
Navigating the operating hours of the United States Postal Service (USPS) can sometimes feel tricky.
Whether you need to mail a package, apply for a passport, or simply buy stamps, knowing when your local branch is open is essential.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about USPS hours, from typical schedules to finding hours for specific services.
1. Are All Post Office Hours the Same? Understanding the Basics
The most important thing to know about USPS hours is that there is no single, standard schedule for every location. A busy urban post office in a major city will likely have very different hours than a small, rural branch.
Several factors influence a Post Office’s operating hours:
- Location and Foot Traffic: High-volume urban locations may open earlier and close later than suburban or rural branches.
- Service Type: The hours for full retail window service are often different from the hours you can access the lobby.
- Staffing: Like any business, local staffing levels can affect operating times.
This is why you’ll often see a distinction between Window Service Hours and Lobby Hours.
- Window Service Hours: This is the time when you can conduct transactions with a USPS employee, such as buying postage, mailing packages, or purchasing money orders.
- Lobby Hours: Many Post Offices have a lobby that is open for longer than the retail window. During lobby hours, you can typically access your PO Box, use a Self-Service Kiosk, and drop off pre-paid packages in collection bins. Some lobbies are accessible 24/7.
2. The Only Tool You Need: How to Find Accurate Hours for Any Location
Because hours vary so much, the single most reliable way to find accurate information for your specific Post Office is by using the official USPS Locations Finder tool.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Finder:
- Visit the Website: Go to the USPS Locations Finder.
- Enter Your Location: Type in your City and State, or your ZIP Code, into the search bar.
- Select a Location: A map and a list of nearby Post Offices will appear. Click on the one you wish to visit.
- View Detailed Hours: The tool will display a detailed breakdown of the hours for that specific branch, including:
- Retail Hours: The times the service windows are open.
- Lobby Hours: When you can access the lobby and PO Boxes.
- Last Collection Hours: The latest time you can drop a piece of mail in a collection box for it to be processed that day.
- Passport Appointment Hours: If the location offers passport services.
While a quick search on Google Maps can provide a general idea of hours, the official USPS website will always have the most up-to-date and detailed information.
3. Decoding a Typical Week: Standard Operating Schedules
While you should always check your specific branch online, there are some general patterns you can expect.
- Weekday Hours (Monday-Friday): Most Post Offices are open during standard business hours. This typically means opening between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM and closing between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
- Saturday Hours: Many, but not all, Post Offices offer limited hours on Saturdays. This is often a shorter window, such as 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, primarily for retail services.
- Sunday Service: Post Office retail windows are closed on Sundays. While some lobbies may be open for PO Box access or Self-Service Kiosks, you will not be able to conduct any transactions with an employee. The only exception is package delivery, as USPS does deliver Priority Mail Express and certain Amazon packages on Sundays.
4. More Than Just Mail: Hours for Specific USPS Services
Certain services have their own unique schedules that often differ from standard window hours.
- Passport Services: Many Post Offices serve as passport acceptance facilities, but this service almost always requires a scheduled appointment.
The hours available for passport appointments are often more limited than general retail hours. You must use the online scheduler or call the Post Office to make an appointment. - Biometric & Fingerprinting Services: Similar to passport services, these specialized identity verification services are only available at select locations and typically require a pre-scheduled appointment.
- PO Box Access: As mentioned, the lobby hours for accessing your PO Box are often much longer than the window service hours, with many locations offering 24/7 lobby access.
- Self-Service Kiosks: If a Post Office has a Self-Service Kiosk, it is usually available during all lobby hours. These kiosks allow you to weigh packages, buy postage, and print shipping labels 24/7.
5. When the Doors are Closed: The Official USPS Holiday Schedule for 2025
The USPS observes all federal holidays. On these days, all Post Office locations are closed, and regular mail and package delivery is suspended (with the exception of Priority Mail Express, which is delivered 365 days a year).
The official USPS postal holidays for 2025 are:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 20
- Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 17
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 26
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thursday, June 19
- Independence Day: Friday, July 4
- Labor Day: Monday, September 1
- Columbus Day: Monday, October 13
- Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
Always plan your shipping and postal visits around these dates to avoid any delays.
6. Understanding USPS Delivery Times
While this article focuses on Post Office hours, many users are also curious about delivery times.
- What Time Does USPS Deliver? There is no set time for daily mail delivery. Carriers typically deliver between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, but factors like mail volume, weather, and staffing can push delivery times earlier or later into the evening.
- Can I Track My Delivery Time? You cannot track the exact time of delivery for regular mail. However, for packages, the USPS Tracking service will often provide an “Estimated Delivery Day” and sometimes a delivery window.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s the latest I can drop off a package for it to go out today? Check the “Last Collection Hours” for your specific Post Office using the online locator. Any mail deposited after that time will be processed the next business day.
- How can I find a Post Office with late hours? Use the filter option in the USPS Locations Finder. You can filter by locations that have “Weekday Hours After 5 PM” or “Saturday Hours.”
- Are the hours for a Contract Postal Unit (CPU) different? Yes. A CPU is a postal location hosted inside another business (like a convenience store or pharmacy). Its hours are determined by the host business and may be longer or different than a traditional Post Office.
- Who can I contact if I have a question about my local Post Office’s hours? The best approach is to look up the specific branch with the online locator, which provides the location’s direct phone number. You can also call the main USPS customer service line at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
8. Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Navigating USPS Hours
Navigating USPS hours is simple when you know where to look. By remembering these key points, you can save yourself time and ensure you get your postal tasks done efficiently.
- Always Check Online Before You Go: Hours are not universal. Use the official USPS Locations Finder for the most accurate and detailed information.
- Know the Difference Between Lobby and Window Hours: You may be able to access a PO Box or self-service kiosk even when the retail counter is closed.
- Plan Ahead for Holidays and Special Services: All Post Offices are closed on federal holidays. Services like passport applications require appointments and have their own specific schedules.