Need a passport fast? This rare event in NC lets travelers apply for one in person
If you need a passport fast, you’re in luck. There’s a rare opportunity to get one quickly in North Carolina.
Just in time for another anticipated busy summer travel season, The Department of State is holding another special passport acceptance fair for travelers to apply for one in person in Carrboro, near Chapel Hill
Every month, passport acceptance facilities across the country, including libraries, post offices and schools, have been hosting these special events for first-time passport holders.
There have been a few special passport acceptance fairs in North Carolina, with the last one being in Durham in February. The upcoming one will be held Saturday, June 15 at the Carrboro Post Office at 1500 W. Main Street from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointments are not required, so you can drop in any time. You can also get your photo taken onsite.
What is needed to apply for a passport at an acceptance fair?
Most passport fairs are for travelers getting a passport for the first time, according to the Department of State. Those who need to renew passports can do so by mail and do not need to reapply in person.
Here is a list of what you need when applying for a new passport book:
Evidence of U.S. citizenship that is original or a replacement with photocopy (birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship)
Physical photo ID and photocopy of it (Driver’s license, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, government employee ID, U.S. military or military dependent ID, U.S. permanent resident card, etc.)
2 x 2 inch passport photo with white background (color photo taken in the last 6 months)
$130 application fee and $35 execution fee. Application fees for children 16 and under are $100. (Expedited applications are an additional $60)
When and how quickly will you get a passport?
At the special passport acceptance fairs, facilities do not process and issue passports, but will be able to mail off applications — offering routine and expedited service — to the U.S. Department of State.
Processing times for passports takes about 6-8 weeks and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, along with up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center and up to 2 weeks for your completed passport to be sent back.
When is the next special passport acceptance fair?
As of now, there are no other special passport acceptance fairs in North Carolina scheduled for June or July, but new events around the country are added each week.
You can find more information about the special passport acceptance fairs and the passport application process online at travel.state.gov.
This story was originally published June 7, 2024 at 11:13 AM.
.jpg)