New Passport Offices Opening in These 6 U.S. Cities

From October 2022 to September 2023, the U.S. Department of State issued over 24 million passport books and cards—marking the highest total for a fiscal year in the agency's history. This achievement occurred despite ongoing staffing shortages from the pandemic, which had extended processing times from the usual 6 to 8 weeks to between 10 and 13 weeks. (Processing times have since reverted to the 6-to-8-week standard.)

“More Americans are able to travel internationally today than ever before,” stated the State Department, highlighting that 48 percent of Americans now possess passports, a significant increase from just 5 percent in 1990.

In an effort to make passport services more accessible to Americans and reduce processing wait times, the State Department has revealed plans to establish six new passport agencies. These new offices will help to “better accommodate the increasing number of Americans applying for U.S. passports,” the agency noted.

Here are the cities where new U.S. passport offices will soon be established:

• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Orlando, Florida
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• San Antonio, Texas
• Cincinnati, Ohio

The State Department has not yet provided a specific timeline for when the new offices will start accepting passport applications, but once they open, the total number of passport centers in the USA will rise to 35.

In addition to standard services for first-time passport applications and renewals, these offices will offer expedited services, allowing travelers to obtain an expedited passport within two weeks, and in certain emergency situations, same-day passport issuance. Note that this faster service requires an in-person appointment.

While first-time passport applicants must apply in person, it doesn’t have to be at one of the passport centers. There are over 7,400 public passport acceptance facilities across the country, including post offices, libraries, and clerk of court offices, that can process routine applications for mail-in processing. Additionally, the State Department is hosting “Special Passport Acceptance Fairs,” this summer in states like Arizona, California, Florida, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, and South Carolina for first-time applicants.

Those looking to renew their passports typically can do so by mail, though a limited number of applicants each day are currently allowed to take part in a beta test of an online renewal program ahead of a broader rollout.

As of the latest update, the processing time for U.S. passports is currently six to eight weeks (or two to three weeks for expedited service). The application fees are $130 for passport books and $30 for passport cards. To apply for a new passport, you'll need to submit the passport application form, proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate), an ID (like a driver’s license or military ID), and a passport photo taken within the last six months. The State Department advises travelers to apply for or renew their passports at least six months prior to their travel dates.