US passport after Oath Ceremony: send application or apply in person?

[Andrea&Henry 311]

I became an US citizen a few days ago and I want (and need) to get my passport (my foreign passport is expired). I know I can go in person to an USPS to apply but can I send my application instead?

[ryna 132]

First time applicants must appear in person.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/first-time.html

I'm not sure how the Post Office works (appointment-only, etc.) but I submitted my passport application at a Clerk of the Court Annex which was very easy because it was nearly empty. They charged $25 (I think) to be the accepting agent, but otherwise very easy. Maybe your county has that option as well if the Post Office is too busy.

Edited June 3, 2016 by ryna

[zkt101 38]

I became an US citizen a few days ago and I want (and need) to get my passport (my foreign passport is expired). I know I can go in person to an USPS to apply but can I send my application instead?

All first time passport applicants must apply in person.

[akihon 129]

Post offices don't require appointments, only the Passport Agencies for expedited service for an incoming trip or to obtain a foreign visa with itinerary impending.

But yes, first time applicants must appear in person, and after the passport person has confirmed that you have all the necessary documents, they will ask you to raise your right hand and swear that all the information you've submitted is correct to the best of your knowledge.

The odd thing I experienced was that I couldn't pay the passport fees all on one check. I had one written for $165, but was told I could pay with a debit card. I asked about using a credit card, and the passport person said that credit can only be used to pay for the $25 processing. Even if I wanted to pay by check, the $25 would still be separate. So strange. I ended up putting everything on my debit.

Edited June 3, 2016 by akihon

[ryna 132]

Post offices don't require appointments, only the Passport Agencies for expedited service for an incoming trip or to obtain a foreign visa with itinerary impending.

But yes, first time applicants must appear in person, and after the passport person has confirmed that you have all the necessary documents, they will ask you to raise your right hand and swear that all the information you've submitted is correct to the best of your knowledge.

The odd thing I experienced was that I couldn't pay the passport fees all on one check. I had one written for $165, but was told I could pay with a debit card. I asked about using a credit card, and the passport person said that credit can only be used to pay for the $25 processing. Even if I wanted to pay by check, the $25 would still be separate. So strange. I ended up putting everything on my debit.

Good to know about being walk-in. In my case, the Court Clerk Annex is within walking distance from my house and the P.O. isn't so it was easier and no line of people buying stamps!

[TBoneTX 45,288]

*** Thread is moved from the US Citizenship main forum to the "Passports, etc." subforum. ***

[another1 2]

Not all, but some USPS locations do require an appointment. And for those that do, next available appt. may be months away, so it's always best to check ahead. You can call them directly or you can check Travel.state.gov website and navigate to "Where to apply". After entering your zip code, all nearby locations will be displayed where you can see whether or not they require an appointment.

[KASH2011 382]

Nope! You have to appear in person!

[3600rs 24]

First time applicants must appear in person.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/first-time.html

I'm not sure how the Post Office works (appointment-only, etc.) but I submitted my passport application at a Clerk of the Court Annex which was very easy because it was nearly empty. They charged $25 (I think) to be the accepting agent, but otherwise very easy. Maybe your county has that option as well if the Post Office is too busy.

hey ryna:

Where is the Clerk of the Court Annex? I need to visit there if no rush, the post office attached to my area is always crowded.

When did you apply and how long the whole passport application take? I know there is an expedited option.

Lastly, does Orlando USCIS office have the passport application booth right after the OAth ceremony, some offices do. I have my Oath in the next one week.

TIA.

[ryna 132]

hey ryna:

Where is the Clerk of the Court Annex? I need to visit there if no rush, the post office attached to my area is always crowded.

When did you apply and how long the whole passport application take? I know there is an expedited option.

Lastly, does Orlando USCIS office have the passport application booth right after the OAth ceremony, some offices do. I have my Oath in the next one week.

TIA.

I applied back in 2009 and I didn't expedite. I think it arrived in under the 6 weeks stated but I honestly don't remember because I had applied 6 months before I needed it. I also don't know if Orlando USCIS has a booth at the oath ceremony or not. My wife passed her interview last week but is still waiting for her ceremony to be scheduled so we haven't been yet.

For Orange County, any of these will accept passport applications. The main courthouse on Orange Ave. would be the busiest, but I would imagine that the others would be faster (to apply, not to receive the passport, of course.)

Passport applications are accepted at the following Clerk locations:

• Orange County Courthouse: 425 North Orange Ave., Room 355
• Apopka branch: 1111 North Rock Springs Rd.
• Goldenrod branch: 684 S. Goldenrod Rd. - Pinar Plaza
• Ocoee branch: 475 West Story Rd.
• Winter Park branch: 450 North Lakemont Ave.

https://myorangeclerk.com/Divisions/Passports?pagesection=Passports

Edited June 6, 2016 by ryna

[3600rs 24]

I applied back in 2009 and I didn't expedite. I think it arrived in under the 6 weeks stated but I honestly don't remember because I had applied 6 months before I needed it. I also don't know if Orlando USCIS has a booth at the oath ceremony or not. My wife passed her interview last week but is still waiting for her ceremony to be scheduled so we haven't been yet.

For Orange County, any of these will accept passport applications. The main courthouse on Orange Ave. would be the busiest, but I would imagine that the others would be faster (to apply, not to receive the passport, of course.)

Passport applications are accepted at the following Clerk locations:

• Orange County Courthouse: 425 North Orange Ave., Room 355
• Apopka branch: 1111 North Rock Springs Rd.
• Goldenrod branch: 684 S. Goldenrod Rd. - Pinar Plaza
• Ocoee branch: 475 West Story Rd.
• Winter Park branch: 450 North Lakemont Ave.

https://myorangeclerk.com/Divisions/Passports?pagesection=Passports

Thanks

Edited June 6, 2016 by 3600rs