En esta noticia
U.S. citizens who do not have a passport can take advantage of special passport acceptance fairs held across the country in September. These events are designed to make it easier to apply in person, particularly for first-time applicants and children who need a passport.
The U.S. Department of State lists dozens of events throughout September 2026, with locations in states including California, Texas, Illinois, New York, Florida and New Jersey. The fairs are held outside regular business hours or at special locations, giving applicants another option to complete the process.
What are the September passport fairs?
Special Passport Acceptance Fairs are temporary events organized by passport acceptance facilities such as post offices, libraries, and local government offices. They are generally held during evenings or weekends, or at locations that do not normally offer passport services.
The events are intended for people who must apply in person. This includes first-time adult applicants, children, and anyone else who is required to submit Form DS-11 in person.
Among the September 2026 events listed by the State Department are:
- September 2: Manchester EMS Building in Whiting, New Jersey, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are required.
- September 3: White Plains Public Library in White Plains, New York, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is required.
- September 10: Lamar University Student Setzer Center in Beaumont, Texas, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is required.
- September 12: Multiple locations, including events in Richmond, Miami, Glen Ellyn, Liberty, Worcester, Centreville, Byron, and Port Arthur.
- September 19: Events in Fairmont City, West Grove, Glenwood, Bainbridge, and Walnut.
- September 26: Events in DeSoto, Plainfield, Boynton Beach, and South Houston.
Because appointment requirements vary by location, applicants should check the State Department’s official list before attending. Some fairs accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment in advance.
Who can benefit from a passport fair?
The fairs can be particularly useful for U.S. citizens who have never had a passport and need to obtain one for the first time. Instead of waiting for a standard appointment during regular business hours, applicants may be able to submit their application at a nearby event held during the evening or weekend.
A passport is an important document for Americans who plan to travel internationally. Having one in advance can also help avoid having to rush the application process when an international trip becomes necessary.
For eligible applicants, the fairs provide an additional way to access passport services without having to wait for a regular weekday appointment. The State Department also maintains a search tool for finding passport acceptance facilities with weekend or extended hours.
What documents do you need to apply?
First-time applicants who are eligible to apply in person generally use Form DS-11. The application must be completed according to the State Department’s instructions and submitted in person at an acceptance facility or passport fair.
Applicants should generally be prepared to provide:
- Form DS-11, completed but not signed until instructed by the passport acceptance agent.
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a qualifying U.S. birth certificate or another accepted citizenship document.
- Photo identification, such as a valid driver’s license or another accepted ID.
- A passport photo that meets the State Department’s requirements.
- The applicable passport fees.
Children have additional requirements depending on their age, including documentation and, in many cases, the participation or consent of their parents or guardians.
The State Department recommends checking the specific requirements before attending the fair because the documents and procedures can vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances.