Can I hand-carry documents to the USPTO?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

Yes, you can hand-carry certain documents to the USPTO, but there are specific guidelines and limitations. According to MPEP 501:

Patent-related papers may be hand-carried to the Office in Alexandria, VA. Correspondence cannot be hand-carried to the Regional Offices. If the correspondence is hand-carried to the Office, with limited exceptions (see MPEP § 502, subsection III) it must be delivered to:

United States Patent and Trademark Office
Customer Service Window
Randolph Building
401 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

For trademark-related papers, there is a separate location:

Trademark-related papers may be filed at the “walk-up” window located in the Trademark Assistance Center, Madison East, Concourse Level, Room C55, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

It’s important to note that while hand-carrying documents is possible, electronic filing is often faster and more efficient for most types of correspondence with the USPTO.

For more information on patent office procedures, visit: patent office procedures.

For more information on USPTO submission, visit: USPTO submission.