Been meaning to turn in that passport application? Life does get hectic, and it’s easy to just keep putting chores like that off. However, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to apply for a passport. It’s just a bad idea. Now, thanks to the Department of State’s annual Passport Day in the USA holiday, you don’t have to.
This event has been held for the past three years, and it gives people who don’t have a lot of time during the week a chance to submit their passport applications at a more convenient time. During Passport Day, all twenty four of the Department of State’s Regional Passport Agency offices are open on Saturday, with no appointment required. Many local passport acceptance facilities like post offices, libraries and clerks of court are open for the day, as well. Usually, Regional Passport Agency offices are only open for limited hours on weekdays, and you need an appointment to get it.
If you just got back from a summer vacation that took you out of the country, you’re probably thinking something along the lines of “Oh well, better late than never!” Why didn’t they hold Passport Day before the summer vacation rush?
As Bob Sullivan, customer service manager for National Passport Center, explained to MLive.com, it wasn’t a matter of choice:
“Our initial event was on April 9 but we rescheduled due to the possible federal government shutdown. Now is a good time because students who are studying abroad or travelers planning to go to the Olympics in London or on winter vacations can get them done.”
To find a participating office, click here to visit the Department of State’s website.
To help reduce lines and waiting times, the Department of State requests that you go online and print off the relevant forms, then fill them out ahead of time. Of course, you should also gather up all relevant documents. For more information, see:
How to Apply for a New Passport
How to Replace a Lost Passport
Passport Renewal: Cutting Through the Red Tape
Also, bear in mind that the only services available during Passport Day are regular service, which takes about six weeks, and standard expedited service, which takes two to three weeks. For faster service, you have to apply during the week at one of the Regional Passport Agency offices, and you’ll need an appointment. Or, get your passport application expedited with RushMyPassport for processing in as little as 24 hours!