Need a passport? Apply in person at Sacramento-area event without an appointment
Need a passport? You can apply in person at an upcoming event in the Sacramento area — and you won’t even need an appointment.
The U.S. Postal Service will host a rare passport fair in Roseville on Saturday, Sept. 6, according to a news release.
Such events offer a “personalized experience,” especially for adults and children getting their passports for the first time, the U.S. Department of State said on its website.
Regular and expedited new passport applications will both be accepted at the Roseville event.
“Appointments are not required, but customers are encouraged to show up early,” the Postal Service said in the release.
Why do I need a US passport or California Real ID?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires people to have a federally approved document — such as a passport or a Real ID driver’s license — on hand for domestic plane travel.
California’s Real ID requirement went into effect in May.
You need the special state-issued identification card to board domestic airplane flights, as well as access federal facilities and nuclear power plants, the Department of Homeland Security said on its website.
The law applies to everyone age 18 years or older, according to the federal agency.
When is passport fair in Sacramento area? Where?
The passport fair will be held at the Sierra Gardens Post Office, 1860 Sierra Gardens Drive in Roseville.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Do I need an appointment?
You’re not required to register for the Roseville passport fair in advance.
“Customers attending this event will be served on a first-come, first-served basis,” the Postal Service said.
If you’re applying for a new passport, you should fill out your application ahead of time, print it and bring it unsigned to Saturday’s event — along with an acceptable passport photo, fees and documents, the Postal Service said.
Who is eligible to get a US passport? What do you need to apply?
To be eligible to get a U.S. passport, you must be either:
- A U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization
- A qualifying U.S. noncitizen national
To apply for a passport, you’ll need:
- A valid form of photo identification, such as a current valid driver’s license, government ID or military photo ID
- A certified copy of your birth certificate, original certificate of naturalization or an old passport
- Passport photo
What are the rules for passport photos?
Passport photos must be color photos taken in the past six months. You can find a full list of photo requirements online at travel.state.gov.
You can get your passport photo taken at the Roseville passport fair for $15, the release said.
How much do passport processing fees cost?
If you’re age 16 or older and applying for a passport for the first time, you can expect to pay an application fee of $30 for a passport card or $130 for a passport book, according to the State Department.
The application fee for a passport card and book is $160.
In all cases, you’ll also need to pay $35 for an acceptance fee.
The fee for children under 16 is $35 for an acceptance fee, plus $15 for a passport card, $100 for a passport book or $115 for both.
What’s the price to renew my passport?
If you’re 16 or older, you can renew your passport by mail or online for $30 for a passport card, $130 for a passport book or $160 for both.
How quickly can I get my passport?
According to the U.S. State Department’s website, it can take four to six weeks to process your passport application — or two to three weeks for expedited service. That doesn’t include mailing times.
New passport applications could take six to eight weeks to process, according to the U.S. Passport Agency.
If you need a passport for “urgent travel in less than two weeks,” the federal State Department said, make an appointment at a passport agency or center.
“Those planning international travel should plan ahead and get their passport applications as soon as possible,” the Postal Service said.
You can use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person, the federal agency said.
Call the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 877-487-2778 for more information.
You can find application forms, instructions and information about fees online at usps.com/passport or travel.state.gov/passport.
This story was originally published September 4, 2025 at 9:42 AM.
