4 Staten Island post office branches taking part in 'Passport Day' on Sept. 17

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- On Sept. 17, the Department of State will host its third annual "Passport Day in the USA." U.S. citizens can apply for a passport book or card at all regional passport agencies, including post offices and clerks of court. 

There will be four post offices participating on Staten Island from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., said acting customer relations coordinator Joan Velazquez. 

A version of this report posted on SILive.com yesterday gave an incorrect date for the event.

The St. George Post Office, at 45 Bay St., the Stapleton branch at 160 Tompkins Ave., the New Dorp branch at 2562 Hylan Blvd. and the Castleton Corners office at 550 Manor Rd. will be open Sept. 17 and accepting passport applications, Ms. Velazquez said. 

"They'll be taking photos at some of the post offices," Ms. Velazquez said. 

The St. George and New Dorp offices will offer photo services, she added. 

"Passport Day in the USA" is offered as a convenience for working U.S. citizens, who might not be able to show up to apply for a passport in person (as is required with first-time applicants) said Elizabeth Finan, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Consular Affairs. 

Since 2009, Americans traveling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands must present a passport, Ms. Finan said. 

"It's also a great document for identity," Ms. Finan said. "And you never know when you will need a passport." 

The New York Passport Agency in Manhattan, at 376 Hudson St., will be accepting passport applications or renewals Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but there will be no photo service available.

Residents can apply at the agency without an appointment for a standard processing that takes between four and six weeks, or they can pay an additional $60 for the expedited service and receive their passport in two to three weeks. 

First-time adult applicants (16 years of age and older) must pay a $25 "execution fee" along with $140 for a book and card, $110 for only a book or $30 for only a card. 

Passport renewal applications for adults do not include an "execution fee," and the fees for both a book and card or a separate book and a card are the same as first-time applications.

s-sil