In a move that aims to streamline government services and make obtaining travel documents more convenient for the public, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a new partnership with the Department of State to offer passport application services at select post office locations across the country.
This exciting initiative, which comes as part of USPS’s ongoing efforts to expand its range of services and increase foot traffic at its retail locations, will allow customers to not only submit their passport applications but also have their photos taken on-site for an additional fee.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Department of State to offer passport application services at select post office locations,” said USPS spokesperson, Sarah Johnson. “This initiative will provide our customers with a one-stop shop for all their travel document needs, making the process of obtaining a passport faster, easier, and more convenient than ever before.”
Under this new program, customers will be able to visit a participating post office location to pick up a passport application form and have their documents reviewed by a trained USPS employee. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, customers can pay the required fees and have their passport photo taken on-site for an additional fee.
This new service will be available at over 2,000 post office locations nationwide, with plans to expand to even more locations in the coming months. Additionally, customers will have the option to expedite their passport application for an additional fee, ensuring that they receive their travel documents in a timely manner.
“We understand that obtaining a passport can be a time-consuming process, which is why we are excited to offer this new service to our customers,” said Johnson. “With our convenient locations and extended hours, customers can now easily apply for their passport without having to make a separate trip to a Department of State office.”
The decision to offer passport application services at post office locations comes as a result of the increasing demand for travel documents in the United States. According to the Department of State, the number of passport applications has been steadily rising in recent years, with over 20 million passports issued in 2019 alone.
By partnering with USPS to offer passport application services, the Department of State hopes to make the process of obtaining a passport more accessible to the public and reduce the burden on its existing network of passport acceptance facilities.
“We are excited to be working with USPS to offer passport application services at select post office locations,” said Department of State spokesperson, Jennifer Smith. “This new program will make it easier for Americans to obtain a passport and ensure that they are well-prepared for their travels.”
Overall, the new partnership between USPS and the Department of State represents a significant step forward in making the process of obtaining a passport more convenient and accessible to the public. With over 2,000 post office locations now offering passport application services, customers can now easily apply for their travel documents without having to make a separate trip to a Department of State office.
So, the next time you’re in need of a passport, why not stop by your local post office and take advantage of this convenient new service? With trained staff, extended hours, and the option to expedite your application, obtaining a passport has never been easier.
