Altoona Main Post Office Passport Services

If you require your passport urgently, the Altoona Main Post Office can assist with forwarding an expedited application. While they cannot issue passports on the spot, they will ensure your application is processed with the necessary expedited fees, which typically cost an additional $60. The Post Office acceptance agents will collect all documentation and fees, then send your application to the National Passport Processing Center via expedited mail, often using Priority Mail Express for an extra shipping fee. For extreme urgency (travel within 14 days), you would need to contact the National Passport Information Center directly to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency, such as the one in Philadelphia, as the Altoona facility does not handle same-day issuance. Always clearly communicate your travel date during your appointment here so they can advise on the best submission method.

Yes, absolutely. For all minor passport applications (applicants under 16), an appointment is mandatory at the Altoona Main Post Office. It is also a strict requirement that the minor applicant be present during the appointment. Additionally, both parents or legal guardians must appear with the minor, bringing valid government-issued identification and proof of their parental relationship (such as the child’s original birth certificate). If one parent cannot attend, they must provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053), along with a copy of their ID, for the attending parent to present. This ensures the highest level of security and parental consent for a minor’s passport.

Yes, both parents are not only permitted but strongly encouraged to apply together for a child’s passport at the Altoona Main Post Office. This simplifies the process considerably. When both parents are present, they both sign the DS-11 application form in front of the acceptance agent. Each parent must bring their valid government-issued photo identification (like a driver’s license), along with the child’s proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., original birth certificate) and their relationship to the child. The acceptance agent will verify all identities and documents thoroughly. This dual-parent presence streamlines verification and ensures all necessary consents are properly documented, often leading to a quicker and smoother application experience for families in Altoona.

Yes, parking is available around the Altoona Main Post Office, though options vary. Directly on 11th Avenue and adjacent streets like 12th Street, you’ll find metered street parking with rates typically around $1.50 per hour and a two-hour limit. These spots can be competitive, especially during weekday business hours. For a less stressful parking experience, the Altoona Transportation Center Parking Garage at 1231 11th Avenue, just two blocks north, offers more reliable space and hourly rates suitable for the duration of a passport appointment. Alternatively, the City Hall Parking Garage at 1301 12th Street is another good option, approximately three blocks away. We advise arriving 15-20 minutes early for your appointment to allow ample time to locate suitable parking, particularly if you prefer street parking.

After your passport application has been accepted at the Altoona Main Post Office and mailed to a processing center, you can track its status online. Approximately 7-10 business days after submission, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s passport tracking website. You will need the last name of the applicant, their date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number to access the status. The system will provide updates on whether your application is in process, approved, or mailed. Please note that the Altoona Main Post Office does not have access to real-time tracking beyond confirming the submission date; all processing updates come directly from the National Passport Processing Center.

The passport office is located at 1201 11TH AVENUE, ALTOONA, PA 16601. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 8149414700.0 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 “ALTOONA MAIN POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Finding parking for your passport appointment at the Altoona Main Post Office requires some planning, especially during peak weekday hours. Direct street parking on 11th Avenue immediately in front of the Post Office is metered, with a typical rate of $1.50 per hour and a strict two-hour limit, enforced Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM. These spots tend to fill quickly. For more reliable street options, explore 12th Street or 10th Avenue, both within a block or two, where similar metered parking is available. A more secure option is the Altoona Transportation Center Parking Garage, located just two blocks north at 1231 11th Avenue. This garage offers hourly rates, typically around $2 for the first hour and $5 for up to three hours, which is ideal for an appointment. Another viable alternative is the City Hall Parking Garage, situated at 1301 12th Street, approximately three blocks east, with comparable rates. For those seeking free parking, a municipal lot with about 50 spaces exists near the intersection of 10th Avenue and 13th Street, roughly 0.3 miles (a 5-minute walk) from the Post Office, though availability can be unpredictable. During winter months, specific strategies are helpful; street parking can be challenging due to snow accumulation and plowing efforts, making the covered parking garages a much safer and more convenient choice. In summer, the walk from a more distant spot to the Post Office can be quite warm, so consider the closer garage options to minimize sun exposure.

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.