NYC Gazette

Next event to be on June 11 in Woodside, Queens

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she will host a fourth local event to help constituents apply for or renew a passport.

This next passport event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, 2023 inside the United States Post Office in Woodside, Queens which is located at 39-25 61st Street. It follows Meng’s past three passport events this year at post offices in Flushing, Jackson Heights and Forest Hills where a total of 632 passport transactions were conducted. Those attending the upcoming Woodside event on June 11 must reside in Meng’s congressional district.

“I am glad to once again offer this valuable service to those I represent, especially with many now planning trips abroad in the coming weeks and months,” said Meng. “I thank the Postal Service for continuing to partner with me in providing these events, and I encourage constituents to take advantage of this opportunity to address their passport needs.”

Meng also again urged local residents to plan accordingly when seeking to renew or apply for a passport, particularly with the U.S. State Department’s routine processing time still at least 10-13 weeks long, and at least 7-9 weeks for expedited applications, not including mailing times.

With these long wait times persisting, the Congresswoman is continuing to push the State Department to reduce this backlog, and she recently questioned. Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the problem during a Congressional hearing on the State Department’s budget.

To receive a passport, an individual must be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national, and they need to complete the application form which Postal Service clerks at Meng’s June 11 event can assist with on-site. The required supporting documents must also be submitted and details can be found here.

The following is what constituents should bring to the Congresswoman’s Woodside passport event:

1. Proof of address to show residency in Meng’s congressional district. 

2. If applying for a first-time passport, bring an original copy and photocopy of proof of identity AND U.S. citizenship documents. 

3. For a renewal, bring the most recent passport and name change documents if there are any. 

4. Children under age 16 must apply in person with two parents or guardians using form DS-11. Applicant must provide U.S. citizenship evidence. Parents must show parental relationship and present ID. 

5. Debit/credit card, or check/money order made payable to "Postmaster" for acceptance fees. 

6. Check/money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State" for processing fees. 

7. A color passport photo taken in the last six months, or a photo can be taken on-site with an additional fee.

The costs of applying for and renewing a passport can be found here.

Appointments for Meng’s event are not required. Applications for first time passports and renewals will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Constituents who have questions can contact Meng’s office at 718-358-MENG. 

Original source can be found here.