If only zero stars were an option. I had made a 240pm appt to have my minor child's passport renewed. Prior to the appointment I took personal time from work, arranged coverage for work responsibilities, picked up my child early from school, and raced across South Brooklyn by bike to make it on time. We arrived about two minutes late then had to wait on a bench with no one there for a bit. Eventually someone came out, named "Santiago." I told him we had an appointment, he said we were late and couldn't be seen. I asked to speak with someone else. His colleague came came out with a scowl, reiterated that they wouldn't see my child, and told me the agent had left for the day. I asked, "So, I have a 3:40 to 4pm appointment. It's ten to four now, and this person left?" She replied in the affirmative. Then she walked away and - yes - slammed the door to her office behind her. I went to a "welcome" desk nearby and asked for help. They called someone who came down, named Bryanna. Bryanna was pleasant but firmly repeated the policy. I expressed how this felt terrible to be treated this way by a public institution that we support and believe in, that I had made genuine efforts to make it to the appointment, and that we arrived than ten minutes late. At this point her attitude changed and she challenged my position, saying "exactly what part of this do you have a problem with?" and reminded me we arrived late. I was surprised but of course simply explained that we were only a few minutes late, that traveling with a child is inefficient, and that a reasonable interpretation of the policy - of which we were certainly unaware - would include a view to serving the community and, in cases like this, simply seeing the customer and helping them. I filled out a paper complaint form, but of course expect little from them in terms of accountability. One strike for so-called public service libraries, sad given how they're under attack everywhere and would seem to want to remind the community of how they're essential and deserve our support. read more

From the moment we arrived, staff was rude and nasty. No professional manners. No clear with the information.

Probably the worst and most incompetent passport services I've come across so far. To really understand my frustration, we need to dial back (yes I said dial) to December when I was going to renew my passport. I took my photos with my application and went to this center. The supervisor rejected my photos and said that there was "shadowing" on my face. Apparently, not wearing make up, or at least forgoing your regular under the eye brighter before you take your pictures is not recommended (or not getting enough sleep/being hungover, but that's a different story). Anyway, the supervisor rejected my photos. So now I have to retake them. On my way home that night, my purse, with my passport that I was trying to renew, along with my ID, was stolen. Now, you can just imagine how traumatizing having your purse stolen. Add into that, most forms of ID as well and then you have my nightmare. One that you can not wake up from so easily. For the sake of this review, we'll fast forward past the nightmare of getting a new SS card and a new state ID (by the way, the DMV was actually the easiest), and go right back the passport center and their incompetence. Now have all my other IDs together, now I just need my new passport. Clearly I'm a masochist because I keep going back to this center, hoping that it will just work out and I can finally have my passport. Now I have my [new] pictures done, the supervisor reviews my documents (and my picutres!), but tells me despite all the signs that claims they accept mastercard and visa only, this is in fact incorrect and they only accept money order. Fine. I'll go get a money order. The next day I come back, WITH my money order! However, even though the sign says they are open until 5, she supervisor tells me they are actually closing today at 2. So, I need to come back before 4:30 the next day. Now, I understand she is a government employee and therefore does not give a crap about my plight or my stolen purse or passport, but I have taken a lot of time off work to repeatedly go to government offices, the DMV and now the passport center, but don't give me wrong information then! The next day (this would be visit number four, for those keeping count), I head BACK to the passport center, BEFORE 4:30, only to be told, we are already closed. Seriously?!? There is a sign clearly stating, last appointment is AT 4:30 PM, meanwhile, it's before 4:00 PM and they have completely closed up shop, not taking anymore appointments. When I mentioned that to the supervisor, I got a snarky remark instead. Today was appointment number five (like I said, I'm a masochist). First, there's a a sign stating there's a "power outrage." Really? All the lights are on, all the computers are on. But if you say so. I hand over all my documents once again, and this time they claim my birth certificate, which has a stamp and seal from the great state of New York, which has been used to get ALLLLL my other documents replaced after being stolen, is not valid. Seriously? It's an original. But they have decided since it's the original, and they are not as familiar with it because it's done in a little different style (it's over 20 years old!), they don't want to accept it. SERIOUSLY?!? This wouldn't be so upsetting if I hadn't just shown ALL of my documents to them four times prior when they told me it was fine. The main issue is inconsistency when there's one rule for Monday but a different rule applies on Thursday. But what should we expect from government employees. read more

This rating is for the passport service. The people are rude and unprofessional. I had to replace a passport and was told I needed to bring my birth certificate. No one has an original copy of that, you have an official copy which is permissible to use. I called a passport agency to verify this and came a 2nd time to try and replace my passport. I was told it is not accepted. Frustrated, went to the passport agency in grand army plaza who were more than willing to accept the official copy! They were also wondering why this particular branch gave me a hard time. If you want less hassle go elsewhere and dont come here. Dont even come here to apply or renew a passport. It's a bunch of a college kids working there for quick cash and poor personalities with a supervisor sitting in the chair unwilling to double check actual legal requirements for your passport. read more

This is for the passport service, i had to come here more then on one occasion , so i have an idea of how these people are towards others. I must say the people who check the documents and the fees at their little cubicles are the most disrespectful beings , completely unncessarily rude towards the people they see .their demeanor is that of someone who hates their job and their life ! They do not know how to speak to, nor treat someone like a human being . They rush you, they do not give you a chance to speak or finish filling out an application which you have already started in front of them. Its absurd how terrible the so called service is . Eveytime i go there they ruin my day. If i ever worked in that unprofessional manner i would get fired on the spot. I hope their managers sees this and hires competant decent people. Everyone's job can be difficult but there is no reason to treat an individual like a nobody and give them hell. read more