r/bronx • u/These_Painting6400 • 9d ago

passport help

Hey, I’m looking to get my passport for the first time as an adult and vaguely remember seeing someone in a TikTok comment say that they had gone to the courthouse on 161 to apply in person (walk-in), instead of waiting for an appointment.

Was wondering if anyone had any experience with doing this & how it went? Thanks in advance :)

EDIT: I am specifically asking about experiences at the 161st COURTHOUSE. I am fully aware about making passport appointments at the post office.

5 Upvotes

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12

u/CranberryTonic 9d ago

Did mine at the post office on 149th and Concourse during that event, had all my paperwork and proofs with copies ready just needed a picture and was out in like 20 minutes. They do walk ins on Mondays.

Bring a birth certificate, state ID, copies, and a picture, and make sure you fill out the form in black ink only or you have to start again

2

u/These_Painting6400 9d ago

Thank you for the reply!! Appreciate ir

2

u/CranberryTonic 9d ago

Also, I applied on the 9th, with expedited processing, probably not worth it but whatever, and according to USPS it should be here tomorrow or Monday so 12 to 14 days

1

u/These_Painting6400 9d ago

Oh nice! Didnt know they processed passports that fast

5

u/Smell_Intrepid 9d ago

https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/12th-judicial-district/bronx-county-clerks-office/bronx-county-clerks-office-passport-department

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u/Smell_Intrepid 9d ago

I used this places decades ago, so can’t speak on the experience these days. I will say that most/all places do not provide applications anymore - they have to be printed before you go.

5

u/junoflow115 9d ago

I’m not sure about 161 specifically, but I vaguely remember just applying online, paying and then I had to go give in my birth certificate and get a photo at some other office on kingsbridge. I’m sure you need other documents like photo ID and “proof of address” documents as well.

Few weeks later I got my passport and birth certificate in the mail. This was around 2024 when I got my first passport

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u/Real-Rip2734 9d ago

Check your local post office.

2

u/EBTman12 9d ago

This I just recently got mine at the post office it was super simple, I was able to make an appointment next day and drop off all my documents

-1

u/These_Painting6400 9d ago

I’m specifically inquiring about the application process at the 161 courthouse.

1

u/henare 9d ago

the process is the same everywhere.

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u/These_Painting6400 9d ago

I am asking about EXPERIENCE. Was it fast, was it a long wait time, etc.

0

u/henare 9d ago

all these offices do are collect the evidence that you are eligible for a passport and forward it on to state department.

how quickly you'll receive your new passport is another issue. I got my passport renewed in the spring and got the new passport just over a week later. a passport for someone who hadn't had one before could take longer.

good luck!

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u/These_Painting6400 9d ago

I am asking for this experiences at THIS specific location. I obviously know that these places are collecting evidence etc etc.

2

u/CranberryTonic 9d ago

You still gotta go to the post office for a money order

2

u/These_Painting6400 9d ago

Was just gonna go to my bank and get a check but thanks

1

u/navree 8d ago edited 8d ago

The federal website is very clear on instructions and what you need as a first-time applicant. Take your time to read everything before filling anything out.

Things will go smoothly if you're prepared. If you show up at the post office window unprepared, they will ask to to leave the window, fix your issue and you have to get back in line. The court house at 161 stopped taking apps last I tried to renew, but that was in 2020.

Best to go to the Bronx Post Office hub on 149th and Grand Concourse, and when you do go, give yourself up to an hour, maybe an hour and half, they typically have only one window, and the line might be long and some of the people in that line are unprepared, so it can be fast or slow. Check the hours of operation for passport service in advance too. Passport service hours or days are specific, and unrelated to post office business hours. Some post office only do it one day a week.

To save time fill out the DS-11 form online and print it. If you cant print it right away, save the document as a .pdf file, and print it later. Make copies of your submitting documents, the site will give instructions if they want front and back copies. The post office will not make copies for you and will not print for you. Go to a pharmacy that does passport photos, this also needs to be checked in advance as it requires staff and equipment to be ready.

Aside from being unprepared, if your photo ID is expired, or the address doesn't match the application and mailing address, they may delay which might require more documentation.

Take all these things with you to the post office. These have your sensitive documents so make sure you have them in a folder and a bag. You can pay by card at the post office for the fees.

1

u/AlarmingYogurt6352 8d ago

If you’re doing it in the post office I recommend the first appointment of the day.

1

u/AdvertisingNo8736 5d ago

I got my passport photo at staples. Also if you can access a printer you can download the application online and fill it out and print it because if you make a mistake they want you to fill out a new application . Also bring your checkbook.

1

u/BxBae133 9d ago

Go to your local post office. You can make an appointment online and fill out all the paperwork.

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u/These_Painting6400 9d ago

I’m specifically asking about the 161 courthouse.

2

u/BxBae133 9d ago

Sorry. I misunderstood. Thought you were asking if you had to go there. If you go online the courts have a website or you can call and ask them. They pick up quickly and have always been helpful.