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Overview of Staten Island Passport Services

Staten Island offers passport services through the U.S. Department of State, which oversees all American passport issuance. The borough provides in-person passport acceptance and renewal services at designated locations. Understanding where these services are located and what they involve is the first step in learning about the passport process.

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Passport services in Staten Island operate differently depending on whether you need a new passport, a renewal, or a replacement. The U.S. Department of State manages passport production and decision-making, while local acceptance facilities help residents submit their documents. Staten Island has two main passport acceptance facilities: one operated by the New York City Department of Finance and another through local post offices.

As of 2024, the U.S. State Department reports processing times vary based on service type. Regular passport service typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. These times can change based on application volume and processing backlogs. Applicants should plan ahead rather than waiting until travel dates approach.

The passport process involves several steps: gathering required documents, submitting your application at an acceptance facility, paying fees, and waiting for production and delivery. Each step has specific requirements. Learning about these requirements beforehand reduces the chance of delays caused by incomplete or incorrect submissions.

Staten Island residents do not need to travel to Manhattan or other boroughs to submit passport documents. Local acceptance facilities serve the community directly. This makes the process more convenient for residents living in the borough.

Practical Takeaway: Before visiting a Staten Island passport facility, determine whether you need a new passport, renewal, or replacement. Each requires different documents and has different processing timeframes. Knowing your specific situation helps you gather the correct paperwork and choose the right service type.

Required Documents for Staten Island Passport Applications

Obtaining a passport requires specific documents that verify your identity and citizenship. The U.S. Department of State maintains strict requirements about which documents are acceptable. Understanding these requirements prevents submission rejections that delay processing.

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For a new passport, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. Birth certificates must be certified copies obtained from the vital records office in the state where you were born, not hospital-issued copies. Many applicants make this mistake, causing their applications to be rejected.

You also need a valid form of government-issued photo identification. The U.S. State Department accepts driver's licenses, non-driver identification cards, military identification, or previous passports. The identification must not be expired. If your only identification is expired, you may need to obtain a replacement ID first, which can add time to the passport process.

Passport renewal by mail (for certain applicants) requires your most recent passport, though some renewals still require in-person submission. Passports obtained before age 16 typically require renewal in person. Passports that were lost, stolen, or significantly damaged also require in-person applications with additional documentation.

All applicants must complete Form DS-11 (for new passports or in-person renewals) or Form DS-82 (for mail renewals, if available to you). These forms must be completed in black or blue ink and signed in person at the acceptance facility. Unsigned or photocopied forms are rejected. The State Department provides these forms online and at acceptance facilities.

Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court order documents are needed if your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued. These must be certified copies. Additionally, you need a color photograph that meets specific requirements: 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, showing your face straight-on against a white background, with natural expression and eyes open.

Practical Takeaway: Create a checklist of required documents before your appointment. Contact the vital records office in your birth state to request a certified birth certificate copy if needed—this process can take 2 to 4 weeks. Obtain your photograph from a professional photo service that understands passport photo requirements rather than using informal photos.

Passport Fees and Payment Information for Staten Island

Passport fees vary based on the type of service and the applicant's age. As of 2024, the U.S. Department of State charges specific fees that may change periodically. Understanding the current fee structure helps you plan financially and know what to expect at your appointment.

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For adult applicants (age 16 and older), a new passport book costs $130, plus a $35 application execution fee, totaling $165. The execution fee is paid at the acceptance facility. The $130 passport fee is paid separately to the State Department. Expedited processing adds $60 to the total cost. Rush delivery (which speeds up delivery after the passport is produced) adds another $18.50.

Minor applicants (under age 16) pay $100 for a new passport book, plus the $35 application execution fee, totaling $135. Both parents or guardians must be present for minors' applications, or documented consent from the absent parent is required. This is a legal requirement to prevent passport fraud involving children.

Passport renewal fees differ from new passport fees. Adults renewing by mail pay $110 (no execution fee), while in-person renewals cost $130 plus the $35 execution fee. Expedited renewal costs an additional $60.

Lost or stolen passport replacements are treated as new applications, requiring the full new passport fee. Damaged passports may sometimes be renewed at the reduced fee if damage is minor and the passport is otherwise valid, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Payment methods accepted at Staten Island acceptance facilities include cash, checks, and credit/debit cards. Personal checks are accepted, but government checks (like tax refunds) are not. Some facilities have card payment systems, while others may only accept certain payment types. It is worth calling ahead to confirm which payment methods your specific facility accepts.

No additional fees are charged for passport service in Staten Island compared to other New York locations. All passport fees are standardized nationally by the U.S. State Department. No surcharge or discount applies based on your location within the state.

Practical Takeaway: Budget for the total cost including both the passport fee and the execution fee. If you are applying for expedited or rush service, add those costs to your budget. Bring your payment method to your in-person appointment, as you will need to pay the execution fee at that time.

Staten Island Passport Acceptance Facility Locations and Hours

Staten Island has several locations where residents can submit passport applications and documents. Knowing the exact addresses, hours, and services offered at each location helps you plan your visit and avoid unnecessary travel.

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The primary passport acceptance location in Staten Island is the NYC Department of Finance Passport Acceptance Agency, located on Victory Boulevard in the Tompkinsville neighborhood. This facility accepts new passport applications, renewals, and replacement requests. Hours typically include morning and afternoon appointments on weekdays, with limited Saturday hours. Specific hours change seasonally, so confirming hours before your visit prevents wasted trips.

Many United States Post Offices throughout Staten Island also accept passport applications. Post offices in neighborhoods including Tottenville, Great Kills, Midland Beach, and Prince's Bay offer passport services. However, not all post offices in the borough handle passport applications. Calling ahead or checking the State Department's facility locator online confirms whether your nearest post office offers these services.

Appointment systems vary by location. Some facilities require advance appointments, while others accept walk-ins. Appointment availability changes seasonally, with longer wait times during peak travel seasons (March through August). Scheduling an appointment several weeks in advance during busy seasons increases the chance of securing your preferred date and time.

The NYC Department of Finance facility serves a higher volume of applicants and may have longer wait times than some post office locations. However, this facility has staff dedicated specifically to passport services, while post office staff juggle passport applications alongside postal services. Both locations are equally valid for submitting applications.

Some residents mistakenly believe they must apply at a facility in their own neighborhood. In reality, any acceptance facility in Staten Island (or anywhere in New York) will process your application. This means you can choose the location most convenient to your work, school, or travel plans.

Practical Takeaway: Use the State Department's official