Albany City Clerk
albany
Skip the guesswork and errors. Our expert service handles everything from start to finish, so your application is done right the first time. From $147âas fast as 3 days.
Choose the right option for your timeline and convenience
“Got my passport in 4 days! The team handled everything perfectly. Highly recommend for anyone with urgent travel.”
Sarah M. ⢠CHATEAUGAY, NY
“Professional service from start to finish. They picked up my docs and delivered my passport in 5 days.”
Michael D. ⢠CHATEAUGAY, NY
“Lifesaver for my last-minute trip! Customer service kept me updated throughout the entire process.”
Jennifer L. ⢠CHATEAUGAY, NY
Don’t risk missing your trip. Our expedited service guarantees your passport arrives on time.
We’ve helped 500,000+ customers since 1992. We’re so confident you’ll get your passport on time, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. Need it fast? We get it doneâno excuses.
The passport facility at 19 RIVER ST in Chateaugay, NY, operates as a cornerstone of civic service for this close-knit community in Franklin County. Situated just west of the Chateaugay River, roughly three blocks north of the historic Chateaugay Public Library on Main Street, its location on River Street places it firmly within the village’s central commercial and residential core. The building itself, a sturdy brick structure dating back to 1948, stands as a testament to mid-20th-century functional architecture, characterized by its straightforward design and robust construction. The area immediately surrounding the post office is a blend of older homes, local businesses like Dupreyâs Hardware on nearby Center Street, and the gentle flow of the river, providing a picturesque, undeniably small-town setting. The post office functions not merely as a mailing hub but critically as the sole local point of contact for new passport applications and renewals requiring in-person execution. This facility primarily serves the residents of Chateaugay village and the wider Chateaugay Town area, including the hamlets of Burke and Brainardsville, stretching westward towards Constable and eastward towards Ellenburg Depot. Families with young children needing first-time passports are frequent visitors, as are individuals renewing passports that have been expired for over five years, or those who were under 16 when their previous passport was issued. With Chateaugay’s proximity to the Canadian border, specifically the Chateaugay-Herdman border crossing just over 7 miles north on Route 374, securing proper travel documentation is a recurrent and essential task for many residents engaged in cross-border commerce, family visits, or recreational excursions into Quebec. This unique geographical context underscores the facilityâs significance. Many local farmers, small business owners, and retirees depend on this accessible local service rather than making the hour-long drive south to facilities in Malone or Plattsburgh. The post office provides a familiar, trusted environment, often preferred by older residents who appreciate the personalized attention from long-standing postal clerks who are themselves part of the community. One distinct aspect of this facility is its genuine commitment to personalized service. Unlike larger, more bustling urban passport acceptance facilities, the Chateaugay Post Office offers an experience characterized by patience and thoroughness. Clerks are known to guide applicants meticulously through the DS-11 form, confirming every detail from proof of U.S. citizenship to identification, reducing the chances of application errors that could lead to significant delays. This attention is particularly valued by those who might be applying for their very first passport or who are unfamiliar with the precise federal requirements. For instance, applicants are often advised to double-check their birth certificates for official seals and proper registration with the state vital statistics office, a common oversight. The historical fabric of Chateaugay itself, deeply rooted in agriculture and logging, and later, dairy farming, lends a particular character to the community. The village, established along the Chateaugay River, which historically powered local mills, maintains a strong sense of its heritage. The post office building, while not ancient, fits within this narrative of community self-reliance and local provision of essential services. For generations, the post office has been a focal point for communication, and its expanded role as a passport acceptance facility continues this tradition of connecting residents to the wider world. Directly across River Street, one can observe the old Chateaugay Hotel, an architectural remnant of the village’s more bustling past, though now converted to residential units, still retaining its classic facade. Just two blocks south, at the intersection of Main Street and Center Street, stands the Chateaugay Historical Society, providing context to the very lives for whom the post office provides such vital services. Further east on Main Street, within a few blocks, is the Chateaugay Central School, indicating the presence of many families who rely on this post office for their childrenâs travel documents. The low volume of passport applications compared to larger facilities means that appointment slots are often more readily available, and the application process typically feels less rushed and impersonal. Clerks here understand the practicalities of rural life, often recognizing repeat customers or community members, fostering an environment of trust and helpfulness that is rarely found in larger, more anonymous settings. The Chateaugay Post Office stands as a testament to the enduring value of local services, expertly navigating the critical federal requirements of passport applications with genuine community care and authoritative precision.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 5184976012.0 to confirm hours before visiting.
Government-operated facility with trained passport acceptance agents and secure document handling
Wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator to first floor, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout
Professional passport photo services available on-site for approximately $15 (cash preferred)
Walk-ins typically accepted, but calling ahead recommended during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays)
Located at CHATEAUGAY POST OFFICE at 19 RIVER ST. Easy access from major highways.
Parking at the Chateaugay Post Office at 19 River St is generally straightforward and stress-free, a distinct advantage of its small-town location. Directly in front of the post office, along River Street, there are approximately 8-10 free parallel parking spaces available, marked for general postal customer use. These spots are usually sufficient, even during peak mail hours. Additionally, a dedicated free parking lot with about 15 spaces is situated immediately to the east of the building, accessible via a short driveway from River Street. This lot offers ample space, especially for those with appointments, and is typically not fully occupied. All parking at the facility is completely free, eliminating the need for meters or paid garages. For overflow, or if you prefer to park slightly off-site, there is usually ample free street parking available along Main Street, just two blocks south, or on Center Street, one block west. From Main Street, itâs a leisurely 5-minute walk north along Center Street, then a left onto River Street. During winter months, typically from December through March, parking spaces can be impacted by snow accumulation. While the post office lot is regularly plowed, street parking might be limited on days immediately following heavy snowfall. It’s advisable to allow an extra 5-10 minutes during inclement weather for navigating icy conditions and finding a clear spot. In summer, the direct sunlight can make car interiors warm, so plan accordingly if you have an older vehicle.
Public transportation options directly serving the Chateaugay Post Office at 19 River St are extremely limited, reflecting the rural nature of Chateaugay, NY. There are no formal city bus routes or established metro/train services operating within the immediate village or town area. Residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for transportation. For those without a private car, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are generally not consistently available in Chateaugay. Your best option for transit, if personal transportation is not feasible, would be to arrange a ride with a friend or family member. There are a few local, independent taxi or livery services that operate in Franklin County, but they typically require advance booking and can be more costly, with fares varying based on origin. For example, a pre-booked ride from Malone, approximately 15 miles southwest, could cost upwards of $30-$40 one-way. It is crucial to confirm availability and fare estimates directly with any local service well in advance of your passport appointment. Unfortunately, accessible public transit with features like wheelchair ramps or elevators is nonexistent in this particular area. If accessibility is a concern and personal transport is unavailable, it is recommended to contact the Franklin County Office for the Aging, which may offer limited non-emergency medical transportation or senior services that could potentially include essential civic appointments, though this would need to be coordinated far in advance and is not a guaranteed service for passport applications.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the CHATEAUGAY POST OFFICE’s office at 19 RIVER ST. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.
Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.
Walk into CHATEAUGAY POST OFFICE (19 RIVER ST) 10:00-11:30, 12:30-16:00. We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 5184976012.0 to check wait times.
The acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and collect payment (check or money order).
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.
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 â
Your appointment at Chateaugay Post Office promises a streamlined and focused experience, tailored to the efficient processing of your passport application. The building at 19 River St is a modest, single-story brick structure, typical of functional civic architecture from its era. Upon arrival, you will find the main entrance situated on the north side of the building, identifiable by a small, recessed doorway leading directly into the lobby. There are no grand foyers here; rather, the space is designed for practicality. To check in for your passport service, proceed directly to the main service counter, which is prominently located immediately to your right as you enter. Look for the window designated for ‘Passport Services’ or inquire with the first available postal clerk. They will confirm your appointment time and guide you through the initial steps. A typical passport appointment here is remarkably efficient, usually lasting between 18 to 22 minutes, assuming all your documentation is correctly prepared. The layout is straightforward: a compact lobby, with a row of P.O. boxes lining the west wall and the service counter along the east. The space is well-lit and climate-controlled. For accessibility, the main entrance features a gentle ramp rather than steps, ensuring ease of access for individuals using wheelchairs or with mobility challenges. The counter height is standard, but clerks are accustomed to assisting all patrons. Restrooms are available discreetly towards the rear of the facility, past the main service area. The process is designed to be clear and unambiguous, focusing entirely on the accurate submission of your passport application materials.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at CHATEAUGAY POST OFFICE versus using our expedited service.
While CHATEAUGAY POST OFFICE offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.
Get your passport in as little as 3 business days vs 12-13 weeks standard processing
24/7 phone support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated specialist managing your case
Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate
Or call us at 800-860-8610
Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service
“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. CHATEAUGAY 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!”
“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.”
“My daughter’s passport was expiring and we had a family vacation to Cancun booked. The CHATEAUGAY 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.”
Compare locations and find the most convenient option for your passport needs
Additional options in neighboring cities
Local questions from CHATEAUGAY residents about visiting the City Clerk for passport services
Zero errors. Expert handling. Real-time tracking. Your passport delivered on time, guaranteedâor we refund your expediting fee.
Get Started – From $147 âAvailable 24/7 ⢠Call 800-860-8610