Forest Hills Hosts Event For Passport Renewals Amid Backlogs

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — With summer travel plans approaching, Forest Hills residents looking to renew their passports can head to Queens Boulevard later this month to get a head start.

Residents of New York’s 6th congressional district will be able to apply for or renew their passports at an event on April 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Forest Hills post office located at 106-28 Queens Boulevard.

The event comes as the country faces a backlog in passports. Weekly applications have been about 30% to 40% above 2022, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in March.

That’s why Rep. Grace Meng is organizing her third passport even in Forest Hills.

“My past two passport events that I held in Flushing and Jackson Heights were both a huge success,” said Meng. “I remind local residents to plan ahead when applying for or renewing a passport to ensure its delivery before traveling abroad.”

The U.S. State Department has informed Meng that due to unprecedented demand, the routine processing time is at least 10-13 weeks, and at least 7-9 weeks for expedited applications, not including mailing times.

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

Residents should bring proof of address to show residency in the congressional district. First-time applicants must bring an original copy and photocopy of proof of identity and U.S. citizenship documents.

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

Applications for first-time passports and renewals will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.