Travel & Tourism

A rare event in Georgia will help you get a passport fast. Here’s where and when.

Passport application processing times are at an all-time high this travel season.
Passport application processing times are at an all-time high this travel season.

Currently in the U.S., passport processing times are between 10 and 13 weeks, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Expedited passports currently have a processing time of seven to nine weeks.

Bottom line, if you’re looking to get your passport fast, it’s probably going to take longer than expected.

So, what can you do? Well, here’s some good news that can be summed up in two words: passport fairs.

What are passport acceptance fairs?

Passport facilities such as post offices, libraries or government offices will often have passport fairs at various locations to help individuals or families obtain their passports.

Most fairs are for first-time passport applicants because those looking to renew their passports can do so by mail.

Upcoming fair

Georgia fairs are a rarity. One was held this month and another is on the calendar for September. None are scheduled in October. Visit the Passport facilities page to stay up to date on upcoming fairs.

September

When: Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Georgia State University, Clarkston campus

What you’ll need to bring

To apply in person at a passport fair, you will need:

  • A completed application

  • Documents proving citizenship

  • Your ID

  • Photocopies of everything

  • Money for the fees

For a detailed list of everything you need, please go online.

What questions do you have? Comment below or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

This story was originally published September 1, 2023 at 7:00 AM.

Chelsea Madden
The Telegraph
Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.
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