Syracuse Post Office Passport Services

When applying for a passport at the Syracuse Post Office on East Taft Road, it’s important to understand the payment structure. The $35 passport ‘execution fee,’ which covers the processing of your application by the Post Office acceptance agent, can typically be paid using a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), debit card, postal money order, or check/money order payable to “USPS.” However, the actual passport application fee, which goes directly to the U.S. Department of State for the passport book or card itself, must be paid by check or money order only. This payment should be made out to “U.S. Department of State.” Cash is generally not accepted for the Department of State fee, but exact cash can be used for the USPS execution fee. It’s highly recommended to prepare two separate payments before your appointment to ensure a smooth and swift transaction at the counter, avoiding any delays or the need to leave and return with the correct payment methods.

For most adult U.S. citizens, renewing a passport can be done by mail using Form DS-82. The Syracuse Post Office primarily serves as an acceptance facility for new passport applications (Form DS-11) or for minor children’s passports, which always require in-person application. If you meet the criteria for renewal by mail – your most recent passport is less than 15 years old, was issued when you were 16 or older, and is in good condition – you can complete the DS-82 form at home and mail it directly to the National Passport Processing Center. However, if your previous passport was lost, stolen, or expired more than 15 years ago, or if you were under 16 when it was issued, you will need to apply in person with a Form DS-11, treating it as a new application. In such cases, you absolutely can schedule an appointment at the Syracuse Post Office to submit your application.

Passport photos for your application at the Syracuse Post Office must adhere to very specific U.S. Department of State requirements to be accepted. Each photo needs to be 2×2 inches in size, printed in color, and taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. Crucially, your head must be between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. The photo should be taken against a plain white or off-white background, ensuring no shadows are visible on your face or the background. You must maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural, slight smile, with both eyes open. Hats, glasses (even prescription), and uniforms are strictly prohibited. The Syracuse Post Office offers on-site passport photo services for an additional fee of $15, which can be highly convenient to ensure your photos meet all these stringent guidelines without needing to make a separate trip to a photo studio.

The processing times for passport applications submitted at the Syracuse Post Office are consistent with national averages set by the U.S. Department of State. As of late 2024, routine processing for a passport book typically averages around 7-10 weeks from the date the application is received by the Passport Agency, not the date you submit it at the Post Office. If you opt for expedited service, the processing time can be significantly reduced to approximately 3-5 weeks, though this incurs an additional $60 fee per application. These estimates do not include mail time, which can add another week or two for delivery both ways. You will receive a tracking number from the Post Office, but the official processing clock starts when the Department of State receives your documents. For those with urgent travel plans, it’s always advisable to apply for expedited service and consider overnight delivery options for an extra cost to minimize delays.

The primary distinction between routine and expedited passport processing, available through the Syracuse Post Office, lies in the speed at which your application is handled by the U.S. Department of State. Routine processing is the standard service level, typically costing $130 for an adult passport book and taking the longest, currently around 7-10 weeks. This is suitable for individuals with no immediate international travel plans. Expedited processing, however, is a faster service designed for those who need their passport more urgently. It comes with an additional government fee of $60 per application, reducing the processing time to approximately 3-5 weeks. Both options still require paying the separate $35 execution fee to the Post Office. While the Syracuse Post Office accepts both routine and expedited applications, the actual speed-up occurs at the Department of State’s passport centers. If you have any travel plans within the next few months, opting for expedited service is generally a wise choice to avoid last-minute stress, though it’s always recommended to apply as early as possible.

The passport office is located at 5640 EAST TAFT ROAD, SYRACUSE, NY 13220. Get directions

Hours are 9:30-16:30. Call ahead at 3154523548.0 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 “SYRACUSE POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Ample parking is one of the distinct advantages of visiting the Syracuse Post Office at 5640 East Taft Road for your passport needs. The facility boasts a generous, well-maintained asphalt parking lot directly fronting the building, easily accessible from East Taft Road. This dedicated lot offers approximately 65 free parking spaces, providing considerably more capacity than most urban post office locations. You’ll find it simple to pull in, park within a few steps of the main entrance, and begin your appointment without the stress of searching for a spot. Overflow parking is rarely an issue here, but if the main lot somehow fills during an unexpected peak period, you could utilize the adjacent plaza parking accessible via a shared driveway, which typically has numerous vacant spaces, adding a mere 0.1-mile walk. There are no metered spots or expensive parking garages to contend with in this suburban locale, eliminating any additional costs or time constraints associated with parking. During the harsh Syracuse winters, particularly from December through March, the lot is routinely plowed and salted, but it’s always wise to account for potential icy patches or deeper snow in corners. Conversely, in the summer, especially on clear, sunny days, the large, open lot can become quite warm, so arriving a few minutes early to secure a shaded spot might be a small but welcome strategy, though such spots are limited. Overall, parking at this facility is designed for convenience, allowing applicants to focus solely on their passport application.

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.