Get a passport fast at these 2 walk-in, no-appointment NC events this fall
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- Two passport fairs will be held in Stanfield and Rutherfordton in October 2025.
- Events serve first-time applicants only; no appointment is required to attend.
- Applicants must bring ID, citizenship proof, photo, and appropriate application fees.
There are a couple of chances to grab a passport in North Carolina without an appointment.
According to the U.S. Department of State, two special passport acceptance fairs are scheduled for the state next month in Stanfield and Rutherfordton, respectively.
Designed to be a personalized experience, the agency offers these special events regularly across the country on evenings and weekend for travelers to apply for a passport book and/or a passport card.
The service is only available for those who have never had a passport, while renewals can be done for travelers online or by mail.
Where are the passport acceptance fairs? When can travelers go?
There will be a passport acceptance fair at Stanfield Post Office on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and another at Rutherford County Library on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments will not be required.
What is needed to apply for a passport?
First-time passport applicants can use the same application to get a passport book and passport card, which can save you $35. Here’s what materials are needed:
- A passport application form
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship with the original, official seal or stamp of the government office that issued it and a photocopy
- Physical photo ID with a photocopy
- Passport photo
- $130 application fee for passport books, $30 for passport cards and a $35 execution fee. Application fees for children 16 and under are $100 for passport books and $15 for passport cards.
How quickly will passports be issued?
According to the department’s website, the processing time for routine service can take four to six weeks and between two and three for expedited service, which costs an additional $60.
In addition to processing times, it could take up to four weeks for applications to be sent and passports to be mailed back.
Will there be more passport acceptance fairs in NC?
At this time, only two special passport acceptance fairs are scheduled in North Carolina through October but new events are added every week.
You can find more information online at travel.state.gov.
This story was originally published September 23, 2025 at 10:26 AM with the headline "Get a passport fast at these 2 walk-in, no-appointment NC events this fall."