The State Department has announced that it is once again holding “passport fairs” to help people who are applying for a passport for the first time. These are for first-time customers and children who must apply in person using Form DS-11. If you’re an adult who can renew a passport using Form DS-82, you can submit your application online or by snail mail at any time. If you’re traveling sooner than in two weeks and haven’t yet applied, make an appointment at one of 26 passport agencies or centers.
At the fair, you can expect help navigating the complex process of applying for a passport. These fairs are being held in February, March and April in libraries and town halls across the country. Some require you to make an appointment ahead of time, while others let you be a walk-in.
Getting a passport involves jumping through a number of complicated hoops, and it’s a huge relief to know you can go to one of these fairs and have someone walk you through the process. Things get doubly complicated when you are applying for a child’s passport because there is extra documentation you need to show. Divorced or widowed parents: it's even harder. Be aware that you won’t be able to leave the passport acceptance fair with your passport in hand—but you’ll know that your paperwork has been correctly prepared, and you can expect the passport to arrive by mail soon thereafter.
The State Department website currently shows roughly 85 different passport acceptance fairs being held this month and for the next two months. Check the website to find the one nearest you.
Important note: For folks who have filed for a new passport and selected “X” as their gender, those applications will be suspended because of President Trump’s order that only recognizes male and female genders, as reported by Travel & Leisure. It’s unknown whether passports already issued with X as the gender selection will remain valid. Hopefully these passport fairs may provide a faster way to restart your passport application if it was rejected—and please accept a hug of solidarity from all of us at Time Out.