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U.S. Launching New Passport Offices In These 6 Cities

Writer's picture: NomadicaNomadica

Applying for or renewing a U.S. passport is now more convenient than ever. The U.S. State Department recently revealed plans to open new passport offices in six major cities across the country. These new offices will join the 29 existing passport offices, making it easier for millions of Americans to manage their passport needs.



Rising Demand for Passports

The demand for passports has significantly increased over the past few decades. According to the U.S. State Department, 48% of Americans now hold a passport, compared to just 5% in 1990. While renewing a passport can sometimes be done by mail or online, the process of obtaining a passport for the first time requires an in-person visit to a passport office or passport acceptance facility. Moreover, visiting a passport office remains the most straightforward method for renewing an expiring passport.



Upcoming Passport Office Locations

The new passport offices will be strategically located in Salt Lake City, Utah; Kansas City, Missouri; Orlando, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; San Antonio, Texas; and Cincinnati, Ohio. Although the exact opening dates for these offices have not been announced, the locations have been confirmed. This development is particularly beneficial for those living in regions previously underserved by passport offices. For instance, residents of north and central Florida currently need to travel to Miami, which can be more than six hours away. Similarly, individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina, have had to make the four-hour trip to Atlanta to visit a passport office.



Advantages of New Passport Offices

The addition of these new offices in highly populated cities will significantly reduce travel time for many Americans seeking passport services. This expansion means that more people will have access to in-person passport application and renewal services without the need for lengthy journeys.



Challenges with Mail Applications

While it is possible to renew an expired passport by mail, applying for a new one cannot be done this way. Even for renewals, the mail process is often not ideal. Currently, mail renewals can take six to eight weeks for processing, plus an additional four weeks for mailing times as cautioned by the State Department. This can result in a total wait time of several months.



Issues with Online Applications

In early 2023, the State Department introduced an online passport renewal system. However, this system is only available for renewals, not for first-time applications. The online system has faced numerous technical issues since its launch, with many users experiencing difficulties. Additionally, the processing time for online renewals is comparable to mail renewals, making it less efficient than in-person applications.



Why In-Person Applications Are Preferred

Given the challenges associated with mail and online applications, applying for or renewing a passport in person at a passport office remains the best option. In-person visits typically offer faster and more reliable service. To schedule an appointment at a passport office, you can call 1-877-487-2778.


The opening of new passport offices in Salt Lake City, Kansas City, Orlando, Charlotte, San Antonio, and Cincinnati marks a significant improvement in accessibility for U.S. travelers. This expansion will greatly benefit those who previously had to travel long distances to access passport services, ensuring that more Americans can obtain and renew their passports with greater ease and efficiency.

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