Skip the guesswork and errors. Our expert service handles everything from start to finish, so your application is done right the first time. From $147—as fast as 3 days.
Choose the right option for your timeline and convenience
“Got my passport in 4 days! The team handled everything perfectly. Highly recommend for anyone with urgent travel.”
Sarah M. • CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
“Professional service from start to finish. They picked up my docs and delivered my passport in 5 days.”
Michael D. • CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
“Lifesaver for my last-minute trip! Customer service kept me updated throughout the entire process.”
Jennifer L. • CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
Don’t risk missing your trip. Our expedited service guarantees your passport arrives on time.
We’ve helped 500,000+ customers since 1992. We’re so confident you’ll get your passport on time, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. Need it fast? We get it done—no excuses.
Situated in Charlottesville, the Charlottesville Main Post Office at 1155 Seminole Trail stands as a crucial federal facility, serving not only the immediate residents but also the broader Albemarle County region. Located strategically just off the bustling US-29 North corridor, this facility is easily accessible from various parts of the city and county. Its position places it squarely in the commercial heart of northern Charlottesville, adjacent to the Seminole Square Retail Center, which features anchor stores such as Wegmans and Trader Joe’s. This area, often locally referred to as the ’29 North corridor,’ experiences substantial daily traffic, making the post office a convenient stop for errands. The specific intersection where Seminole Trail meets Branchlands Drive is just a short distance south, providing multiple ingress and egress points to the post office property itself.
This particular post office primarily caters to the burgeoning residential communities of Greenbrier, Commonwealth, and parts of Hydraulic. These neighborhoods encompass a diverse demographic, ranging from long-term Charlottesville residents to young families and professionals drawn to the area’s amenities and proximity to downtown without being directly in the urban core. For instance, many families residing in the Greenbrier neighborhood, located just across US-29, regularly utilize this branch for their postal and passport needs due to its close proximity and dedicated services. Students and faculty from institutions like Piedmont Virginia Community College, situated a few miles southeast, also find it a practical location for passport applications, especially those planning international studies or travel, given its reliable appointment scheduling compared to some smaller, more distant facilities.
Unlike the historic downtown post office branches which might carry more architectural grandeur, the Charlottesville Main Post Office on Seminole Trail presents a more contemporary, functional design typical of mid-to-late 20th-century federal buildings in commercial zones. It was established in this location to accommodate the city’s northward expansion and increasing population density. Its unique aspect lies in its dedicated passport processing capabilities, setting it apart from smaller satellite post offices in the county that may only offer basic postal services. This specialization positions it as a primary destination for first-time applicants, minors, and individuals needing to replace lost or stolen passports—all requiring an in-person application.
Historically, the development of the Seminole Trail corridor in the mid-to-late 20th century was pivotal for Charlottesville’s growth beyond its traditional downtown core. As commercial enterprises and residential areas expanded northward, the demand for essential services like a main post office in this zone became undeniable. This facility, while not centuries old, represents a key phase of Charlottesville’s modern expansion and decentralization of services. The area itself has seen significant transformation over the past five decades, evolving from largely agricultural or undeveloped land into a vibrant commercial and residential hub.
Within a five-block radius, several prominent landmarks and businesses complement the post office’s utility. Directly north, within 0.2 miles, is the Seminole Square Shopping Center, providing access to major retailers and dining options, making it easy to combine a passport appointment with other errands. Just across Seminole Trail, approximately 0.4 miles to the east, lies the Seminole Trail Management office complex, hosting numerous local businesses. To the west, about 0.3 miles, are additional retail establishments, including a standalone Starbucks, frequently used by applicants who arrive early for their appointments or need a moment after their paperwork is complete. The proximity to US-29 North, just 0.1 miles west, ensures that the facility remains a central point of access for a wide demographic throughout the greater Charlottesville area, from Earlysville to the north to the more southern suburbs. This accessibility, combined with its comprehensive passport services, solidifies its role as a vital resource for thousands of citizens annually seeking international travel documentation.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 4349784633.0 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 CHARLOTTESVILLE MAIN POST OFFICE at 1155 SEMINOLE TRAIL. Easy access from major highways.
Parking at the Charlottesville Main Post Office is generally straightforward, as the facility provides a dedicated, surface-level parking lot directly in front of its main entrance at 1155 Seminole Trail. This free lot boasts approximately 65 marked spaces, including several designated for handicap parking, and typically offers ample availability during operating hours, even on busier days. While there are no metered street parking options on Seminole Trail itself, the post office lot is designed to accommodate the volume of visitors without requiring them to seek off-site solutions. For those who might find the immediate lot full during peak mid-morning or early afternoon hours, an overflow option exists. The adjacent Seminole Square Shopping Center, located just 0.1 miles north, offers extensive free parking. Applicants can park in the shared lots near Wegmans or Trader Joe’s and walk to the post office in under 3 minutes, navigating a paved sidewalk. This is particularly useful for longer appointments or if combining the visit with other errands. During summer months, be mindful that the asphalt lot can become quite hot, so consider arriving earlier to secure a shadier spot. In winter, while the lot is regularly cleared, icy conditions can occur, so exercise caution when walking from your vehicle to the entrance.
Reaching the Charlottesville Main Post Office via public transit is a viable option for many residents, primarily through the Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) bus system. The most direct service is provided by CAT Bus Route #7, known as the ’29 North/Rio Road’ line. This route operates frequently on weekdays, typically every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and hourly on Saturdays. The nearest bus stop to the post office is located on Seminole Trail, directly in front of the Seminole Square Shopping Center entrance, just 0.15 miles north of the post office building. Upon disembarking, passengers can walk south along the well-maintained sidewalk on Seminole Trail for about two minutes, and the post office will be on their right. A single ride costs $0.75, or a day pass can be purchased for $1.50, offering an affordable and efficient transit solution. All CAT buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps and lifts, as well as priority seating for seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring full accessibility for all passengers. The bus stop itself has a concrete pad and a shelter, offering some protection from the elements while waiting. There are no direct train or metro services that reach this specific part of Charlottesville, making the CAT bus the primary public transportation option.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the CHARLOTTESVILLE MAIN POST OFFICE’s office at 1155 SEMINOLE TRAIL. 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 CHARLOTTESVILLE MAIN POST OFFICE (1155 SEMINOLE TRAIL) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 4349784633.0 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 →
Visitors to Charlottesville Main Post Office will find a practical and streamlined environment designed to facilitate efficient service, particularly for passport applicants. The building itself, constructed with a utilitarian brick and concrete facade typical of federal buildings from the late 1970s, features a single main entrance positioned centrally on its western face, directly facing Seminole Trail. Upon entering, applicants will be greeted by a spacious lobby area. The passport acceptance window is clearly marked and located towards the back-right side of the main counter, typically staffed by two dedicated acceptance agents. There’s usually a queue line managed by floor markers, leading directly to windows 5 and 6.
To check in for a scheduled passport appointment, individuals should proceed directly to the designated passport windows. There is no separate kiosk; rather, applicants will confirm their appointment with the agent. The typical duration for a passport application appointment at this facility ranges from 18 to 22 minutes, assuming all documentation is properly prepared. The interior layout is straightforward, with rows of customer service windows on one side and post office boxes on the other. Accessibility is well-considered, with a ramp leading to the main entrance and wide doorways throughout, ensuring easy navigation for individuals using wheelchairs or with strollers. Restrooms are located down a hallway to the left of the main counter, also fully accessible. The environment is generally well-lit, providing a comfortable space for applicants to complete their forms or wait for their turn.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at CHARLOTTESVILLE MAIN POST OFFICE versus using our expedited service.
While CHARLOTTESVILLE MAIN 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. CHARLOTTESVILLE MAIN 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 CHARLOTTESVILLE 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.”
Compare locations and find the most convenient option for your passport needs
1 additional location serving Charlottesville, VA Passport Services
Local questions from CHARLOTTESVILLE residents about visiting the City Clerk for passport services
Zero errors. Expert handling. Real-time tracking. Your passport delivered on time, guaranteed—or we refund your expediting fee.
Get Started – From $147 →Available 24/7 • Call 800-860-8610