Need a passport? Triangle college is hosting a rare event for travelers to apply in person
If you’re planning on an international getaway but still need a passport, you’ll be able to skip making an appointment to get one more quickly in the Triangle area.
Every month, there are special passport acceptance fairs across the U.S. for travelers to apply for a passport in person. The Department of State announced that two more will be held in Durham soon.
The upcoming events will be held at North Carolina Central University on Oct. 3 and 4 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Appointments won’t be required so you can drop by anytime.
Passport acceptance fairs are only for first-time customers and children, according to the Department of State. If you need to renew a passport, you should do so online or by mail.
If you’re planning to stop by the upcoming acceptance fairs hosted in the Triangle, here’s what is needed if you’re applying in person.
What to bring to passport acceptance fair
A DS-11 passport application form printed on single-sided paper
Evidence of U.S. citizenship that is original or a replacement photocopy in black and white (birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship)
Physical photo ID and photocopy in black and white (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.)
Passport photo (2x2 inch color photo taken in the last 6 months) Full list of photo requirements can be found online at trave.state.gov.
$130 application fee and $35 execution fee. Application fees for children 16 and under are $100. Passport cards are an additional $30. (Expedited applications are an additional $60)
Children under 16 must also submit a document that lists their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), such as a bird certificate, adoption decree or court order. Both parents or guardians must also go with their child to apply in person to approve that a passport can be issued. If not, additional documentation is needed. You can find more information online at travel.state.gov.
The U.S. Department of State website says children 16 and 17 must also provide proof that a parent or guardian is aware that they are applying for a passport with at least one of the following ways:
Parents or guardians bring a photocopy of their ID and apply with their child in person to sign Form DS-11.
A signed note from parents or guardians with a photocopy of their ID.
Proof that parent or guardian is paying passport fees, such as a check or money order.
A notarized statement (Form DS-3053) from a parent or guardian and a photocopy of their ID.
When and how quickly will you get a passport?
You will not be able to get your passport on the spot at the special acceptance fair, as the events are for facilities to mail off applications directly to the U.S. Department of State.
Because the passport acceptance facilities only offer routine and expedited service, it should take about 6 to 8 weeks or as 2-3 weeks if you pay to have it expedited. But that does not account for mailing time which could add an additional two weeks for your application to arrive and another two weeks for your passport to be mailed back to you.
When is the next special passport acceptance fair?
At this time, there are no other additional scheduled passport acceptance fairs in North Carolina. You can keep an eye out for any upcoming events added in each week online at travel.state.gov.
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