To help deal with the surging demand for new passports during what is expected to be the busiest summer travel season on record, the U.S. State Department is holding passport application fairs throughout the country. Here’s what to know about the program, including who is eligible to attend, and how to find one in your area.
What are passport application fairs?
Throughout the summer, passport application fairs will take place at post offices, libraries, and local government offices, where people can get assistance with the passport application process.
The locations of the events can be found on the State Department’s website. Currently, there are fairs listed in California, New Jersey, Louisiana, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, and Georgia, with new sites being added weekly. If there isn’t one scheduled in your area, you can locate a facility near you by using the acceptance facility search tool.
Who is eligible to attend?
For now, these fairs are specifically for people (including children) applying for their first passport using Form DS-11. Those looking to renew their passport still need to do so by mail. If you require a passport for urgent international travel, you’ll need to make an appointment at one of the State Department’s passport agencies or centers.
How long does it take to get a passport?
In March, the State Department reported that it was taking between 10 and 13 weeks to process routine passport applications, and between seven and nine weeks for expedited applications—noting that processing times fluctuate throughout the year, based on demand.
At this point, the State Department hasn’t provided any information on the extent to which these passport application fairs are expected to reduce processing times. But, as always, the agency recommends applying for a passport “well in advance of any planned international travel,” to help reduce the chances of facing last-minute issues.
