News Summary
A passport acceptance facility has opened in uptown Charlotte to help address delays in passport applications as international travel demand surges. Located at 600 E. 4th St. in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, the facility aims to assist city employees and residents. Appointments are available from Tuesday to Thursday. Regular processing takes 8 to 11 weeks, while expedited applications can take 5 to 7 weeks. A special passport fair is also planned for May 3 in Stanfield, NC, to further alleviate the backlog.
Charlotte, NC – A new passport acceptance facility has opened in uptown Charlotte, located at the clerk’s office in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center at 600 E. 4th St. This facility is aimed at addressing the growing delays in passport applications amidst a surge in international travel demand.
The U.S. Department of State, which has authorized this office to accept passport applications, recently faced challenges with processing times. The State Department temporarily suspended its online passport renewals service in February, further complicating local applicants’ ability to secure timely appointments. Currently, most in-person appointment slots at other Charlotte area offices are fully booked through April, as travelers can only schedule appointments up to four weeks in advance.
City Clerk Stephanie Kelly highlighted the convenience this new location offers to city employees, uptown residents, and visitors, making it easier for them to navigate the application process.
Regular passport processing typically takes between 8 to 11 weeks, while expedited applications are processed in approximately 5 to 7 weeks. However, a spokesperson for the State Department recognized that securing an appointment can prove challenging in several regions, including Charlotte.
It is important to note that the new office serves solely as a passport acceptance facility; it does not provide services for passport renewals, which must be completed by mail. The office is available for new applications by appointment only, with slots available online from Tuesdays to Thursdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Individuals applying for a new passport must prepare several required materials, including:
- A completed passport application form.
- An original or certified proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization).
- A photocopy of the proof of citizenship on standard 8.5-inch-by-11-inch paper.
- A valid ID (e.g., driver’s license, government ID, or U.S. military ID).
- A photocopy of the ID.
- A color passport photo taken within the last six months.
Additionally, there are special requirements for applicants who are applying for children aged 16 and under.
Other passport acceptance locations in the Charlotte area include:
- 1820 Harris Houston Rd.
- 11035 Golf Links Dr.
- 8845 Craver Rd. (currently not accepting walk-ins).
For those needing assistance with appointments beyond Charlotte, they can utilize the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page database for additional locations.
In a bid to further alleviate the backlog, a special passport acceptance fair has been scheduled for May 3 in Stanfield, NC, located approximately 26 miles from Charlotte. This event will take place at the Stanfield Post Office from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and attendees will not need an appointment. The fair will provide opportunities for routine and expedited processing, with a turnaround time of 4 to 6 weeks for routine services and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited requests.
There are fees associated with passport applications: a $35 execution fee applies, in addition to the application fee of $130 for passport books and $30 for passport cards. Reports indicate a marked increase in passport demand, correlating with a resurgence in international travel. In 2023, average wait times for standard processing extended to 10 to 13 weeks, and expedited processing options are available for an additional fee.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer
- Wikipedia: Passport
- WCNC
- Google Search: Passport Application Process
- USPS Newsroom
- Google Scholar: Passport Processing Times
- Forbes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Passports
