A new passport office is open in Charlotte. Here’s how to make an appointment
There’s a new location to apply for a passport in Charlotte.
The city recently opened an office in uptown that will accept passport applications for travelers on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.
Located at the clerk’s office in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center at 600 E. 4th St., the facility aims to help alleviate delays and make the process more convenient.
For months, it’s been difficult to get a passport in Charlotte after the State Department in February temporarily suspended its online passport renewals (OPR) service.
Most in-person appointment slots at other offices in the area are filled through April, and travelers can only book appointments up to four weeks in advance.
“The city is pleased to provide this additional convenience to city employees and uptown residents, workers and visitors,” City Clerk Stephanie Kelly said in a statement.
Regular processing could take 8 to 11 weeks, while expedited passports are expected to take 5 to 7 weeks, officials said.
“We understand that it may currently be difficult to find an appointment at an acceptance facility in some areas of the country, including in Charlotte,” a State Department spokesperson told The Charlotte Observer in February. “Appointment availability may fluctuate throughout the year with upticks in demand, especially as we approach the busy season for spring and summer travel.”
Because it is a passport acceptance facility, you will not be able to renew your passport at the city’s new office. If you need to renew your passport, you can do so by mail.
How to schedule an appointment
Where: 600 E. 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202, Suite 159
When: You can schedule passport appointments Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Services are offered in-person by appointment only. Appointments can be made online at charlottenc.gov.
How to apply for a new passport
Here are the materials you need to have when applying for a new passport:
Proof of U.S. citizenship that is original or certified, physical copy (birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship)
Photocopy of proof of citizenship (must be on white 8.5-inch-by-11-inch standard paper)
Present ID (driver’s license, government employment ID, U.S. military ID, etc.)
Photocopy of ID
Passport photo (color photo taken in the last 6 months) Full list of photo requirements can be found here.
There are additional documents needed to get a passport for children 16 and under. Those requirements can be found at travel.state.gov.
Where else to get a passport in Charlotte
Charlotte Passport Acceptance Center
Location: 1820 Harris Houston Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262
Appointments are required. You can schedule an appointment online.
South Providence Charlotte USPS
Location: 11035 Golf Links Dr., Charlotte, NC 28277
Appointments are required. You can schedule an appointment online.
Union Station- UNC Charlotte
Location: 8845 Craver Rd., Charlotte, NC 28223
No walk-ins until further notice. Scheduled appointments can be made between 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 704 687-5803 or unionstation@uncc.edu for more information.
To check for an open appointment outside of Charlotte, you can access the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page database at iafdb.travel.state.gov.
This story was originally published March 9, 2023 at 11:30 AM.
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