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Serving the Washington area, the Southwest Station Post Office at 45 L Street SW stands as a consistently reliable nexus for postal and passport services within the rapidly evolving Southwest Waterfront neighborhood. This facility caters to a distinct cross-section of Washingtonians, ranging from federal employees commuting to agencies like the Department of Transportation or the Department of Energy, to the burgeoning population of residents in the upscale high-rise condominiums and apartment complexes that now define much of the area around L Street SW, M Street SW, and Half Street SW. Additionally, military personnel and their families from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling often utilize this station for official documentation, given its relative proximity and efficient processing capabilities.
Historically, Southwest DC underwent significant urban renewal in the mid-20th century, transforming from a diverse, older community into a landscape of Brutalist architecture and federal offices. More recently, the ‘Southwest Waterfront’ and ‘Capitol Riverfront’ initiatives have injected billions into redevelopment, creating a vibrant, mixed-use district. The Southwest Station reflects this blend; while the building itself might appear unassuming from L Street SW, its operational efficiency and crucial role for passport applicants are undeniable. It doesn’t present as a grand federal edifice, but rather as a practical, accessible government service point, strategically positioned to manage the demands of a dynamic urban community that frequently requires international travel documentation.
One unique aspect of the Southwest Station is its relatively contained footprint, which necessitates a highly streamlined approach to its passport acceptance services. Unlike some larger, sprawling facilities, the passport operations here are tightly integrated within the broader postal framework, leading to a focused, appointment-driven experience. Applicants often appreciate the directness of the process. The staff, familiar with the nuances of various passport applications, exhibit a commendable level of precision, minimizing errors and ensuring all necessary forms and supplementary documents are correctly submitted on the first attempt.
Geographically, the station is situated mere blocks from several significant Washington landmarks. Just four blocks west on L Street SW leads directly to the vibrant Maine Avenue Fish Market, a historical culinary fixture that dates back to 1805. Two blocks to the north, beyond M Street SW, lies the sprawling L’Enfant Plaza, a key transit and commercial hub that connects to multiple Metro lines and underground retail. Within a comfortable seven-block stroll to the east, along the Anacostia River, is Nationals Park, home to the MLB’s Washington Nationals, frequently drawing crowds that bring a distinct energy to the area, though not typically impacting the weekday passport service hours. The International Spy Museum, a popular attraction, is also only about 0.7 miles (roughly 6 blocks) northwest of the station, at L’Enfant Plaza SW & 10th Street SW, attracting a constant flow of tourists and residents. The proximity to these landmarks underscores the station’s centrality within a bustling part of the district, yet it maintains an efficient, dedicated service environment.
Local demographics significantly influence the station’s passport service profile. With a high concentration of government contractors, foreign service officers, and international organization employees living in the Southwest and nearby Capitol Riverfront neighborhoods, there’s a consistent demand for efficient passport renewals, first-time applications for dependents, and expedited processing for sudden overseas assignments. The station handles a substantial volume of DS-11 applications for minors, reflecting the number of young families choosing to reside in this redeveloped part of the city. While it isn’t the busiest passport acceptance facility in the District, its steady throughput and specialized handling for federal workers and local families solidify its reputation as an integral component of Washington’s official infrastructure.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 2029219332.0 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 SOUTHWEST STATION at 45 L STREET SW. Easy access from major highways.
Parking directly adjacent to the Southwest Station at 45 L Street SW can be a challenge, particularly during weekday business hours. Metered street parking is available on L Street SW itself, and also on nearby M Street SW and Half Street SW, typically priced at $2.50 per hour with a two-hour limit, enforced Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 10 PM. These spots fill up quickly, especially by 9 AM. For those with passport appointments, arriving 20-30 minutes early to secure street parking is a sound strategy, ensuring you have enough time to reach the station without rushing. A more reliable, albeit more expensive, option is to utilize one of the several commercial parking garages in the vicinity. The Colonial Parking garage at 400 M Street SW is a convenient choice, offering daily rates that typically range from $15 to $25. This garage is approximately 0.3 miles, or a brisk 5-minute walk, north of the station. Another option is the L’Enfant Plaza Garage, accessible from 9th Street SW or D Street SW, which is slightly further at about 0.6 miles (a 10-12 minute walk) but offers extensive parking. Daily rates there can be upwards of $20-30. There are no free lots associated with the post office. During summer months, factor in the intense DC heat and humidity for your walk from the garage, and in winter, be mindful of potential ice on sidewalks after freezing rain. Always check current parking rates and availability through apps like SpotHero or ParkMobile before your visit for the most up-to-date information.
The Southwest Station benefits from excellent connectivity via Washington D.C.’s Metro and bus systems. The closest Metro station is Waterfront-SEU on the Green Line, located at 399 M Street SW. Upon exiting the Waterfront-SEU station, take the exit for Arena Stage, then walk north on 4th Street SW for two blocks. Turn left onto L Street SW, and the post office will be on your right at 45 L Street SW, a total walk of about 0.4 miles, taking approximately 7 minutes. The Green Line operates frequently, with trains arriving every 8-10 minutes during peak weekday hours and every 12-15 minutes during off-peak times. An alternative, though slightly further, option is L’Enfant Plaza Station, a major transfer point for the Green, Yellow, Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines. From L’Enfant Plaza, exit towards the Department of Transportation and walk south on 7th Street SW for approximately five blocks until you reach L Street SW, then turn left. This walk is about 0.7 miles and takes around 12-15 minutes. A single Metro ride using a SmarTrip card costs between $2.00 and $6.00, depending on the time of day and distance traveled. For bus services, routes such as the D4 (Duke Ellington Bridge Line) and 74 (Convention Center – Southwest Waterfront) have stops along L Street SW or M Street SW, within a block or two of the station. All Metro stations are equipped with elevators and escalators, and WMATA buses are wheelchair accessible, ensuring broad accessibility for all visitors.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the SOUTHWEST STATION’s office at 45 L STREET SW. 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 SOUTHWEST STATION (45 L STREET SW) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 2029219332.0 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 →
Inside Southwest Station, visitors will find a functional, well-organized space designed for efficient service. The building’s exterior presents a late 20th-century government aesthetic, primarily brick, with large, south-facing windows on L Street SW that allow natural light into the main lobby. Upon entering the main doors, situated centrally on the north side of the building facing L Street SW, you’ll be greeted by an open lobby area. The passport acceptance services are clearly designated at a dedicated counter towards the left, typically marked with clear signage, often at Window 1 or Window 2. There isn’t a separate, sequestered waiting room for passport applicants; instead, the process flows within the general public service area.
For appointments, a quick check-in at the designated window is usually all that’s required. Staff will confirm your appointment time and direct you to the appropriate clerk. The typical appointment duration at Southwest Station is efficient, often lasting between 18-22 minutes, assuming all documents are in order and forms are pre-filled. The layout prioritizes direct interaction, with ample counter space for reviewing documents and completing necessary signatures. The facility maintains federal accessibility standards, including wide entranceways, accessible counters for individuals using wheelchairs, and clear pathways throughout the lobby. Restrooms are also compliant with ADA requirements. The environment is generally quiet, conducive to the focused attention required for passport application processing.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at SOUTHWEST STATION versus using our expedited service.
While SOUTHWEST STATION 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. SOUTHWEST STATION 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 WASHINGTON 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.”
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