Towanda Post Office Passport Services

When submitting your passport application at the Towanda Post Office, you’ll be offered two primary processing speeds: routine and expedited. Routine processing involves standard turnaround times, which, as of November 2024, average around 7.2 weeks. This option is suitable for applicants who have ample time before their planned travel dates and are comfortable with the standard federal processing schedule. Expedited processing, on the other hand, significantly shortens this timeframe to an average of 2.5 weeks, as of November 2024. This service is ideal for individuals with urgent travel needs or less lead time. It’s important to note that an additional fee of $60 per application is required for expedited service, payable to the U.S. Department of State. While the Towanda Post Office cannot influence the processing speed once your application leaves their facility, choosing the appropriate service at the time of submission is critical. Ensure all documents are correct for either choice to avoid further delays.

For your passport application at the Towanda Post Office, photos must strictly adhere to U.S. Department of State specifications. This means your photos need to be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size, printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper. The image itself must be in color, taken within the last six months, and feature a clear, full-face, front view of you against a plain white or off-white background. Crucially, your head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. The Towanda Post Office offers convenient on-site passport photo services for $15, ensuring they meet all these exact requirements. This option eliminates the guesswork and potential for rejection due to improper photo specifications, providing peace of mind as you complete your application process at 700 Main Street.

To ensure a smooth passport application process at the Towanda Post Office, you’ll need to gather several key documents. This includes proof of U.S. citizenship, which is typically your original birth certificate (with a raised seal), a previous undamaged U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. You also need valid government-issued identification, such as your Pennsylvania driver’s license, and a photocopy (front and back) of this ID. If you don’t have a valid ID, inquire about acceptable alternatives. Remember to complete, but *not* sign, Form DS-11, the ‘Application for a U.S. Passport,’ before your arrival. The Post Office clerk will witness your signature. Lastly, bring a recent 2×2 inch color passport photo; photos can be taken on-site for $15 if you haven’t obtained them beforehand. Having all these items organized will significantly expedite your appointment at 700 Main Street.

After submitting your passport application at the Towanda Post Office, you can easily track its status online. Approximately 7 to 10 business days after your submission, the U.S. Department of State’s online passport status system typically updates with your application’s information. You’ll need the last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of the Social Security number you provided on your DS-11 form. Simply visit their official website and input these details. This system provides updates on whether your application is ‘In Process,’ ‘Approved,’ or ‘Mailed.’ While the Towanda Post Office staff cannot provide real-time updates once your application leaves their facility, they will advise you on the best practices for online tracking during your appointment. You may also opt for email updates directly from the Department of State at the time of application for added convenience.

While the Towanda Post Office at 700 Main Street is a certified passport acceptance facility for *new* applications (Form DS-11), most adult passport renewals (Form DS-82) are handled by mail and are not processed in person at this location. You can renew your passport by mail if you meet specific criteria: your previous passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current legal name (or you can provide documentation of a name change). The Post Office clerks can certainly provide you with the necessary DS-82 forms and offer guidance on the renewal process, including where to mail your application, but they cannot accept or review renewal applications in person. If your previous passport is lost, stolen, or expired outside of these parameters, you may need to apply for a new passport using the DS-11 form, which the Towanda facility gladly processes.

The passport office is located at 700 MAIN ST, TOWANDA, PA 18848. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 5702655922.0 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 “TOWANDA 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 Towanda Post Office at 700 Main Street is generally straightforward, particularly given its location in a smaller borough. The most convenient option is the dedicated, free 15-space parking lot situated directly behind the Post Office building, accessible via an alleyway off West Second Street. This lot typically has available spaces, especially on weekday mornings before 10:00 AM. For those spots, expect a short, level walk of approximately 0.1 miles (less than one block) to the Main Street entrance. Additionally, free street parking is available along Main Street itself, directly in front of the Post Office, though these spots are subject to a two-hour limit between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Spaces typically open up every 10-15 minutes. Further parking can be found on West Second Street and West Third Street, both parallel to Main Street, where ample free street parking exists with no time limits, generally within a 2-3 block walking distance (0.2-0.3 miles). During winter months, particularly from December through March, be mindful of snow accumulation on street parking spots; the Post Office lot is usually cleared first. In summer, direct sunlight can make vehicle interiors quite warm, so consider parking on a shaded side street if you anticipate a longer stay in town. Arriving about 15-20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment is a sound strategy to secure optimal parking and avoid any last-minute rushing.

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.