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1. Do I have to make an appointment to get a passport?

If you are getting a passport for the first time or if your passport was issued more than 15 years ago (expired more than 5 years) then you will need to apply for a new passport in person. All minors under the age of 16 and anyone who has not obtained a passport as an adult will also need to apply in person. 

We ask that anyone needing to come for passport services make an appointment in advance. We are currently booking appointments as much as 2 months ahead of time, so planning ahead is essential. We do have limited cancellations that come available sooner, but you will need to call for more information.  If you need a passport quickly, visit travel.state.gov to read about urgent travel options.

Renewals for adults on unexpired passports or passports that expired less than 5 years ago need to be submitted by mail. We cannot process a renewal in our office, but we will be glad to review your renewal application before you submit it. Visit the State Department's Passport Renewal page for more information on renewals.

2. What documents do I need to get a passport?

For a complete list of all documents and information needed, always check the U.S. Department of State's website. 

Adults (18+)

Most new adult applicants will need the following documentation:

• Completed form DS-11
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (a certified copy of a birth certificate, naturalization papers, etc.)
• Photo Identification (such as a driver's license)
• A recent photo (there are very specific requirements listed online; photo services are available in our office for $15)
• A check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State for their fees owed
• A $35 execution fee payable by cash or card

Young Adults (16-17)

Most young adult applicants will need the following documentation:

• Completed form DS-11
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (a certified copy of a birth certificate, naturalization papers, etc.)
• Photo Identification (such as a driver's license)
• Proof of parental consent from at least one parent (the easiest way is for a parent to appear in-person with their child)
• A recent photo (there are very specific requirements listed online; photo services are available in our office for $15)
• A check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State for their fees owed
• A $35 execution fee payable by cash or card

Children (under 16)

Most children under age 16 will need the following documentation:

• Completed form DS-11
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (a certified copy of a birth certificate, naturalization papers, etc.)
• Photo Identification from both parents (such as a driver's license)
• Proof of parental consent from both parents (the easiest way is for the parents to appear in-person with their child)
• A recent photo (there are very specific requirements listed online; photo services are available in our office for $15)
• A check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State for their fees owed
• A $35 execution fee payable by cash or card

3. How can I make an appointment?

Currently, appointments can be made on our website, by visiting us in-person, or over the phone by calling 704-862-7685. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8:30am until 4:00pm.

4. How much does it cost to get a passport?

Always check the State Department's official travel site for a complete list of passport fees. 

Each passport requires an application fee paid by check or money order only made out to the U.S. Department of State. These fees vary depending on the age of the applicant, the speed of processing, and the type of document ordered. Adult fees start at $130 and minor fees start at $100.

A separate fee of $35 is paid to our office by cash or card. Photo services are also available for an additional $15.

5. How long does it take to get a passport?

Always check the U.S. Department of State's official travel website for the most up-to-date processing times. 

Processing times as of 4/21/2023:

Standard: 10-13 weeks

Expedited: 7-9 weeks

Once your passport application is received by the Passport Agency (not our office), routine processing is taking between 10 and 13 weeks. Expedited processing is taking 7 to 9 weeks. This time frame does not include shipping time from our office to the Passport Agency or shipping time to your home from the Passport Agency.

If you have documented, urgent travel plans that require a passport in less than 13 weeks, look for the State Department's urgent travel information to see if you qualify for faster processing. We cannot offer any faster processing in our office, but we can advise you of possible options by phone at 704-862-7685.

6. Do you accept walk-ins?

We recommend that you always call to make an appointment before coming to our office for a passport. We occasionally are able to accommodate walk-ins due to cancellations, but this is not guaranteed, and wait times may be long. Calling ahead is strongly recommended. 

For urgent travel needs, please give us a call at 704-862-7685 so that we can advise you on options for urgent travel.

7. How can I get my passport faster?

The Department of State has options for getting your passport quickly in emergency or urgent travel situations. Check the Get My Passport Fast page to review your options.

Additionally, your U.S. Congressional Representative or Senator may be able to help you obtain a passport sooner if your plans are urgent, typically less than 14 days away. 

These urgent and emergency processing times are reserved for people with true, documented travel needs and may not be available to you without documented travel plans.

8. Can I get a passport for free or at a reduced cost?

There is currently no option to obtain a passport for free or a reduced price. There may be some on social media who claim that you can get a free passport if you are a Medicaid, Medicare, or SNAP benefit recipient, but this claim is false. Everyone, regardless of financial status or extenuating circumstances, must pay the same fee amount and fees paid to the U.S. Department of State for a passport are nonrefundable. There is no form or waiver for reducing or eliminating the fee requirements.