Washington, DC - This September is Passport Month.  As in previous years, the U.S. Department of State is celebrating by hosting special passport acceptance events across the United States and encouraging U.S. citizens to apply early for first-time passports or renewals.  We are offering Saturday acceptance events at participating passport agencies across the country to simplify the application process for our customers.  We encourage U.S. travelers to avoid the busy summer season and get your new U.S. passport faster by applying in the fall or winter.

You can save time and money by applying for a passport now, well in advance of your travel plans.  A U.S. passport is your key to visiting loved ones who live abroad, taking the trip of a lifetime, or working abroad.  Passports are also Real ID compliant for domestic travel within the United States.

First-time applicants can apply in person at participating passport agencies or participating acceptance facilities, which include post offices, clerks of courts, public libraries, and other state and local government offices.  Visit Travel.State.Gov/passportevents or tweet us @TravelGov for more information on participating locations, requirements, forms, and fees.

Prepare Now & Relax Later

To avoid issues with planned travel, the Department urges customers to:

  1. Apply well ahead of your trip and carefully follow the application instructions on Travel.State.Gov/applyearly, whether applying for the first time or renewing your passport.
  2. Applicants may choose routine service (6-8 weeks) or expedited service (2-3 weeks).  Expedited service costs an additional $60.
  3. Complete, download, and print out your application on our website.

Take advantage of the special hours offered and apply for your passport this September during Passport Month.  The end of summer does not have to mean the end of adventure.

For more information on how or where to apply, applicants should visit Travel.State.Gov/passportevents or call the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778/1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TTD).