GRANITE FALLS — Traveling abroad? You’re going to need a passport.
Starting on Monday, the city of Granite Falls will operate a passport office seven days a week. The office will assist U.S. citizens in applying for a U.S. passport book or card, and offer passport photos and copy services.
The passport office, at Granite Falls City Hall, will be open 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. No appointment is necessary.
Jeff Balentine, deputy city manager, encourages applicants to “just walk in.”
“We really want to make it as convenient as possible for everybody,” he said.
He said many passport offices closed during the pandemic or switched to appointment-only.
“I think we’re going to be the only passport office (open) when people are off work,” he said.
Balentine said the city hired three part-time employees to staff the office.
You must apply in-person for a passport if you are applying for your first passport; you are under age 16; your previous passport was issued when you were under 16; your passport was lost, stolen or damaged; or your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
Passport applicants will need to out form DS-11, available at https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds11.pdf. They must also provide a social security number, identification, and evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as an old passport, birth certificate, or a certificate of citizenship or naturalization. Photocopies are accepted, and copying is available at the passport office.
Applicants can provide their own 2 by 2 inch passport photo (no selfies), or the office can take a photo for an extra fee.
For those 16 and older, a passport book costs $130 and a passport card $30. For those 15 and younger, a passport book is $100 and a passport card $15. There is a $35 acceptance fee added.
Balentine said those who need to renew a passport can skip the $35 fee if they renew by mail. Information on how to renew a passport by mail is available at travel.state.gov.
Applicants must submit a check or money order, payable to the U.S. Department of State, for their passport application. Credit and debit cards can be used for acceptance and photo fees.
It can take eight to 11 weeks to receive a passport, and five to seven weeks for expedited services.
The passport office at Granite Falls City Hall is located at 215 South Granite Ave, and can be reached at 360-691-6441.
Jacqueline Allison: 425-339-3434; jacqueline.allison@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jacq_allison.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
