Northwest Station Passport Services

At Northwest Station, applicants often inquire about the processing speed for their passport applications. Routine processing, as of November 2024, generally takes approximately 7.2 weeks from the day your application is mailed by the Northwest Station acceptance agent to when you receive your new passport. This timeframe is suitable for those planning international travel well in advance. Expedited processing, however, significantly cuts down on this wait, averaging 2.5 weeks for delivery from the Grand Rapids area. This faster service is crucial for individuals with more immediate travel needs and incurs an additional fee of $60 per application, plus any associated express mail costs. While Northwest Station handles the acceptance of both routine and expedited applications with equal diligence, the actual processing and mailing times are determined by the National Passport Information Center. Our agents ensure all forms are correctly completed to prevent delays, but the federal processing center manages the final issuance timeline.

Yes, appointments are absolutely required for all minor passport applications at the Northwest Station, and it’s imperative that both parents, or the legal guardian(s), attend the appointment with the minor. This strict protocol is in place to protect children and prevent international parental child abduction. If one parent cannot be present, they must provide a notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, along with a copy of their valid government-issued identification. Our acceptance agents at 1625 Walker Avenue NW are meticulous in verifying all required documentation for minors, including proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship, evidence of parental relationship, and parental identification. Ensuring all these elements are in order before your visit to our Grand Rapids location will help facilitate a smooth and efficient application process, minimizing any potential for needing a return trip.

If your child needs a passport, the process at Northwest Station requires careful attention to detail. For all applicants under 16, both parents must typically be present along with the child. You’ll need to bring the child’s original birth certificate or previous passport as proof of U.S. citizenship, evidence of your parental relationship (like the birth certificate), and your own valid government-issued identification. If only one parent can attend, the non-appearing parent must submit a completed and notarized Form DS-3053, ‘Statement of Consent,’ along with a photocopy of their ID. For children aged 16 or 17, only one parent is required to appear with them, but parental consent is still necessary, either through co-signing the application or providing a notarized statement. Our passport acceptance agents at the 1625 Walker Avenue NW location are skilled at guiding families through these specific requirements, ensuring all necessary documentation is correctly submitted for your child’s application.

For those with urgent travel needs, Northwest Station can facilitate expedited passport processing, but it’s important to understand the limitations. When you apply here at 1625 Walker Avenue NW, you can request expedited service for an additional $60 fee, which the National Passport Information Center handles to speed up the processing time to approximately 2.5 weeks as of November 2024. You can also opt for 1-2 day delivery for an extra cost after processing. However, if your travel is within 2-3 weeks, or truly emergent (within 72 hours), you generally need to make an appointment directly with a Regional Passport Agency. The closest Passport Agency to Grand Rapids is located in Detroit, requiring a separate trip and appointment. Our agents at Northwest Station will ensure your application is flawless for mailing, but they cannot directly influence the federal processing speed beyond selecting the expedited service option. Always review current State Department processing times before your appointment to make the most informed decision for your immediate travel plans.

Absolutely, and in fact, for children under 16, it is generally a mandatory requirement that both parents apply together with the child at Northwest Station. This two-parent consent rule is a critical security measure established by the U.S. Department of State to prevent international parental child abduction and ensure proper authorization for the child’s travel document. When both parents are present at the 1625 Walker Avenue NW facility, you will both sign the DS-11 application form in the presence of our passport acceptance agent. You’ll also need to provide your valid government-issued identification documents and proof of your parental relationship to the child, such as the child’s original birth certificate. Having both parents attend the appointment at our Grand Rapids location streamlines the verification process and minimizes the chances of delays, ensuring a smooth experience for obtaining your child’s passport.

The passport office is located at 1625 WALKER AVE NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 6167914005.0 to confirm before visiting.

Photos on-site: 1. If available, photos typically cost around $15 in cash.

Routine processing takes 12-13 weeks. Expedited service (additional $60 fee) takes 7-9 weeks. Our expedited service gets your passport in 3-10 days.

Most facilities accept check or money order. You’ll need two separate payments: one to “U.S. Department of State” ($130) and one to “NORTHWEST STATION” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

Handicap access: 1. The facility is ADA compliant with accessible entrances and facilities.

Securing convenient parking for your passport appointment at Northwest Station is generally straightforward, particularly when compared to the challenges of downtown Grand Rapids. The facility offers a dedicated, free surface parking lot directly adjacent to the building on its north side, accessible via a clearly marked entrance off Walker Avenue NW. This specific lot provides approximately 35 spaces, offering ample room for most visitors. While spaces are typically available, arriving 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment is a prudent strategy, especially during peak afternoon hours between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Should the main lot be unexpectedly full, which is rare, alternative street parking is usually available on the residential side streets immediately west of Walker Avenue NW, such as Covell Avenue NW or Richmond Street NW. These spots are typically unmetered and provide easy access, requiring a short walk of no more than one block. During winter months, particularly from December through March, be mindful of potential snow accumulation in the lot and on nearby streets; the City of Grand Rapids is efficient with snow removal on main arteries, but side streets might require a bit more navigation. Summer appointments, on the other hand, benefit from ample daylight and often warmer, drier conditions. There are no nearby parking garages, emphasizing the convenience of the on-site lot and readily available street parking for this location.

No, passport renewals cannot be done at acceptance facilities. Renewals must be mailed directly to the State Department using Form DS-82, or you can use our expedited renewal service.

If you’re traveling soon, our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 days. We handle everything from document review to delivery, with 24/7 support. Call 800-860-8610 to get started.