Carey Post Office Passport Services

After submitting your application at the Carey Post Office, the passport agent will provide you with a receipt and explain the federal tracking process. You won’t receive a local tracking number specific to the Carey facility itself once it leaves our office. Instead, you’ll need to visit the U.S. Department of State’s online Passport Application Status System, typically accessible 7-10 business days after your application has been mailed from our facility. You’ll input your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to view its status, which progresses from “In Process” to “Approved” and finally “Mailed.” For any specific concerns about the physical mailing from Carey, you can call our local branch at (419) 396-7641 during business hours.

When you visit the Carey Post Office for your passport application, the most critical documents include your proof of U.S. citizenship, such as an original birth certificate (with a raised seal) or a previous, undamaged U.S. passport. You must also present a valid government-issued photo identification, like your Ohio driver’s license, which must be current. Additionally, bring two identical, color passport-style photographs taken within the last six months, adhering strictly to all State Department guidelines regarding size, background, and facial expression; these services are not available on-site. Lastly, ensure you have your completed (but unsigned) DS-11 application form. Having these ready will ensure a quick and efficient experience with our agents at Window 2.

While the Carey Post Office processes new passport applications and provides forms, traditional passport renewals (Form DS-82) are typically handled by mail directly to the National Passport Processing Center. If you are eligible for a mail-in renewal—meaning your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current name (or you have legal documentation of a name change)—you would simply complete the DS-82 form, attach your old passport, new photos, and payment, then mail it from our counter. However, if you do not meet these specific criteria for mail-in renewal, you will need to apply in person with a DS-11 form, just as you would for a first-time passport, and our agents at the Carey facility can assist you through that full application process.

The Carey Post Office generally offers passport acceptance services Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please note that we do not offer passport services on Saturdays or federal holidays, even if the general post office lobby is open for package drop-off or stamp purchases. It is always advisable for residents, especially those traveling from surrounding areas like Vanlue or Sycamore, to call ahead at (419) 396-7641 to confirm passport service availability before making a special trip. For mailing needs, general retail hours for other postal transactions usually extend a bit longer, typically until 4:30 PM on weekdays, and 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturdays.

Yes, appointments are strongly recommended and often required for all passport applicants, including minors, at the Carey Post Office due to the specific documentation and parental presence needed. For any minor under the age of 16, both parents or legal guardians must appear with the child, presenting their own valid IDs and proof of parental relationship (e.g., the child’s original birth certificate). For minors aged 16 or 17, only one parent is required to appear with the applicant, or the minor can present documented proof of parental consent along with their own identification. Scheduling an appointment online via the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler ensures that our passport agent at Window 2 is prepared to process the more complex requirements involved with minor applications and that all necessary parties are present for verification.

The passport office is located at 128 N. VANCE STREET, CAREY, OH 43316. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 4193966664.0 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 “CAREY POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Carey Post Office is conveniently available to facilitate your passport appointment. The primary option is a dedicated, free 15-space asphalt parking lot situated directly behind the building, accessible via a clearly marked alleyway that runs off E. Clay Street. While this lot is exceptionally convenient, it does tend to fill quickly during the busiest morning mailing hours, typically between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Alternatively, ample free 2-hour street parking is readily available directly on N. Vance Street, providing approximately six spaces immediately in front of the post office, and an additional ten spaces on E. Clay Street adjacent to the building. These street-side spots are generally less occupied, offering reliable alternatives. Should both the dedicated lot and immediate street parking be unavailable, a municipal overflow lot, offering 20 free all-day spaces, is located just 0.2 miles (a brisk 3-minute walk) south at the corner of N. Vance Street and W. Findlay Street. For passport appointments, it is advisable to aim for the rear lot or secure a street space on N. Vance by arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. During winter months, especially from late November to early March, heavy snowfall can temporarily reduce street parking capacity, though the rear lot is typically cleared promptly. In summer, consider parking on E. Clay Street for shaded spots, as the N. Vance Street side receives direct afternoon sun.

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.