Post Office Hours 2026: USPS Opening and Closing Times
Need to mail a package, buy stamps, collect a parcel, or visit a USPS counter? Knowing the correct post office hours can help you avoid arriving after retail services have closed.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) operates thousands of facilities, and their schedules are not identical. Some post offices offer Saturday retail service, while others have shorter weekday hours or no weekend counter service. Lobby access, PO Box availability, and mail collection deadlines can also differ from retail opening hours.
This guide explains USPS opening and closing times, Saturday and Sunday availability, holiday schedules, and how to find accurate hours for your nearest post office.
Quick Answer
Post office hours vary by location. Many USPS retail counters operate during daytime business hours Monday through Friday, but there is no single opening or closing time for every post office. Some locations offer Saturday service, while regular Sunday retail service is limited. Lobby access and collection times may follow separate schedules.
For exact hours, use the official USPS Locations tool, select your post office, and review its listed services and operating times.
Post Office Hours at a Glance
| Service | Hours or Availability |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday retail counter | Varies by location |
| Saturday retail counter | Available at selected locations |
| Sunday retail counter | Limited availability |
| PO Box lobby access | Location-specific |
| Self-service kiosk | Available at selected facilities |
| Mail collection cutoff | Varies by collection point |
| Passport services | Available at designated locations |
| Holiday opening hours | Depend on holiday and facility |
| Best verification method | Official USPS Locations tool |
The key distinction is that retail counter hours, lobby hours, and mail collection times are not necessarily the same.
What Time Does the Post Office Open and Close?
USPS does not follow one nationwide retail schedule. Individual post offices publish their own opening and closing times based on the services offered at each facility.
What Time Does the Post Office Open?
Many post offices open their retail counters in the morning, but the exact time depends on the branch.
A post office may provide lobby access before its staffed counter opens. This can be useful for customers who only need to access a PO Box or an available self-service kiosk.
However, entering the lobby does not necessarily mean an employee is available to accept packages, sell postage, or provide counter assistance.
What Time Does the Post Office Close?
Retail closing times also vary. Some facilities close in the afternoon, while others remain open later.
Before visiting, determine which closing time matters for your task:
- Retail closing time: The deadline for staffed counter services.
- Lobby closing time: When customers must leave the public lobby.
- PO Box access hours: When box holders can access their mail.
- Last collection time: The scheduled pickup deadline for outgoing mail.
A post office can remain accessible after its retail counter closes without offering staffed services.
Post Office Hours by Day
The following table describes general USPS retail availability rather than assigning unverified nationwide hours.
| Day | Retail Availability | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Location-specific | Check counter hours |
| Tuesday | Location-specific | Check counter hours |
| Wednesday | Location-specific | Check counter hours |
| Thursday | Location-specific | Check counter hours |
| Friday | Location-specific | Check last collection time |
| Saturday | Selected locations | Often a different schedule |
| Sunday | Limited locations | Do not assume retail service |
Federal holidays can override the normal weekly schedule.
Saturday Post Office Hours
Many customers visit the post office on Saturday because they cannot get there during the workweek.
Is the Post Office Open on Saturday?
Yes, some USPS post offices provide Saturday retail counter service. However, not every branch is open to customers on Saturdays.
A location that opens on Saturday may operate for fewer hours than it does during the week.
What Time Does the Post Office Close on Saturday?
There is no universal Saturday closing time. Check the Saturday retail hours for your chosen USPS location before traveling.
Can You Mail a Package on Saturday?
You can mail packages at USPS locations offering Saturday acceptance services. Other mailing options may also be available, depending on the facility and whether your package already has valid postage.
A package dropped off on Saturday does not necessarily receive the same processing treatment as one accepted before an earlier weekday cutoff.
Sunday Post Office Hours
Is the Post Office Open on Sunday?
Most customers should not expect regular Sunday retail counter service at their neighborhood post office.
Some USPS facilities offer special or limited Sunday services, but availability must be checked individually.
Does USPS Deliver Mail on Sunday?
USPS provides certain Sunday package delivery services, including eligible Priority Mail Express and selected package deliveries.
This does not mean every mail class receives regular Sunday delivery or that local post office retail counters are open.
Can You Drop Off Mail on Sunday?
Some USPS collection boxes and accessible postal lobbies can be used to deposit properly prepared mail on Sundays.
However, depositing an item does not guarantee Sunday collection or processing. Check the posted collection schedule for the specific box or facility.
Post Office Holiday Hours 2026
USPS observes 11 federal postal holidays in 2026. Regular post office retail operations are generally closed on these dates, although certain premium delivery services and accessible self-service facilities may remain available.
The official USPS 2026 holiday calendar identifies the following dates.
About USPS
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| Holiday | Date in 2026 | Regular Retail Service |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 | Closed |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19 | Closed |
| Presidents Day | Monday, February 16 | Closed |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 | Closed |
| Juneteenth | Friday, June 19 | Closed |
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4 | Closed |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7 | Closed |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 12 | Closed |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, November 11 | Closed |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26 | Closed |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 | Closed |
USPS confirmed that post offices would operate normally on Friday, July 3, 2026, even though Independence Day fell on Saturday.
About USPS
Is the Post Office Open on Thanksgiving?
Regular USPS retail services are closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026. Customers should complete counter transactions before the holiday or wait until service resumes.
Is the Post Office Open on Christmas Eve?
Christmas Eve, December 24, is not included in the regular USPS federal holiday closure list.
However, individual facilities may have adjusted schedules. Check your local post office for its Christmas Eve retail hours and final collection times.
Is the Post Office Open on Christmas Day?
Regular USPS retail counters are closed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026.
Some specialized delivery services may operate under separate holiday arrangements.
Is the Post Office Open on New Year’s Eve?
New Year’s Eve is not one of the 11 USPS federal postal holidays.
Individual post offices may follow modified schedules, so confirm your location’s December 31 hours before visiting.
Post Office Lobby Hours vs. Retail Hours
One of the most important things to understand about post office hours is that a building can have multiple operating schedules.
Retail Counter Hours
Retail counter hours determine when USPS employees are available to provide in-person services.
Depending on the location, these services may include:
- Buying stamps and postage
- Mailing letters and packages
- Purchasing eligible shipping services
- Obtaining mailing receipts
- Accessing available postal products
- Receiving assistance with shipping questions
Once the retail counter closes, these staffed services are generally unavailable until the next opening period.
Lobby Hours
Lobby hours determine when customers can enter the public portion of a USPS facility.
Some post offices offer lobby access beyond retail counter hours. Others restrict access to certain periods.
An open lobby should never be treated as confirmation that staffed services are available.
PO Box Access Hours
Customers who rent a PO Box may have access during different hours than customers visiting the retail counter.
Access depends on the facility’s lobby arrangements and security policies.
Some locations offer extended access, while others have more restrictive schedules.
USPS Self-Service Kiosk Hours
USPS self-service kiosks provide an alternative to visiting a staffed counter.
According to USPS, many kiosks are available around the clock, although availability depends on the location and whether customers can access the kiosk.
About USPS
At supported kiosks, customers may be able to:
- Purchase stamps
- Weigh eligible packages
- Print postage
- Mail qualifying packages
- Access package tracking information
Some facilities also provide additional automated package drop-off or pickup options.
Not every post office has a kiosk, and not every kiosk offers identical features.
What Time Does the Post Office Stop Accepting Mail?
The retail closing time and final outgoing mail collection time are different concepts.
For example, a post office might accept customers at its retail counter while having a separate scheduled collection deadline for outgoing mail.
Last Mail Collection Time
The last collection time indicates when mail is scheduled to be collected from a designated location.
You can find collection information on eligible USPS location listings or posted notices at collection boxes.
If you deposit mail after the posted final collection time, it may not be collected until the next scheduled collection.
Does Mail Go Out the Same Day You Drop It Off?
Not necessarily.
Same-day collection depends on the collection schedule, the time the item is deposited, and the applicable postal service.
Even when an item is collected that day, its actual processing and delivery timeline depends on the selected mailing service.
For time-sensitive mail, check the relevant acceptance deadline rather than relying only on the post office closing time.
Post Office Passport Service Hours
Some USPS locations offer passport application acceptance services.
However, passport service hours may differ from normal retail counter hours.
A post office might offer retail service throughout its operating day but accept passport applications only during designated appointment periods.
Before visiting, confirm that your selected location provides the passport service you need and whether an appointment is required.
How to Find Post Office Hours Near You
The official USPS Locations tool allows customers to search for postal facilities using a city, state, or ZIP code.
It also offers filters for services and operating schedules, including Saturday hours, Sunday hours, and facilities with extended weekday availability.
USPS
To find accurate hours:
- Open the official USPS Locations tool.
- Enter your ZIP code or city and state.
- Select the Post Office location type.
- Choose the facility you want to visit.
- Review its retail hours, lobby access, and available services.
- Check the relevant day, particularly for Saturdays and holidays.
For an urgent transaction, contact the location directly to confirm its current schedule.
How to Find a Post Office Open Late
Use the USPS location search filters to identify facilities with weekday hours after 5 PM.
These search results can help you locate a potentially suitable branch, but you should still review the individual facility listing before leaving.
How to Find a Post Office Open on Saturday
Select the Saturday Hours filter in the USPS Locations tool.
Check the listed retail window hours rather than assuming the building’s lobby hours apply to counter services.
How to Find a Post Office Open on Sunday
Use the Sunday Hours filter to search for facilities listing Sunday availability.
Confirm the specific service being offered, because Sunday access does not necessarily include every retail transaction.
Post Office Hours for Different USPS Services
| USPS Service | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Buying stamps | Retail hours or kiosk availability |
| Sending packages | Retail hours and acceptance cutoff |
| Dropping prepaid packages | Authorized drop-off access and collection schedule |
| Collecting PO Box mail | PO Box access hours |
| Passport applications | Passport service hours and appointments |
| Purchasing money orders | Retail service availability |
| Picking up held mail | Pickup service hours |
| Using a collection box | Posted final collection time |
Checking the correct service schedule is especially important when visiting outside standard weekday business hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Does the Post Office Open in the Morning?
Opening times vary by USPS location. Check the official location listing for the specific retail counter opening time.
What Time Does the Post Office Close Today?
The closing time depends on your selected branch, the day of the week, and whether a holiday schedule applies. Use USPS Locations to check today’s retail hours.
Is the Post Office Open on Saturday?
Some post offices provide Saturday retail service, often with a different schedule from weekdays. Not all branches are open on Saturdays.
Is the Post Office Open on Sunday?
Regular Sunday retail service is limited. Certain facilities may offer Sunday access or special services, but availability must be verified locally.
Are Any Post Offices Open 24 Hours?
Some USPS facilities offer 24-hour access to specific self-service features or lobby areas. This does not mean their staffed retail counters operate 24 hours.
Can I Buy Stamps After the Post Office Closes?
Yes, where an accessible USPS self-service kiosk or another authorized stamp retailer is available. Kiosk operating hours and services depend on the location.
Does the Post Office Close for Lunch?
Some smaller facilities may publish a midday retail closure. Do not assume your branch remains continuously staffed throughout its listed operating day without checking its current schedule.
Does USPS Deliver Packages When the Post Office Is Closed?
Sometimes. Certain delivery services can operate on Sundays or postal holidays even when retail counters are closed. Availability depends on the service and applicable delivery arrangements.
Sources & Verification
This guide was reviewed using the official USPS Locations tool, the USPS 2026 holiday calendar, and USPS newsroom announcements concerning holiday closures and self-service availability.
The 2026 holiday dates and announced closures were checked against USPS information available as of October 8, 2026. Individual post office opening times were not independently verified, so no universal retail schedule is presented.
For location-specific opening hours, collection cutoffs, and service availability, consult the current official USPS listing for the facility you plan to visit.
Before You Go
The most reliable way to check post office hours is to look up your specific USPS location rather than relying on a general nationwide schedule.
Weekday retail times differ by branch, Saturday service is not universal, and regular Sunday counter service is limited. Federal holidays can also affect normal operations.
Before making a trip, confirm the retail counter hours, lobby access, and final mail collection time relevant to your visit.