This office is your standard federal office: its bleak, higher-than-necessary security, and dreaded by all.
The office is on the 3rd floor of the building - no food, drink or weapons (of any kind) allowed. A young woman had to take her keychain pepper spray to her car after waiting in a long line.
Fearing the worst, I arrived early - about 7:40am on a Tuesday. I was third in the line, which grew to about 30 people rather quickly. Doors open at 8:30 to get everyone checked in. You have to go through a metal detector and state why you're there. After you're given your ticket, you are seated based on services required.
Once I was "sorted", I was second in line for a new SS card. The service windows opened promptly at 9am and I was on my way out by 9:04.
Why four stars? The office is what it is....however! Every single employee who got off the elevator to clock in to work said "good morning" to the growing group of people waiting for service. Amazing!
Summary;
No food/drink/weapons
Doors open at 830, service at 9
Getting in line early pays off.