check wait times.
The acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and collect payment (check or money order).
Your application is mailed to a federal processing center. Expect 12-13 weeks for routine service (or 7-9 weeks for expedited at +$60). Track status at travel.state.gov.
Skip all these steps with our hassle-free expedited service. We handle everything and deliver your passport in as little as 3 days. Get started from $147 →
The process at Saratoga Springs Post Office is structured for efficiency, focusing on clarity for passport applicants. Upon arrival at 245 Washington Street, visitors typically enter through the main double doors situated prominently on the building’s south-facing facade. These large, original wooden doors, often propped open during mild weather, lead directly into a spacious public lobby characterized by its high ceilings, durable terrazzo flooring, and a classic, unadorned architectural style typical of federal buildings from the 1930s. The passport acceptance window is usually located at Window 4 or 5, positioned toward the far-right side of the main counter when facing the service area, clearly indicated by a “Passport Services” sign. There isn’t an automated check-in system; instead, applicants report directly to the designated passport clerk at their appointment time. A small waiting area with approximately six chairs is available near the front entrance for those arriving slightly early.
Clerks here are meticulous. They will guide you through the document verification process, ensuring all forms are correctly filled and supporting documents—like your original birth certificate or naturalization certificate, and your valid photo ID—are present and valid. Typical appointment duration for a single passport application ranges from 18 to 22 minutes, assuming all documents are prepared beforehand. The facility is fully accessible, featuring a ground-level entrance with ramp access on the east side of the building for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges. The service counter includes a lower section to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs, ensuring an inclusive experience. Restrooms are also accessible and located at the rear of the lobby, past the rows of P.O. boxes. The overall layout is straightforward, designed to manage consistent public traffic smoothly.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at SARATOGA SPRINGS POST OFFICE versus using our expedited service.
While SARATOGA SPRINGS POST OFFICE offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.
Get your passport in as little as 3 business days vs 12-13 weeks standard processing
24/7 phone support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated specialist managing your case
Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate
Or call us at 800-860-8610
Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service
“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. SARATOGA SPRINGS POST OFFICE was booked 3 weeks out, and I was traveling in 10 days. PassportsandVisas.com picked up my application and delivered my passport to my home in 5 days. Worth every penny!”
“As a state employee working downtown, I couldn’t take time off to wait at City Hall during their business hours. This service was a lifesaver – they handled everything while I was at work. My passport arrived in 4 days, just in time for my Ireland trip.”
“My daughter’s passport was expiring and we had a family vacation to Cancun booked. The SARATOGA SPRINGS post offices all had 2+ month waits for appointments. PassportsandVisas.com got her renewal done in 3 days. Customer service was excellent and kept us updated throughout.”
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