Applying for and receiving a passport in a lengthy process that generally takes four to six weeks.  NC State is offering a way to start this process.

From 9 a.m. to 3 pm. today anyone can stop by the south gallery of Talley Student Center to apply for a passport.

Chantell LaPan, program coordinator for the Office of International Affairs, said the passport fair will be beneficial to the student body.

“If you go to the passport fair there will be 4 State department representatives of site to process the passports,” LaPan said.  “Usually you have to make an appointment at the post office.  For this, just show up with your documentation.”

In addition to officials who can process documents, the passport fair will offer passport photos and will have a photocopier to make copies of documents.

“What we are doing here is doing a one stop shop,” LaPan said.

LaPan said last year’s passport fair served over a hundred people.

“Last year most people were in and out within half an hour,” LaPan said.

Department of State representatives will be able to process paper work for all forms of passports.

“I can’t think of a scenario where this would not be the place to go,” LaPan said.

Although these instructions should apply to many students, LaPan suggested that students check the Department of State website for full information.

Passport cards are also available.  They are less expensive; however, they cannot be used for air travel and face other restrictions compared to a passport book. 

If you are applying for a passport for the first time or your last passport was issued before you turned 16, you are considered a first time applicant.  First time applicants must apply in person.

To receive a passport you must fill out Form DS-11, pay all fees, and provide evidence of US citizenship, present identification, photocopies of evidence of US citizenship and present identification, and two passport photos.

The Department of State instructs that Form DS-11 should not be signed until a Department of State employee instructs you to do so. 

Acceptable forms of evidence of US citizenship include birth certificate and naturalization certificate.

Present identification that are accepted include valid driver’s license and military ID.  If an out of state driver’s license is presented, you must also provide another ID.  This secondary ID should include as much of the following information as possible: your photo, full name, date of birth and the document issuance date.  Bring a copy of secondary ID also.

Photocopies of documents must be done on 8.5 by 11″ plain white paper and show the front and back of each document.  Do not print anything else on the paper, and do not print on both sides of the sheet of paper.  The Department of State allows you to enlarge the images, but they do not allow images to be shrunk.

“There will be [a photocopier] there.  We encourage people to bring their documents to speed up the process, but we will have a copier,” LaPan said.

There is a $135 fee for a first-time passport and $110 for a renewal.  These must be paid with a check or money order.  There are restrictions on what checks will be accepted.

“No starter checks, they have to have your name and address on them,” LaPan said.

Applicants also need to bring two passport photos.  You may also have your photo taken at Talley.

“[We will charge] $5 for two photos, which is the cheapest you are going to get it anywhere.  Cash or personal check, it has to be paid separate from the passport fee,” LaPan said.

LaPan requested that any students who are interested in volunteering or who have questions email her at chantell_lapan@ncsu.edu or call (919) 515-1574.