Need a passport? Now you can get one without an appointment in Thurston County

An appointment is no longer required to be seen for passport services at the Thurston County Auditor’s Office.

According to a news release from the Auditor’s Office, people can walk-in for services, although appointments are still encouraged to avoid potentially long wait times.

The Auditor’s Office is the only place that provides passport services in Thurston County between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to the release. The office is located in the county’s new Atrium building at 3000 Pacific Ave. SE.

County Auditor Mary Hall said in the release that there’s an increasing demand for passports due to increased travel post-pandemic and the approaching REAL ID deadline. Starting May 7, 2025, everyone will need a passport or an enhanced driver’s license or identification card to travel anywhere by plane within the U.S.

The Auditor’s Office laid out a set of steps to follow to smooth out the process for those seeking walk-in services. The first step is to fill out the necessary paperwork, which you can find online.

Next, people are advised to arrive early in the day at the Atrium building, when business is lighter, and to keep in mind that staffing is limited during lunch breaks from noon to 2 p.m.

Those coming without an appointment should check in at the lobby kiosk and receive a number that will be called. If you’re planning to have your photo taken, the Auditor’s Office advises against wearing white or cream clothing, and opting for dark clothes instead.

Applicants must have a check or money order to pay the U.S. Department of State portion of the fees associated with getting a passport. It can take up to two weeks for your application to be “In Process” after submission, and it can take another 13 weeks to receive your passport.

You can make an appointment with the Auditor’s Office and find out more about what services it offers on its website.