4 ‘special’ passport fairs coming to Stanislaus County. Here’s when and where
Summer is just around the corner — and if you’re planning a getaway, now’s the time to get your passport.
Residents in Stanislaus County can apply in person at four upcoming passport events — and no appointment is required.
The county will host “special passport acceptance fairs” in Turlock, Modesto and Salida on Saturday, March 28.
According to the U.S. Department of State, these rare events offer a “personalized experience,” especially for adults and children getting their passports for the first time.
No appointment is required — but space is limited.
“Applications will be accepted until maximum capacity is reached,” county officials said.
Here’s what you need to know:
Why do I need a US passport or California Real ID?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires people to have a federally approved document — such as a U.S. passport or a Real ID driver’s license — on hand to board domestic flights.
You also need a passport or California Real ID to access federal facilities and nuclear power plants, the Department of Homeland Security said on its website.
The law applies to everyone age 18 or older, according to the federal agency.
When are passport fairs in Stanislaus County? Where?
Stanislaus County will host four passport acceptance fairs on Saturday, March 28.
The events will begin at 10 a.m. with applications accepted “until maximum capacity is reached,” the county said.
Passport fairs will take place at the following locations:
- Stanislaus County Clerk Recorder’s Office, 1021 I St., Modesto
- Stanislaus County Law Library, 1101 13th St., Modesto
- Nick Blom Salida Regional Library, 4835 Sisk Road, Salida
- Turlock Public Library, 550 North Minaret Ave., Turlock
Regular and expedited passport applications will both be accepted at the events.
Do I need an appointment to attend passport fairs?
You are not required to register for the Stanislaus County passport fairs in advance.
People attending the local passport fairs will be served on a “first come, first served” basis, according to the Stanislaus County website.
If you’re applying for a new passport, you should fill out your application ahead of time, print it out and bring the unsigned form with you — along with an acceptable passport photo, fees and documents.
Who is eligible to get a US passport? What do you need to apply?
To be eligible to get a U.S. passport, you must be either:
- A U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization
- A qualifying U.S. noncitizen national
To apply for a passport, you’ll need:
- A valid form of photo identification, such as a current valid driver’s license, government ID or military photo ID
- A certified copy of your birth certificate, original certificate of naturalization or an old passport
- Passport photo
What are the rules for passport photos?
Passport photos must be color photos taken in the past six months. You can find a full list of passport photo requirements online at travel.state.gov.
“No passport photos taken at any location” on Saturday, March 28, according to Stanislaus County.
How much do passport processing fees cost?
If you’re 16 or older and applying for a passport for the first time, you can expect to pay an application fee of $30 for a passport card or $130 for a passport book, according to the State Department.
The application fee for a passport card and book is $160.
In all cases, you’ll also need to pay $35 for an acceptance fee.
The fee for children under 16 is $35 for an acceptance fee, plus $15 for a passport card, $100 for a passport book or $115 for both.
What’s the price to renew my passport?
If you’re 16 or older, you can renew your passport by mail or online for $30 for a passport card, $130 for a passport book or $160 for both.
How quickly can I get my passport?
According to the U.S. State Department’s website, it can take four to six weeks to process your passport application — or two to three weeks for expedited service. That doesn’t include mailing times.
New passport applications could take six to eight weeks to process, according to the U.S. Passport Agency.
If you need a passport for “urgent travel in less than two weeks,” the federal State Department said, make an appointment at a passport agency or center.
You can use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person, the federal agency said.
Call the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 877-487-2778 for more information.
You can find application forms, instructions and information about fees online on the Stanislaus County website or travel.state.gov/passport.
