Consulate of El Salvador for Hempstead (Nassau County, Long Island)
The Salvadoran community in Hempstead and Nassau County
Hempstead is one of the largest Hispanic hubs in western Long Island and the heart of Nassau County. Across the Village of Hempstead, the Town of Hempstead and neighboring places such as Uniondale, Roosevelt, Westbury, Freeport and Elmont lives a sizable Central American community, with thousands of Salvadoran families who arrived looking for work in construction, landscaping and lawn care, cleaning, restaurants and caregiving. Along Fulton Avenue and the streets of downtown Hempstead, pupuserías, remittance agencies and Latino businesses give shape to a very Salvadoran neighborhood.
What matters for these families is knowing that there is no Salvadoran consulate in Hempstead, and there is no office anywhere in Nassau County either. You don't have to travel far: the consular office assigned to this area is the Consulate of El Salvador in Long Island, located in Brentwood (Suffolk County), a little over half an hour away by car on the Southern State Parkway. There you can handle your DUI (national ID) —with same-day issuance for many renewals—, your passport, birth registrations, powers of attorney and other consular services. Below you'll find the exact address, phone, hours and how to get there from Hempstead.
HIGHLIGHT: The Long Island consulate in Brentwood is a same-day DUI (national ID) issuance office. If your application is a renewal and you meet the requirements, you can leave the same day with your new Documento Único de Identidad without waiting weeks for it to arrive by mail.
How to get to the consulate from Hempstead
The Consulate of El Salvador in Long Island is at 151 Alkier St, Brentwood, NY 11717, in Suffolk County. From Hempstead you have several ways to get there:
- By car: the most direct route is to take the Southern State Parkway eastbound and continue toward Brentwood; the trip is around 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. You can also combine the Sunrise Highway (NY-27) with local roads in central Suffolk.
- By train (LIRR): from the Hempstead station you can connect to the Ronkonkoma line and get off at Brentwood, finishing the last stretch by taxi or car.
- Mobile consulate: periodically the consulate organizes mobile consulate events to bring services closer to communities in Nassau and western Long Island. Check the dates before driving out to Brentwood.
- Virtual / online consulate: some procedures and questions can be started remotely through the portal and the Call Center, without having to show up in person.
Frequently asked questions – Salvadorans in Hempstead (Nassau)
Is there a Salvadoran consulate in Hempstead or in Nassau County?
No. There is no Salvadoran consular office in Hempstead or anywhere else in Nassau County. The office serving this part of western Long Island is the Consulate of El Salvador in Long Island, located at 151 Alkier St, Brentwood, NY 11717, a little over half an hour away by car.
How long does it take to get from Hempstead to the Brentwood consulate?
The trip usually takes between 30 and 40 minutes by car, normally heading east on the Southern State Parkway. During rush hour or with traffic on the parkway it can take longer, so leave with extra time and, if you have an appointment, arrive a few minutes before your slot.
I live in Hempstead. Can I renew my DUI the same day?
Yes. The Long Island consulate in Brentwood is a same-day DUI (national ID) issuance office. If your application is a renewal and you meet the requirements, you normally receive your new Documento Único de Identidad the same day as your appointment. For first-time applications or special cases more time may be required; confirm when you book.
Do I have an alternative to the Long Island consulate if I'm in Hempstead?
Since Hempstead is in western Long Island, the Consulate General of El Salvador in Manhattan (New York) is relatively close, reachable by LIRR train or car. It's an option if it's more convenient for you, although the office officially assigned to your area is the Long Island consulate in Brentwood. In each case, check which services each office offers.
Do I need an appointment or can I just show up from Hempstead?
It's best to book an appointment before traveling to Brentwood. You can do so at portalcitas.rree.gob.sv by selecting United States → Long Island, or by calling the Call Center at 1-888-301-1130. Coming with an appointment greatly reduces the wait and avoids a wasted trip.
Does the consulate hold mobile events near Hempstead or Nassau?
Yes, periodically the consulate holds mobile consulates to bring services closer to communities in western Long Island, including the Nassau area. Follow the consulate's official channels and the notices from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (rree.gob.sv) to learn the dates and how to register.