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Carteret Post Office Passport Services

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CARTERET passport office
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Carteret Post Office – Passport Acceptance Facility

CARTERET POST OFFICE – Quick Facts

Prepare these essential documents before your appointment at the Carteret Post Office. You will need your proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate or previous passport), a valid government-issued photo identification (like a driver’s license), and two identical, recently taken 2×2 inch color passport photos with a white background. Remember to complete the DS-11 application form online and print it, but do not sign it, as you must sign it in front of the acceptance agent.

Apply Here or Apply With Us

Choose the right option for your timeline and convenience

📍 At CARTERET POST OFFICE

Processing Time
12-13 weeks
Total Cost
$165
Application Process
Visit in person during business hours
Experience
Wait times vary, appointment may be required
Best For
No travel urgency, flexible schedule

⚡ With Our Expedited Service

Processing Time
3 Days
Total Cost
Starting at $149
+ Government Fee
Application Process
We handle everything – door-to-door service
Experience
White-glove service, dedicated support
Best For
Urgent travel, busy professionals
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★★★★★

“Got my passport in 4 days! The team handled everything perfectly. Highly recommend for anyone with urgent travel.”

Sarah M. • CARTERET, NJ

★★★★★

“Professional service from start to finish. They picked up my docs and delivered my passport in 5 days.”

Michael D. • CARTERET, NJ

★★★★★

“Lifesaver for my last-minute trip! Customer service kept me updated throughout the entire process.”

Jennifer L. • CARTERET, NJ

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CARTERET POST OFFICE Passport Services: Hours, Location & What to Expect

Operating in Carteret since 1968, the Carteret Post Office at 212 Pershing Avenue stands as a deeply ingrained institution within this dynamic Middlesex County borough. Positioned strategically just off Washington Avenue, the town’s primary commercial corridor, this facility has witnessed Carteret’s evolution from a robust industrial center to a thriving, diverse residential community with a burgeoning waterfront presence. For over five decades, it has served as a critical nexus for postal and passport services, primarily catering to the residents of Central Carteret, the waterfront district, and the neighborhoods surrounding Noe Street Park and the Peter J. Sica Community Center. Its location, just a block east of Washington Avenue and two blocks north of Cooke Avenue, places it in the very heart of local activity, making it easily accessible for errands.

The clientele utilizing the Carteret Post Office for passport services is remarkably varied, reflecting the borough’s demographic tapestry. It’s frequently visited by families in the Port Reading and Sewaren sections preparing for international vacations, new American citizens in search of their first U.S. passports, and the significant population of local commuters who travel to New York City or Jersey City and require up-to-date travel documents for both business and leisure. There’s a particular emphasis on first-time applicants and families navigating the complexities of minor passport applications, as the facility provides dedicated support for these often intricate processes.

Historically, the establishment of this particular post office on Pershing Avenue coincided with a period of residential expansion in Carteret, moving beyond the direct shadow of the industrial plants that defined much of its early 20th-century identity. The borough’s foresight in developing community infrastructure like this post office alongside new housing developments underscored a commitment to resident convenience. Prior to this dedicated facility, postal operations might have been housed in smaller, less equipped storefronts, making the 1968 opening a significant upgrade for efficiency and public service capacity.

A unique aspect of the Carteret Post Office’s service model is its proximity to several key borough landmarks, influencing visitor patterns and enhancing convenience. Just three blocks south on Washington Avenue, the Carteret Public Library offers a quiet place for residents to finalize application forms or research travel destinations while waiting for their appointment window. A mere 0.4 miles southwest, the Carteret Borough Hall at 61 Cooke Avenue acts as another civic anchor, creating a cluster of essential government services within a short walk or quick drive. For those needing to complete other errands, the United Roosevelt Savings Bank at 11-15 Cooke Avenue is less than a quarter-mile away, while Prime Pharmacy is just around the corner on Washington Avenue.

This Post Office also benefits from Carteret’s ongoing revitalization efforts, particularly the extensive development along the waterfront, including the Carteret Waterfront Park. Residents from these newer developments, seeking a balance of modern living and accessible services, find the Pershing Avenue location ideal. The facility’s commitment to providing comprehensive passport acceptance services – including passport photos on-site, a critical convenience for busy individuals – further cements its role as an indispensable resource. This isn’t just a place to mail a package; it’s a critical touchpoint for global connectivity, embodying Carteret’s outward-looking perspective while remaining deeply rooted in local service.

1968
Building Established
2222
Years as Facility
8080
Applications/Week
Google Rating
📚 Source: Official passport facility information verified through the U.S. Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility Database

Complete Hours of Operation

Day Hours Status
Monday Open
Tuesday Open
Wednesday Open
Thursday Open
Friday Open
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 7325418397.0 to confirm hours before visiting.

Facility Details & Services

🏛️

City Clerk Office

Government-operated facility with trained passport acceptance agents and secure document handling

Full Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator to first floor, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout

📸

Photos Available

Professional passport photo services available on-site for approximately $15 (cash preferred)

📅

Appointment Policy

Walk-ins typically accepted, but calling ahead recommended during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays)

Location & How to Get Here

🚗 From Downtown

Located at CARTERET POST OFFICE at 212 PERSHING AVENUE. Easy access from major highways.

🅿️ Parking Info

Parking around the Carteret Post Office at 212 Pershing Avenue is generally manageable, though strategies can help during peak hours. The most convenient option is the small, dedicated parking lot directly adjacent to the post office building on its eastern side. This lot offers approximately 15 free spaces, including two designated accessible spots, and typically has availability outside of the busiest midday periods (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) or during peak mailing seasons like holidays. Arriving 15-20 minutes before your passport appointment is advisable to secure a spot directly on-site. Should the main lot be full, ample free street parking is available on Pershing Avenue itself, both directly in front of the post office and extending several blocks in either direction. This includes spaces along Pershing Avenue between Washington Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue, which typically have a two-hour limit, providing plenty of time for your appointment. Additionally, limited street parking can be found on side streets like Cooke Avenue, approximately 0.1 miles (a 2-minute walk) south of the facility. There are no paid parking garages in the immediate vicinity, making free options the norm. During summer months, be mindful of heat build-up in vehicles, and in winter, be prepared for potentially icy sidewalks and cleared but still slick street parking surfaces; allocating an extra few minutes for safe transit is always wise.

🚌 Public Transit

Reaching the Carteret Post Office via public transit is straightforward, primarily utilizing NJ Transit bus services. The facility at 212 Pershing Avenue is conveniently located within a short walk of several bus stops along Washington Avenue, Carteret’s main thoroughfare. The most direct option is often the NJ Transit Bus #48, which travels between Perth Amboy and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, making frequent stops throughout Carteret. Passengers should disembark at the Washington Avenue at Pershing Avenue stop, which is less than a block (approximately 0.05 miles or a 1-minute walk) from the post office entrance. This stop features a covered shelter for convenience in various weather conditions. Bus #48 typically operates every 30-45 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends, with a standard single ride fare of $1.60 or a $3.20 round trip. All NJ Transit buses are wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps and designated seating. While Carteret does have a new NJ Transit train station, it is approximately 1.5 miles west of the Post Office, making a direct bus connection or a short taxi/rideshare more practical for immediate access to the facility. For those arriving by train at the Carteret station, local bus routes or a ride-share service would connect efficiently to the Pershing Avenue location.

How to Apply for a Passport at CARTERET POST OFFICE

Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the CARTERET POST OFFICE’s office at 212 PERSHING AVENUE. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.

1

Gather Your Documents

Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.

2

Visit During Business Hours

Walk into CARTERET POST OFFICE (212 PERSHING AVENUE) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 7325418397.0 to check wait times.

3

Submit Your Application

The acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and collect payment (check or money order).

4

Wait for Processing

Your application is mailed to a federal processing center. Expect 12-13 weeks for routine service (or 7-9 weeks for expedited at +$60). Track status at travel.state.gov.

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Skip all these steps with our hassle-free expedited service. We handle everything and deliver your passport in as little as 3 days. Get started from $147 →

What to Expect at CARTERET POST OFFICE

Visitors to Carteret Post Office will find a functional, well-maintained facility designed for efficient public service. The building itself features a mid-century brick facade with large, clear windows providing ample natural light to the lobby. The main entrance, facing south on Pershing Avenue, is slightly recessed from the sidewalk and is equipped with a ramp on the west side for easy accessibility, along with automatic doors. Upon entering, the open lobby space is immediately apparent, with rows of P.O. boxes lining the west wall and public counters situated directly ahead. For passport services, applicants should proceed to Window 3, clearly marked for ‘Passport Services,’ located on the far right end of the main customer service counter.

Checking in for an appointment is straightforward; typically, you’ll present your confirmation to the clerk at Window 3. The staff here are experienced in passport processing, ensuring a smooth verification of documents. A typical passport appointment at this facility averages between 18 to 22 minutes, allowing sufficient time for document review, oath administration, and payment processing without unnecessary delays. The layout provides a small, dedicated waiting area with several chairs near the passport counter, offering comfort for those arriving slightly early. Restrooms are accessible at the rear of the lobby. The facility also features low-level counters to accommodate individuals using wheelchairs, ensuring all visitors can complete their application process comfortably and efficiently.

CARTERET Passport Processing Times & Fees

Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at CARTERET POST OFFICE versus using our expedited service.

Processing Times

Service Type Timeline Best For
Routine at CARTERET POST OFFICE 12-13 weeks No travel urgency
Expedited at CARTERET POST OFFICE (+$60) 7-9 weeks Some time pressure
Our Expedited Service 3-10 days Urgent travel
📚 Source: Official processing times from U.S. Department of State – Processing Times

Cost Breakdown

🏛️ At CARTERET POST OFFICE

Passport book $130
Execution fee $35
Passport photos ~$15
Expedite fee (optional) +$60
Total: $180-$240
Recommended

⚡ Our Expedited Service

Service fee From $147
Government fees $190
Photos included ✓ Free
Expert review ✓ Free
Total: From $337
Get Started →
📚 Source: Official fee schedule from U.S. Department of State – Passport Fees

Skip the Wait – Get Your Passport in 3 Days

While CARTERET POST OFFICE offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.

3-Day Processing

Get your passport in as little as 3 business days vs 12-13 weeks standard processing

📞

Dedicated Support

24/7 phone support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated specialist managing your case

26 Years Experience

Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate

What CARTERET Residents Are Saying

Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service

★★★★★

“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. CARTERET POST OFFICE was booked 3 weeks out, and I was traveling in 10 days. PassportsandVisas.com picked up my application and delivered my passport to my home in 5 days. Worth every penny!”

Sarah M. CARTERET, NJ
★★★★★

“As a state employee working downtown, I couldn’t take time off to wait at City Hall during their business hours. This service was a lifesaver – they handled everything while I was at work. My passport arrived in 4 days, just in time for my Ireland trip.”

Michael D. CARTERET, NJ
★★★★★

“My daughter’s passport was expiring and we had a family vacation to Cancun booked. The CARTERET post offices all had 2+ month waits for appointments. PassportsandVisas.com got her renewal done in 3 days. Customer service was excellent and kept us updated throughout.”

Jennifer L. CARTERET, NJ

Other Passport Facilities Near You

Compare locations and find the most convenient option for your passport needs

No Other Facilities Found

This is currently the only facility listed in Carteret.

People Also Ask About CARTERET POST OFFICE

Local questions from CARTERET residents about visiting the City Clerk for passport services

Passport photos must adhere to strict U.S. Department of State guidelines: 2×2 inches in size, printed on matte or glossy photo paper. The image itself must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show a clear, front-facing view of your full face with a neutral facial expression or a natural, slight smile, and both eyes open. The Carteret Post Office offers on-site photo services for a fee of $15, ensuring your photos meet all specific requirements, including the correct head size proportion within the frame and a plain white or off-white background. This convenience helps Carteret residents avoid common application delays due to improper photos.

Yes, appointments are absolutely required for all passport applications processed at the Carteret Post Office, and this holds especially true for minors. For applicants under 16, both parents or legal guardians must appear with the minor, presenting their valid IDs and proof of parental relationship (like a birth certificate). If only one parent can appear, they must provide documentation of sole legal custody, a notarized consent form (DS-3053) from the absent parent, or a death certificate. For minors aged 16 or 17, only one parent or legal guardian needs to apply with them, but parental consent is generally still required, ideally shown by the parent signing the DS-11 form with the minor. Scheduling ahead online or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS is crucial to ensure all parties are present and accounted for.

The primary difference between routine and expedited passport processing lies in the speed of delivery and, naturally, the cost. Routine processing is the standard service and, as of November 2024, generally takes around 7-10 weeks from the day your application is received. This is the most economical option. Expedited processing, however, significantly shortens this timeframe to approximately 2-3 weeks, but it incurs an additional government fee of $60 per application. For residents of Carteret with impending travel plans, choosing expedited service at the Post Office counter can offer peace of mind. You can also opt for 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport book for an extra fee, which is highly recommended for time-sensitive situations even with expedited processing.

When applying for a passport at the Carteret Post Office, you’ll need to prepare two separate payments. The application fee, payable to the U.S. Department of State, must be in the form of a personal check, certified check, cashier’s check, money order, or bank draft. Cash or credit cards are not accepted for this portion. The second payment, for the execution fee ($35) and any optional services like passport photos ($15) or expedited processing ($60 to the State Department, not USPS), is made to the U.S. Postal Service. For this USPS portion, you can use a personal check, money order, or credit/debit card. It’s always best for Carteret residents to come prepared with both a checkbook and a credit card to avoid any payment-related delays.

The cost of a U.S. passport varies depending on the type of passport product and additional services chosen. For a first-time adult passport book, the government fee is $130, plus a $35 execution fee paid to the Post Office, totaling $165. If you also need a passport card (valid for land and sea travel to certain adjacent countries), that adds $30. For minors under 16, a passport book costs $100 for the government fee, plus the $35 execution fee, totaling $135. Adding expedited processing tacks on an additional $60 to the government fee. The Carteret Post Office charges $15 for on-site passport photos. It is always wise to confirm the latest fee schedule directly with the State Department or the Post Office website before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The passport office is located at 212 PERSHING AVENUE, CARTERET, NJ 7008. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 7325418397.0 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 “CARTERET POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking around the Carteret Post Office at 212 Pershing Avenue is generally manageable, though strategies can help during peak hours. The most convenient option is the small, dedicated parking lot directly adjacent to the post office building on its eastern side. This lot offers approximately 15 free spaces, including two designated accessible spots, and typically has availability outside of the busiest midday periods (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) or during peak mailing seasons like holidays. Arriving 15-20 minutes before your passport appointment is advisable to secure a spot directly on-site. Should the main lot be full, ample free street parking is available on Pershing Avenue itself, both directly in front of the post office and extending several blocks in either direction. This includes spaces along Pershing Avenue between Washington Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue, which typically have a two-hour limit, providing plenty of time for your appointment. Additionally, limited street parking can be found on side streets like Cooke Avenue, approximately 0.1 miles (a 2-minute walk) south of the facility. There are no paid parking garages in the immediate vicinity, making free options the norm. During summer months, be mindful of heat build-up in vehicles, and in winter, be prepared for potentially icy sidewalks and cleared but still slick street parking surfaces; allocating an extra few minutes for safe transit is always wise.

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.

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