Seattle Federal Building: Agencies, ID Rules, and Parking

The Seattle Federal Building — formally the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building — is a 37-story government office tower at 915 Second Avenue in downtown Seattle, housing the IRS, the VA Regional Benefit Office, the Seattle Passport Agency, the Social Security Administration, and more than a dozen other federal agencies. If you’re planning a visit, the two things that trip people up are appointments (most public-facing offices require one) and identification (as of May 7, 2025, every adult needs a REAL ID-compliant credential to get past security).

Which Agencies You Can Visit

The building holds offices for the Departments of Treasury, Veterans Affairs, State, Homeland Security, Justice, Commerce, Education, Agriculture, and Transportation, along with the Social Security Administration, Federal Trade Commission, National Labor Relations Board, and a U.S. Senate office.1General Services Administration (GSA). FY 2023 Seattle WA Henry M Jackson Federal Building Prospectus – Alteration Most of those tenants do administrative or regional oversight work and don’t run a service counter. The four offices the public actually walks into are the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, the VA Regional Benefit Office, the Seattle Passport Agency, and the Social Security Administration field office.

Do You Need an Appointment

It depends on which office you’re visiting, and getting this wrong means a wasted trip downtown.

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center

Appointment only. Call 844-545-5640 to schedule. The Seattle office handles ITIN document reviews, payment questions, and tax matters that can’t be resolved online or by phone.2Internal Revenue Service. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers Providing In-Person ITIN Document Review

VA Regional Benefit Office

Walk-ins are welcome for most services, including disability compensation, survivor benefits, transition assistance, and benefit letters, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The exceptions are Veteran Readiness and Employment and family member or caregiver benefits, which require an appointment through the VERA system. The Public Contact Team is on the first floor, with a dedicated entrance on First Avenue.3U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Seattle VA Regional Benefit Office

Seattle Passport Agency

Appointment only, and only for travelers with genuine urgency: international travel within 14 calendar days, or within 28 days if you also need a foreign visa. Bring printed proof of your travel. A $60 expedite fee applies on top of the standard passport fees. The agency is in Suite 600 and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.4U.S. Department of State. Apply at the Seattle Passport Agency

Social Security Administration

The SSA office is in Suite 901 on the ninth floor. General hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a shorter Wednesday schedule that closes at noon. Call 800-772-1213 before you go to confirm hours and whether your request needs an appointment.

ID You Must Bring

Since May 7, 2025, every adult 18 or older needs an acceptable form of ID to enter. Children under 18 do not.5Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions Acceptable credentials include:6Department of Homeland Security. ID Requirements for Federal Facilities

  • A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (a star in the upper corner)
  • A U.S. passport or passport card
  • A state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License, available in Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont5Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions
  • A military ID or other federally issued credential

A standard, non-REAL ID Washington driver’s license will not get you in for unescorted access. If you’re not sure whether yours is compliant, check with the Washington Department of Licensing before you make the trip.

What You Can’t Bring Inside

After ID check, everyone goes through a Federal Protective Service checkpoint with a magnetometer and X-ray screening for bags. Laptops, tablets, and phones are allowed but may be inspected by hand.7U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FAQ Regarding Items Prohibited from Federal Property

Firearms and dangerous weapons are prohibited by federal law. A first offense can carry up to a year in prison, and up to five years if you brought the weapon intending to use it in a crime. The statute defines “dangerous weapon” broadly but exempts pocket knives with a blade under 2½ inches. A blade of 2½ inches or longer is treated the same as a firearm.8Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 18 USC 930 – Possession of Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in Federal Facilities

Narcotics and controlled substances are also barred by federal regulation. Prescription medications in their original containers are fine.9eCFR. 41 CFR Part 102-74 Subpart C – Conduct on Federal Property The building’s Facility Security Committee can restrict other items for local security reasons. If you’re bringing anything unusual, call the agency first.

Hours and 2026 Holiday Closures

The building is open to the public on weekdays. The specific window you have depends on which agency you need. The VA runs 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Passport Agency closes at 3:00 p.m., and SSA opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at noon on Wednesdays.

The building closes on all federal holidays. In 2026:10U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Federal Holidays

  • January 1 (Thursday) — New Year’s Day
  • January 19 (Monday) — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • February 16 (Monday) — Washington’s Birthday
  • May 25 (Monday) — Memorial Day
  • June 19 (Friday) — Juneteenth
  • July 3 (Friday) — Independence Day observed (July 4 falls on a Saturday)
  • September 7 (Monday) — Labor Day
  • October 12 (Monday) — Columbus Day
  • November 11 (Wednesday) — Veterans Day
  • November 26 (Thursday) — Thanksgiving Day
  • December 25 (Friday) — Christmas Day

Getting There and Parking

The building takes up the block between Marion and Madison Streets and First and Second Avenues. The main public entrance is on Second Avenue; the First Avenue entrance goes directly to the VA Public Contact Office.3U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Seattle VA Regional Benefit Office

Public transit is the practical choice. Metro buses run along Second Avenue, Link Light Rail stations sit within a few blocks, and the King County Water Taxi from Pier 50 is a short walk to the First Avenue door. Link Light Rail also connects Sea-Tac Airport to downtown.

Do not plan to park in the building. Its 44 indoor spaces are all reserved for official government use.1General Services Administration (GSA). FY 2023 Seattle WA Henry M Jackson Federal Building Prospectus – Alteration Commercial garages along Marion Street and nearby blocks are the alternative, and downtown daily rates run high.

Phone Numbers Before You Go

There is no general information desk for the building. Each agency has its own line: