Need a passport fast? The rare event in NC where you can apply for one in person

Chyna Blackmon
·2 min read
5

There is a high demand for passports across the U.S. ahead of an anticipated busy holiday season. If you need one fast, there will be a rare event in North Carolina that could help you get one quickly.

Passport acceptance facilities across the country, including post offices, libraries and local government offices, have been holding special passport fairs to help travelers apply for passports in person. There will be one in Rutherfordton this weekend.

According to The Department of State, it’s currently taking up to 11 weeks for passports to be processed and about five to seven weeks for expedited applications, which does not include mailing time.

“We encourage all Americans to check their passport expiration date before making plans for international travel, and renew their passport well in advance of international travel,” a release from The Department of State says. “Between October 2022 and September 2023 (the federal fiscal year), the State Department issued more than 24 million passport books and cards, the most ever in our nation’s history.”

This weekend’s passport fair in North Carolina will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Rutherford County Administration Offices at 289 N Main St. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are not required, so you can drop in at any time.

Most passport fairs are for those who will be getting a passport for the first time. If you need to renew your passport, you should do so by mail.

What do you need when applying for a passport?

Here is a list of the materials that are needed when applying for a new passport:

  • A passport application form

  • 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” by 11” 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.

  • $130 application fee and $35 execution fee. Application fees for children 16 and under are $100.

There are additional documents needed to get a passport for children 16 and under. Those requirements can be found at travel.state.gov.

So far, this weekend’s passport fair is the only North Carolina event on the schedule, but new fair dates are added weekly. You can find the full schedule on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Passport acceptance fair

Location: Rutherford County Administration Offices, 289 N Main St, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Date and time: Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.