American Citizens Services

U.S. Department of State

Passport Day In the USA - Saturday, March 28, 2009

Bureau of Public Affairs
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
March 20, 2009

On Saturday, March 28, the Department of State will celebrate "Passport Day in the USA," a national outreach event to inform the public about the upcoming changes to U.S. travel document requirements, provide passport information and accept passport applications from U.S. citizens from coast-to-coast and border-to-border. All Department of State Passport Agencies, and many Passport Acceptance Facilities around the country, will host passport application acceptance events. U.S. citizens without a valid passport book or passport card are encouraged to apply on this day.

U.S. citizens will receive passport information and can apply for their passport at "Passport Day in the USA" events. For this day only, appointments and expedite fees are not required for those applying at a Passport Agency. Applicants can expect to receive their passport in approximately four weeks for routine service and about two to three weeks for expedited service.

The hours of operation for each Passport Agency for this event may vary across the country. Citizens should check our website at travel.state.gov for official times. Times may also vary for Passport Acceptance Facilities, so U.S. citizens should check with their local acceptance facility for event information.

Information on the cost and how to apply for a passport book and/or a passport card is available at travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.

As of January 23, 2007, everyone traveling in and out of the United States by air needs a passport. On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry. Additional information on travel requirements is available at www.getyouhome.gov.

The Department of State, together with the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Postal Service, and non-postal Passport Acceptance Facilities, are working together to ensure that citizens are aware of the new requirements effective June 1.

For further information contact:
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Policy Coordination and Public Affairs

Press inquiries: (202) 647-1488
Internet address: travel.state.gov