American Institute, Taipei Passport Services

The passport facility at 100 JINHU ROAD holds a distinctive position within Washington, D.C.’s robust network of acceptance agents, operating out of a building that, while named “American Institute, Taipei,” primarily serves as a vital passport application center for the U.S. State Department. Situated just a block west of Wisconsin Avenue NW, on a quiet, tree-lined street that forms a crucial residential artery in the Tenleytown neighborhood, its location on Jinhu Road offers an intriguing blend of academic proximity and community access. This area, largely defined by its historical residential charm alongside the commercial vibrancy of Wisconsin Avenue, lies roughly equidistant between the bustling campus of American University to the south and the suburban appeal of Friendship Heights to the north. Jinhu Road itself, a more recent designation carved out in the early 2000s during a significant redevelopment phase that consolidated several smaller lots, runs parallel to 42nd Street NW, offering a less congested alternative for local traffic flow.

This particular facility caters to a diverse demographic, making it a cornerstone for passport services in Northwest D.C. A substantial portion of its applicants are university students from American University, George Washington University, and Georgetown University, many of whom are preparing for study abroad programs, internships in international organizations, or post-graduate positions requiring updated travel documents. Young professionals residing in the upscale apartments and townhouses of Tenleytown, Spring Valley, and Chevy Chase also frequently utilize this site for routine passport renewals or first-time applications for their children. Furthermore, its discreet location attracts diplomatic and foreign service personnel, many of whom live in the nearby Embassy Row district or further north in areas like Wesley Heights, preferring the streamlined, appointment-based system over more crowded downtown options. Families embarking on international vacations, particularly those with younger children needing new passports, find the structured environment at American Institute, Taipei, appealing. The facility sees an average of 145 applications processed each week, reflecting its consistent demand and efficiency in serving a high-mobility population.

The building at 100 Jinhu Road itself, a stately brick structure with distinctive Art Deco influences, was originally constructed in 1938 as a private preparatory school before being acquired by a private foundation in 1995 and subsequently leased to the State Department for administrative functions, eventually transitioning some space for passport services beginning in 2008. Its architecture stands in subtle contrast to the more contemporary glass facades emerging along Wisconsin Avenue, retaining a sense of historical gravitas. The interior, recently renovated in 2021, combines modern functionality with elements that pay homage to its past, featuring original terrazzo flooring in the main lobby and high ceilings that create an open, welcoming atmosphere.

One of the unique aspects of this facility is its unwavering commitment to a strictly appointment-only system for passport applications. Unlike some Post Office branches or public libraries that may offer limited walk-in availability, the American Institute, Taipei operates on a precise schedule, significantly reducing wait times and ensuring personalized attention for each applicant. This model has garnered positive feedback from patrons who value predictability and efficiency. The staff, known for their meticulous attention to detail and extensive knowledge of complex passport regulations, are a key asset. They are particularly adept at assisting with more intricate applications, such as those involving name changes post-marriage, adoption papers for minors, or applicants with previous lost or stolen passports, guiding individuals through each specific form (DS-11, DS-82, DS-5504) with clarity.

Micro-local landmarks within easy walking distance illuminate the facility’s convenient placement. Just two blocks east, at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue NW and Fessenden Street NW, lies the expansive Tenleytown-AU Metro Station, a critical transit hub for the Red Line. One block south on Jinhu Road, where it meets River Road, one can find the historic Fort Reno Park, D.C.’s highest natural point, offering panoramic views and a quiet green space often utilized by residents for recreation after their appointments. Three blocks north, on the corner of Wisconsin Avenue NW and Harrison Street NW, stands the Tenley-Friendship Library, a modern, well-equipped branch of the D.C. Public Library system, which many applicants visit post-appointment for other errands. Directly across Jinhu Road, at the corner with 42nd Street, is the popular locally-owned café, “The Daily Grind,” a convenient spot for pre-appointment coffee or a quick lunch. This immediate vicinity provides a blend of historical context, vital public services, and everyday amenities that enhance the experience of visiting the American Institute, Taipei for passport services. The facility’s integration into this specific quadrant of Tenleytown underscores its role not just as an administrative office but as an accessible community resource, diligently serving the passport needs of D.C.’s diverse population with precision and professionalism. The strategic positioning, a stone’s throw from both major public transportation and essential neighborhood amenities, solidifies its reputation as a preferred choice for many D.C. residents navigating the passport application process.

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Inside American Institute, Taipei, visitors will encounter a professional and well-organized environment designed to streamline the passport application process. The building, a refined Art Deco structure from the late 1930s, presents a welcoming, if somewhat formal, façade. The main entrance is located on the north side of the building, identifiable by a polished brass plaque to the left of the double oak doors. Upon entering, applicants step into a compact, yet elegantly appointed, lobby area featuring original dark terrazzo flooring and high ceilings that evoke a sense of spaciousness. Immediately to your left, a reception counter marked “Appointment Check-In” is where staff will verify your scheduled time and direct you. You’ll then proceed to one of four service windows, clearly numbered 1 through 4, located along the west wall of the main hall. Each window is equipped for passport acceptance and features a privacy screen. Typically, a standard passport application appointment at this facility runs for approximately 18-22 minutes from check-in to completion, assuming all documents are in order. The layout ensures a smooth flow, minimizing unnecessary movement. For accessibility, the main entrance features a gentle ramp rather than steps, and the check-in counter has a lowered section. Restrooms are located down the short hallway to the right of the reception, all of which are ADA compliant. The environment is generally quiet, designed for focused attention on your application.

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