Raritan Post Office Passport Services

Yes, absolutely. For minor applicants under 16, both parents or legal guardians are generally required to appear in person with the child at the Raritan Post Office. Each parent must present valid photo identification. If only one parent can attend, the non-applying parent must provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053), along with a copy of the front and back of their ID. The acceptance agents at 30 E Somerset Street are well-versed in these specific requirements and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary consents are properly documented, preventing any delays in your child’s passport application.

Yes, the Raritan Post Office does offer expedited passport services for an additional fee. This optional service allows for faster processing of your application by the Department of State. When you submit your application at 30 E Somerset Street, you’ll simply indicate your request for expedited service and include the applicable extra fee (currently $60) with your payment to the U.S. Department of State. While the Raritan facility accepts the application, the actual expediting happens at the federal processing centers. Be sure to clearly mark your application for expedited service and communicate your urgency to the passport acceptance agent during your visit.

Unfortunately, the Raritan Post Office does not have the equipment to take passport photos directly on-site at 30 E Somerset Street. You’ll need to obtain compliant passport photos before your appointment. There are several convenient options nearby: the CVS Pharmacy at 81 W Somerset Street, just a 0.2-mile walk, offers passport photo services. Alternatively, some local shipping stores or photography studios in neighboring Somerville may also provide this service. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm hours and pricing. Ensure your photos meet the specific U.S. Department of State requirements for size, background, and facial expression to avoid any application rejections.

If you require your passport urgently, you have a few options beyond standard expedited processing available at the Raritan Post Office. For travel within 2-3 weeks, you should utilize the expedited service offered at 30 E Somerset Street and consider paying for 1-2 day delivery for your completed passport book. For even more immediate travel, typically within 14 days or less, you would need to make an appointment directly with a Regional Passport Agency, such as the one in Philadelphia or New York. These agencies require proof of urgent travel and are designed for emergency situations. The acceptance agents at the Raritan facility can provide information on these regional options but cannot process urgent requests requiring travel within a few days.

When applying for a passport at the Raritan Post Office, you’ll typically have two separate payments. The application fee to the U.S. Department of State must be paid by check or money order only. Credit cards or cash are not accepted for this fee. The separate execution fee to the Raritan Post Office, which is currently $35, can be paid by check, money order, or credit/debit card. Cash is sometimes accepted for the execution fee, but it’s always advisable to have a check or card ready. Having these payment methods prepared before your appointment at 30 E Somerset Street will ensure a smooth and efficient transaction, allowing you to complete your application without any payment-related delays.

The passport office is located at 30 E SOMERSET ST, RARITAN, NJ 8869. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 9087253120.0 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 “RARITAN POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Raritan Post Office, located at 30 East Somerset Street, is generally straightforward, though it requires some local awareness. The facility offers a small, dedicated parking lot directly behind the building, accessible via a narrow driveway just off First Avenue. This lot, while convenient, has only about 12-15 spaces and can fill up quickly, especially during peak postal hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. For those with passport appointments, arriving 10-15 minutes early is a sound strategy to secure one of these coveted spots. Alternatively, ample free street parking is available on both East Somerset Street and several adjacent side streets. East Somerset Street itself offers metered parking in some sections further east, but directly in front of the post office and west towards the bridge, you’ll often find two-hour free parking zones. The best bet for extended free parking is on First Avenue or Second Avenue, which run parallel to East Somerset Street. These residential streets typically offer unrestricted parking within one or two blocks of the post office, meaning a short walk of 0.1 to 0.2 miles. During winter months, particularly after snowfall, street parking might be limited due to plowing, so the post office lot or clearing on First Avenue would be preferable. In summer, the area is very walkable, making a short stroll from a side street spot quite pleasant.

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.