The United States Custom House – Philadelphia, PA

Building Overview and History

The United States Custom House is a prominent federal office building located at 200 Chestnut Street in the Old City district of Philadelphia. Completed in 1934, this striking 17-story Art Deco skyscraper was constructed as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. Designed by the architectural firm Ritter & Shay, the building is celebrated for its limestone facade, aluminum ornamentation, and a distinctive rotunda that features maritime-themed murals by artist George Harding. While it historically served the U.S. Customs Service, today it functions as a multi-agency federal facility. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but unlike the nearby Second Bank of the United States, the Custom House is a working government office, not a museum, and general public tourism inside the building is restricted.

The Philadelphia Passport Agency

The most significant public-facing tenant within the Custom House is the Philadelphia Passport Agency, located in Room 103. This agency provides expedited passport services for U.S. citizens who have urgent international travel plans (typically within 14 days) or life-or-death emergencies. Unlike post offices or libraries that accept routine applications, this agency processes onsite applications for rapid turnaround. However, services here are strictly by appointment only. Walk-in service is not available. Applicants must schedule an appointment via the National Passport Information Center. Inside, the agency handles new passport books, renewals, and passport cards. Applicants should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled time to avoid congestion.

Other Federal Tenants

Beyond passport services, the Custom House serves as a regional hub for several other critical federal entities. It houses field offices for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees food safety and pharmaceutical regulations in the region. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also maintains administrative offices here, continuing the building’s original legacy of managing trade and border security. Additionally, the building contains offices for the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. Because these are active operational headquarters for federal law enforcement and regulatory bodies, the upper floors are generally off-limits to the public without specific business.

Security and Entry Requirements

Access to the U.S. Custom House is governed by strict federal security protocols. All visitors, including those with passport appointments, must pass through airport-style security screening involving metal detectors and X-ray bag checks. A valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory for entry. Weapons of any kind, including small pocket knives and pepper spray, are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated or result in denied entry. Mobile phones are generally permitted but must be silenced; however, photography is prohibited inside the federal workspaces. Due to the volume of passport applicants, lines can form outside the building on Chestnut Street, so visitors should dress appropriately for the weather.

Location and Transportation

Situated in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, the Custom House is exceptionally accessible via public transit. It is located just one block south of the 2nd Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line (MFL), providing a direct link to Center City and transportation hubs like 30th Street Station. Several SEPTA bus routes, including the 5, 9, 17, 21, 33, 42, and 48, stop within a block of the entrance. For drivers, on-street parking is metered and extremely limited due to the high tourist traffic of Independence National Historical Park. Several commercial parking garages are available on 2nd Street and near Front Street, but using public transit is strongly recommended to avoid high parking costs and congestion.

• Appointment Only: You cannot enter the Passport Agency without a scheduled appointment.
• Urgent Travel: Services are primarily for travelers departing within 14 days.
• Payment: Credit cards, checks, and money orders are accepted; cash is generally not recommended or accepted for some fees.
• No Museum Access: The historic rotunda and murals are typically not open for casual tours.