Cliffside Park Post Office Passport Services

At the Cliffside Park Post Office, for the $35 passport acceptance facility fee, you absolutely can use credit or debit cards, making the payment process quite convenient for many applicants. This direct payment to the post office can be made with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. However, it’s crucial to remember that the separate passport application fee, which is paid directly to the U.S. Department of State, must be submitted in the form of a check or money order. They do not accept credit card payments for the State Department portion of the fee here. We highly recommend having a pre-written check or money order ready for the exact amount to avoid any delays in processing your application during your visit to 289 Gorge Road.

The total cost for a passport application at the Cliffside Park Post Office involves two distinct payments. For a first-time adult passport book, the fee payable to the U.S. Department of State is $130, which requires a check or money order. If you also want the passport card, that’s an additional $30 to the State Department. Separately, there’s a mandatory $35 acceptance facility fee, payable directly to the Cliffside Park Post Office, which covers the processing of your application. This $35 can be paid via credit card, debit card, check, or money order. So, for a standard adult passport book, you’re looking at a total of $165. For minors under 16, the passport book fee is $100 to the State Department, plus the $35 facility fee, totaling $135.

While the Cliffside Park Post Office aims to accommodate all residents, passport services here are primarily handled by appointment to ensure efficient processing and minimize wait times. Walk-ins are generally not accepted for passport applications. The dedicated passport acceptance window at 289 Gorge Road operates on a scheduled basis, allowing staff to allocate appropriate time for each applicant’s detailed documentation review and oath administration. We strongly advise scheduling your appointment in advance through the USPS online appointment scheduler or by calling the facility directly during business hours. Attempting a walk-in without a prior booking will almost certainly result in being turned away, as scheduled appointments take precedence, and staffing is allocated based on these bookings. Planning ahead ensures a smooth and prompt experience.

Yes, parking is available, but understanding the local options around the Cliffside Park Post Office at 289 Gorge Road is key to a stress-free visit. Directly in front of the post office on Gorge Road, you’ll find a few metered street parking spaces, typically $1.50 per hour. These can be convenient for quick stops, but they fill up quickly. For passport appointments, we recommend exploring the residential side streets just a block or two west, like Lawton Avenue or Palisade Avenue, where you can often find free, time-limited street parking, such as two-hour zones. Arriving 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time will give you a better chance to locate a suitable spot, especially during weekday business hours. Always check signage carefully for any restrictions to avoid tickets.

To successfully apply for your passport at the Cliffside Park Post Office, you’ll need to present several key documents. Crucially, bring proof of U.S. citizenship, which is typically your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged passport. You’ll also need valid government-issued identification, such as your driver’s license. Remember to bring both the original documents and a clear photocopy of the front and back of each. Your completed DS-11 application form should be filled out but unsigned, as you’ll sign it in front of the acceptance agent. Two identical, recent passport-compliant photos are also required. Finally, have your payment ready: a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State for the application fee, and cash, credit/debit card, or a separate check/money order for the $35 execution fee payable to the Post Office.

The passport office is located at 289 GORGE ROAD, CLIFFSIDE PARK, NJ 7010. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 2019435271.0 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 “CLIFFSIDE PARK POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Securing parking near the Cliffside Park Post Office at 289 Gorge Road requires a bit of local knowledge, but several options are available. Directly in front of the post office, on Gorge Road, there are usually 3-4 metered spots available for short-term parking, costing $1.50 per hour, enforced Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM. These spots are often in high demand, especially during peak postal hours between 10 AM and 2 PM. A more reliable strategy for passport appointments involves utilizing the residential side streets just west of Gorge Road. Lawton Avenue, starting one block west, often has free, unrestricted street parking, though spaces can fill up quickly during weekday mornings. Similarly, spots on Palisade Avenue, particularly north of Lawton, offer two-hour free parking from 8 AM to 6 PM. It’s advisable to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment to allow ample time to locate a suitable space. Walking from Palisade Avenue typically takes about 5-7 minutes, covering approximately 0.3 miles. During winter months, especially after snowfall, street parking can be significantly reduced due to snow plowing operations, so allow extra time and consider checking local borough alerts. In summer, direct sunlight on Gorge Road can make car interiors quite hot, so plan accordingly.

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.