Skip the Long Wait for a New Passport at These Events

To cope with the growing demand for new passports during what is expected to be the busiest summer tourist season on record, the US Department of State is holding passport application fairs across the country. Here’s what you need to know about the program, including who is eligible and how to find one in your area.

What are Passport Application Fairs?

Throughout the summer, post offices, libraries and local government offices will host passport application fairs where people can get help with the passport application process.

Event venues can be found on the State Department website . There are currently fairs listed in California, New Jersey, Louisiana, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, and Georgia, with more sites being added weekly. If no facility is scheduled in your area, you can find the facility closest to you using the Pickup Location Finder .

Who is eligible?

For now , these fairs are specifically for people (including children) applying for their first passport using Form DS-11. Those who wish to renew their passport still need to do so by mail. If you require a passport for urgent international travel, you will need to make an appointment at one of the passport agencies or State Department centers .

How long does it take to get a passport?

In March, the State Department reported that it takes 10 to 13 weeks to process regular passport applications and seven to nine weeks for expedited applications, noting that processing times fluctuate throughout the year based on demand.

At this time, the State Department has not 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 reduce the chance of last-minute issues.