Applying for your first United States 🇺🇸 passport can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to start or what steps to follow. The U.S. Department of State has made the process easier by offering Special Passport Acceptance Fairs. These events are designed to help first-time applicants and children apply in person, often during evenings and weekends, making it more convenient for families and busy individuals.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the entire journey, from preparing your documents to receiving your passport, so you know exactly what to expect and how to make the process as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Determine If You Need to Attend a Special Passport Acceptance Fair
Special Passport Acceptance Fairs are for:
– First-time adult applicants
– Children under 16 (who must always apply in person)
If you’re an adult renewing your passport and you’re eligible to use Form DS-82, you don’t need to attend these events. You can renew by mail or online at any time. But if you’re applying for your first passport, or for a child, you must use Form DS-11 and apply in person.
Step 2: Find a Special Passport Acceptance Fair Near You
The Department of State regularly updates a list of upcoming Special Passport Acceptance Fairs. These events are organized by date and location, making it easy to find one close to you. New events are added each week, so if you don’t see one nearby, check back often.
- How to search: Use the event list on the Department of State’s website. Expand the monthly tabs and use the search tool at the top to filter by your state or city.
- If you can’t find an event: Some passport acceptance facilities are open on weekends year-round. You can use the Acceptance Facility Search Tool to locate a nearby facility that fits your schedule.
Step 3: Schedule Your Appointment (If Required)
Most Special Passport Acceptance Fairs require appointments, but some accept walk-ins. The event list will tell you if you need to call ahead or if you can simply show up. For example, some locations ask you to call a specific number to reserve your spot, while others welcome applicants during posted hours.
- Tip: Book your appointment as early as possible, especially during busy travel seasons.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents and Complete Form DS-11
Before attending the fair, make sure you have everything you need:
– Completed Form DS-11 (do not sign until instructed by an agent)
– Proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate)
– Proof of identity (like a driver’s license or state ID)
– Photocopies of documents (front and back, as required)
– Passport photo (must meet official requirements)
– Payment for fees (check the event details for accepted payment methods)
If you’re applying for a child, both parents or guardians usually need to be present, or you must provide a notarized consent form from the absent parent.
Step 5: Attend the Special Passport Acceptance Fair
Arrive at your scheduled time with all your documents. At the event, a trained agent will review your paperwork, check your ID, and witness your signature on Form DS-11. They’ll collect your payment and package your application for mailing to the U.S. Department of State.
- What to expect: The process usually takes 20-30 minutes per applicant, but wait times may vary depending on how busy the event is.
- Friendly support: Staff are there to answer questions and help with any paperwork issues.
Step 6: Application Processing and Timeframes
After your application is accepted, the facility will mail it to the U.S. Department of State for processing. The acceptance facility does not issue passports on-site.
- Routine service: Usually takes 6-8 weeks from the day your application is received.
- Expedited service: Takes about 2-3 weeks, but costs extra.
- Urgent travel: If you need a passport in less than two weeks, you must make an appointment at one of the 26 passport agencies or centers. Special Passport Acceptance Fairs do not handle urgent requests.
Step 7: Track Your Application and Receive Your Passport
Once your application is submitted, you can track its status online through the Department of State’s passport status tool. Your new passport will be mailed to you once processing is complete.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience
– Double-check all documents before your appointment to avoid delays.
– Arrive early to allow time for check-in and any unexpected issues.
– Bring extra copies of your documents, just in case.
– Check payment methods accepted at the event—some may not take credit cards.
August 2025 Events
| Location | City | State | Date | Time | Appointments Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Johns County Clerk of Courts | St. Augustine | FL | Sat, Aug 2 | 8:30am-1:30pm | No |
| Worthington Libraries | Worthington | OH | Sat, Aug 2 | 3pm-5pm | No |
| Johnson County Clerk | Cleburne | TX | Sat, Aug 2 | 10am-2pm | Yes, call 817-202-4000 ext. 2539 |
| West Post Office | West | TX | Sat, Aug 2 | 8am-4pm | No |
| Mapp Building-University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (410 East 8th St) | Chattanooga | TN | Mon, Aug 4 | 10am-4pm | Yes |
| Essex County Clerk’s Office (600 Bloomfield Ave) | Verona | NJ | Tue, Aug 5 | 9am-3pm | Yes, call 973-621-4916 |
| Mapp Building-University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (410 East 8th St) | Chattanooga | TN | Tue, Aug 5 | 10am-4pm | Yes |
| Essex County Clerk’s Office (230 Fairfield Rd) | Fairfield | NJ | Wed, Aug 6 | 9am-3pm | Yes, call 973-621-4916 |
| Somerset County Library System (100 Community Dr) | Skillman | NJ | Wed, Aug 6 | 4pm-7pm | Yes |
| Bexar County District Clerk (4522 Fredericksburg Rd) | Balcones Heights | TX | Wed, Aug 6 | 9am-2pm | Yes, call 210-214-6019 or email [email protected] |
| Essex County Clerk’s Office (560 Northfield Ave) | West Orange | NJ | Thu, Aug 7 | 9am-3pm | Yes, call 973-621-4916 |
| Passaic County Clerk (537 Totowa Rd) | Totowa | NJ | Thu, Aug 7 | 5pm-7pm | Yes |
| Broward County Clerk of Court | Fort Lauderdale | FL | Sat, Aug 9 | 8am-1pm | Yes |
| Snapper Creek Post Office | Miami | FL | Sat, Aug 9 | 1pm-6pm | No |
| Redwood City Main Post Office | Redwood City | CA | Tue, Aug 12 | 8:30am-5:30pm | Yes |
| Passaic County Clerk (401 Grad St, Room 130) | Paterson | NJ | Tue, Aug 12 | 4:30pm-7pm | Yes |
| Passaic County Clerk (1237 Ringwood Ave) | Haskell | NJ | Tue, Aug 12 | 4:30pm-7pm | Yes |
| Essex County Clerk’s Office (600 Bloomfield Ave) | Verona | NJ | Tue, Aug 12 | 9am-3pm | Yes, call 973-621-4916 |
| Somerset County Library System (6 Rockview Ave) | North Plainfield | NJ | Wed, Aug 13 | 4pm-7pm | Yes |
| Passaic County Clerk (5 Brophy Ln) | Woodland Park | NJ | Wed, Aug 13 | 10am-1pm | Yes |
| City of Dublin | Dublin | CA | Sat, Aug 16 | 8am-1pm | Yes |
| Passaic County Clerk (537 Totowa Rd) | Totowa | NJ | Tue, Aug 19 | 10am-1pm | Yes |
| Passaic County Clerk (106 Brown Ave) | Prospect Park | NJ | Tue, Aug 19 | 5pm-7pm | Yes |
| Essex County Clerk’s Office (600 Bloomfield Ave) | Verona | NJ | Tue, Aug 19 | 9am-3pm | Yes, call 973-621-4916 |
| Essex County Clerk’s Office (560 Northfield Ave) | West Orange | NJ | Wed, Aug 20 | 9am-3pm | Yes, call 973-621-4916 |
| Essex County Clerk’s Office (230 Fairfield Rd) | Fairfield | NJ | Thu, Aug 21 | 9am-3pm | Yes, call 973-621-4916 |
| Passaic County Clerk (103 Overlook Ave) | North Haledon | NJ | Thu, Aug 21 | 10am-1pm | Yes |
| East Lake Community Library | Pam Harbor | FL | Sat, Aug 23 | 9:30am-2:30pm | Yes |
| Sullivan County Clerk | Monticello | NY | Sun, Aug 24 | 10am-2pm | No |
| Passaic County Clerk (1470 Union Valley Rd) | West Milford | NJ | Tue, Aug 26 | 5pm-7pm | Yes |
| Somerset County Library System (35 West End Ave) | Somerville | NJ | Wed, Aug 27 | 4pm-7pm | Yes |
| Passaic County Clerk (445 Lafayette Ave) | Hawthorne | NJ | Wed, Aug 27 | 10am-1pm | Yes |
| Town Clerk of North Hempstead (14 Arrandale Ave) | Great Neck | NY | Wed, Aug 27 | 4pm-7pm | Yes, call 516-482-0355 |
| Passaic County Clerk (900 Clifton Ave, 1st Floor Conference) | Clifton | NJ | Thu, Aug 28 | 10am-1pm | Yes |
| Passaic County Clerk (8 Warren Way) | Little Falls | NJ | Thu, Aug 28 | 5pm-7pm | Yes |
| Town Clerk of North Hempstead (1 Library Dr) | Port Washington | NY | Thu, Aug 28 | 4pm-7pm | Yes, call 516-869-6311 |
July 2025 Events
| Location | City | State | Date | Time | Appointments Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verona Town Hall (600 Bloomfield Ave.) | Verona | NJ | Tue, Jul 22 | 9am-3pm | Yes |
| Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Ave.) | Memphis | TN | Tue, Jul 22 | 10am-5pm | Yes |
| Fairfield Town Hall (230 Fairfield Rd.) | Fairfield | NJ | Wed, Jul 23 | 9am-3pm | Yes |
| Somerset County Library System (379 S. Branch Rd.) | Hillsborough | NJ | Wed, Jul 23 | 4pm-7pm | Yes |
| Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Ave.) | Memphis | TN | Wed, Jul 23 | 10am-5pm | Yes |
| West Orange Park and Ride – Community Complex (560 Northfield Ave.) | West Orange | NJ | Thu, Jul 24 | 9am-3pm | Yes |
| Berkeley College (44 Rifle Camp Rd.) | Woodland Park | NJ | Thu, Jul 24 | 5pm-7pm | Yes |
| Clifton Municipal Building 1st Floor Conference Room (900 Clifton Ave.) | Clifton | NJ | Thu, Jul 24 | 10am-1pm | Yes |
| Union County Clerks Office (1980 Morris Ave) | Union | NJ | Thu, Jul 24 | 5:30pm-7:30pm | Yes, call 973-645-3213 |
| Cookeville Post Office | Cookeville | TN | Sat, Jul 26 | 11am-4pm | No |
| Cameron County District Clerk (213 N Yturria St) | Port Isabel | TX | Sat, Jul 26 | 9am-1pm | No |
| Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office (1700 First Colony Blvd) | Sugar Land | TX | Sat, Jul 26 | 8am-12pm | Yes |
| Kenbridge Post Office | Kenbridge | VA | Sat, Jul 26 | 10am-12pm | No |
| Peninsula Library (280 Central Ave.) | Lawrence | NY | Tue, Jul 29 | 10am-2pm | No |
| Verona Town Hall (600 Bloomfield Ave.) | Verona | NJ | Tue, Jul 29 | 9am-3pm | Yes |
| The Plaza Room (1500 Medical Center Pkwy) | Murfreesboro | TN | Tue, Jul 29 | 8:30am-3:30pm | Yes |
| Somerset County Library System (100 S. 10th Ave.) | Manville | NJ | Wed, Jul 30 | 4pm-7pm | Yes |
| Wayne Township Municipal Building (475 Valley Rd.) | Wayne | NJ | Wed, Jul 30 | 5pm-7pm | Yes |
| West Caldwell Library (30 Clinton Rd.) | West Caldwell | NJ | Wed, Jul 30 | 9am-3pm | Yes |
| Nashville State Community College Room 54 (2845 Elm Hill Pk) | Nashville | TN | Wed, Jul 30 | 8:30am-3:30pm | Yes |
| Nashville State Community College Room 54 (2845 Elm Hill Pk) | Nashville | TN | Thu, Jul 31 | 8:30am-3:30pm | Yes |
What If There Are No Events Near You?
If you can’t find a Special Passport Acceptance Fair nearby, use the Acceptance Facility Search Tool to find a local post office, library, or government office that accepts passport applications. Many are open on weekends for added convenience.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these fairs have helped thousands of first-time applicants and families by offering flexible hours and expert support, making the passport application process less stressful and more accessible.
For more details, including updated event lists and official requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State’s passport page.
By following these steps and preparing ahead, you can confidently apply for your first United States 🇺🇸 passport and look forward to your future travels.
Learn Today
Special Passport Acceptance Fairs → Events organized by the U.S. Department of State to help first-time passport applicants apply in person.
Form DS-11 → The official application form required for first-time U.S. passport applicants and minors applying in person.
Acceptance Facility Search Tool → An online resource to locate nearby passport acceptance facilities, including post offices and libraries.
Expedited Service → A faster passport processing option taking about 2-3 weeks but requiring additional fees.
Routine Service → Standard passport processing time, usually taking 6-8 weeks from application receipt by the U.S. Department of State.
This Article in a Nutshell
Applying for your first U.S. passport is easier with Special Passport Acceptance Fairs offering flexible hours and expert help. They guide you step-by-step, from document preparation to application submission, ensuring a smooth process, especially for children and first-time adults. These fairs provide accessible support close to you.
— By VisaVerge.com
