James A Farley Station Passport Services
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James A Farley Station – Passport Acceptance Facility
JAMES A FARLEY STATION – Quick Facts
- The James A Farley Station is open for passport services Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with typical peak times observed midday on weekdays.
- This facility is located within the historic James A Farley Building at 421 8th Avenue, New York, NY, on the main postal retail floor, accessible via the West 31st Street entrance.
- Limited metered street parking is available but extremely rare; commercial parking garages such as Icon Parking on West 31st Street offer paid parking options, typically starting at $25.00 per hour.
- Appointments for passport application services are strongly recommended and can be scheduled online via the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler to ensure efficient processing.
- On-site passport photo services are available at the James A Farley Station for a fee of $18.00, ensuring your photos meet the stringent federal requirements.
- The facility accepts new passport applications (DS-11), processes renewals by mail (DS-82 for eligible individuals), and can assist with expedited service requests.
- Applicants must pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order, and the separate $35.00 execution fee to USPS via cash, credit/debit card, or check.
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“Got my passport in 4 days! The team handled everything perfectly. Highly recommend for anyone with urgent travel.”
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JAMES A FARLEY STATION Passport Services: Hours, Location & What to Expect
The James A Farley Station facility in New York stands as an architectural marvel and a crucial nexus for postal and passport services in the heart of Midtown West. Situated prominently at 421 8th Avenue, directly across from the iconic Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, this facility is a cornerstone of the vibrant Chelsea-Hudson Yards district. Its grandeur, characterized by the soaring Beaux-Arts facade and the majestic Corinthian columns, echoes its original purpose as the city’s main post office, designed by McKim, Mead & White. Today, while much of the building has transformed into the sprawling Moynihan Train Hall, the United States Post Office continues its vital operations within, maintaining a dedicated section for general postal services, including passport application acceptance. This specific facility caters to an incredibly diverse demographic: daily commuters utilizing the adjacent train stations, residents of nearby Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and Garment District neighborhoods, as well as business travelers and tourists staying in the numerous hotels surrounding Times Square and the Theatre District, merely a short walk northeast. Students from nearby Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and New York University also frequently utilize its services, particularly during academic breaks or for study abroad preparations. The facility’s strategic location at the intersection of 8th Avenue and West 31st Street makes it exceptionally accessible, drawing individuals from across Manhattan and even New Jersey via NJ Transit. Historically, the James A Farley Post Office was famed for its 24-hour service, a testament to New York’s ceaseless pace. While those extended hours for passport services are a thing of the past, the facility retains an undeniable sense of civic importance. Its interior, a harmonious blend of classic postal efficiency and modern renovation, houses the passport acceptance area, providing a distinct experience from smaller neighborhood branches. Within a five-block radius, applicants have easy access to a wealth of resources and landmarks. Directly to the east is Penn Station and Madison Square Garden, constantly buzzing with activity. A mere three blocks north, along 8th Avenue, one encounters the vast commercial offerings and transportation links around Port Authority Bus Terminal. Traveling two blocks west on West 31st or West 33rd Streets leads towards the emerging developments of Hudson Yards and the serene urban elevated park, The High Line. Four blocks southeast, the immense retail presence of Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street and 6th Avenue acts as another major point of reference. This combination of historical significance, central location, and proximity to major commercial and transit hubs establishes the James A Farley Station as a uniquely authoritative and frequently visited passport facility within New York City. The experienced staff here process applications with remarkable efficiency, accustomed to the fast-paced demands of a metropolitan clientele. Whether an individual needs a routine renewal or is applying for a child’s first passport, the facility’s comprehensive approach, bolstered by its extensive history and strategic placement, ensures a reliable and structured experience for passport applicants navigating the complexities of international travel documentation.
Complete Hours of Operation
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 9176219447.0 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 JAMES A FARLEY STATION at 421 8TH AVENUE. Easy access from major highways.
🅿️ Parking Info
Parking near the James A Farley Station is, predictably for Midtown Manhattan, a significant consideration requiring careful planning. On-street parking directly adjacent to the facility on 8th Avenue or West 31st and West 33rd Streets is virtually non-existent or restricted to commercial vehicles for loading zones during business hours. Any available metered spots are prohibitively expensive, often $5.00-$7.00 per hour, with strict time limits and frequent enforcement. For passport appointments, utilizing a commercial parking garage is the only practical option. The closest and most convenient options include the Icon Parking Garage at 330 West 31st Street (approximately 0.2 miles, a 4-minute walk) or the SP+ Parking garage located at 451 West 33rd Street (0.3 miles, a 6-minute walk). Rates at these facilities are substantial, typically ranging from $25.00 for the first hour to $45.00 for two hours, or daily maximums often exceeding $60.00, especially during peak weekdays. It is highly advisable to research and pre-book a spot online through apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz, which can offer minor discounts. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your passport appointment to account for garage entry, finding a space, and the short walk to the facility. During winter months, particularly after snowfall, street conditions can make driving and walking more challenging, so allow extra time. Similarly, during summer, intense heat or sudden thunderstorms can impact the comfort of a multi-block walk, making proximity even more desirable. Considering the costs and logistical challenges, public transportation is often the most practical and stress-free approach.
🚌 Public Transit
The James A Farley Station boasts unparalleled access to New York City’s comprehensive public transit network, making it arguably the most transit-friendly passport facility in the five boroughs. Its location is directly integrated with Moynihan Train Hall, which itself is connected to Penn Station, serving as a hub for Amtrak, NJ Transit, and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) lines. Subway access is abundant: the A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 lines all stop at the 34th Street-Penn Station complex, with multiple exits leading directly into the Moynihan Train Hall or within a block of the 8th Avenue facility. For instance, exiting the A/C/E lines at 34th Street-Penn Station, users can follow signs directly into Moynihan Train Hall, and then proceed to the postal service area on the main floor. The N, Q, R, W, B, D, F, M lines are also accessible with a short, three-block walk east to Herald Square at 34th Street, where connections can be made to the 1, 2, 3 or A, C, E lines. Numerous bus routes also serve the area, including the M20 (southbound on 7th Ave, northbound on 8th Ave), the M34-SBS (crosstown on 34th Street), and the M11 (northbound on 9th Ave, southbound on 10th Ave). The M20 and M34-SBS routes stop directly within one block of the 8th Avenue entrance. Most subway lines run every 5-10 minutes during peak hours and every 10-20 minutes during off-peak times, with a standard single ride fare of $2.90 using an OMNY tap or a MetroCard. All major subway and train stations in the vicinity, including Moynihan Train Hall, are equipped with elevators and ramps, ensuring full accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs or with mobility challenges, providing a seamless journey to your passport appointment.
How to Apply for a Passport at JAMES A FARLEY STATION
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the JAMES A FARLEY STATION’s office at 421 8TH AVENUE. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.
Gather Your Documents
Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.
Visit During Business Hours
Walk into JAMES A FARLEY STATION (421 8TH AVENUE) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 9176219447.0 to check wait times.
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).
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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What to Expect at JAMES A FARLEY STATION
The process at James A Farley Station begins the moment you approach this monumental Beaux-Arts building on 8th Avenue. The postal retail section, where passport services are conducted, is primarily accessible via the dedicated USPS entrance on West 31st Street, just west of 8th Avenue. Once inside, visitors are immediately greeted by the grandeur of the main postal hall, characterized by its high ceilings, marble accents, and the organized bustle of a flagship post office. To check in for a passport appointment, proceed directly to the designated passport services counter, typically identified by clear signage and often located towards the eastern side of the main retail floor, near Window 12. There isn’t a separate waiting room; rather, a small queuing area is typically managed by a staff member or via a number system. The layout is straightforward: a series of service windows, with specific ones allocated for passport processing. Appointments are meticulously managed to ensure an efficient flow, with most standard application reviews taking approximately 18-22 minutes from the moment you sit down with an acceptance agent. The space is entirely wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps at all primary entrances and ample clearance throughout the service areas. Restrooms are also available on the main level. While the building’s historical elements are preserved, the passport service area is updated for modern convenience, maintaining a respectful and professional environment suitable for handling important personal documents.
NEW YORK Passport Processing Times & Fees
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at JAMES A FARLEY STATION versus using our expedited service.
Processing Times
Cost Breakdown
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While JAMES A FARLEY STATION offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.
3-Day Processing
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26 Years Experience
Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate
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What NEW YORK Residents Are Saying
Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service
“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. JAMES A FARLEY STATION 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 NEW YORK 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.”
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People Also Ask About JAMES A FARLEY STATION
Local questions from NEW YORK residents about visiting the City Clerk for passport services
Frequently Asked Questions
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