Rare passport fair is coming to the Modesto area. Here’s when and where
Heads up, travelers.
A rare opportunity to apply for a U.S. passport in person is coming to Modesto.
The special event offer a more “personalized experience,” especially for adults and children getting their passports for the first time, the U.S. Department of State said on its website.
The city of Modesto recommends making an appointment, as walk-in availability will be limited.
If you’re planning an international trip in the new year, here’s what you need to know:
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 U.S. passport or a Real ID driver’s license — on hand to board domestic flights.
You also need a passport or California Real ID to access federal facilities and nuclear power plants, the Department of Homeland Security said on its website.
The law applies to everyone age 18 or older, according to the federal agency.
When is passport fair in Modesto? Where?
The Modesto City Clerk’s Office will host the passport fair on Saturday, Jan. 10.
The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Modesto City-County Airport, 617 Airport Way in Modesto.
Do I need an appointment to attend passport fair?
You are not required to register for the Modesto passport fair in advance.
However, the city recommends making an appointment ahead of time.
To make an appointment, the city said, you can call 209-577-5333 or visit the city website for online booking.
If you’re applying for a new passport, you should fill out your application ahead of time, print it out and bring the unsigned form with you — along with an acceptable passport photo, fees and documents.
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. non-citizen 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 passport photo requirements online at travel.state.gov.
“Passport photo services will be available at the event,” the city of Modesto said in a Dec. 14 Instagram post.
How much do passport processing fees cost?
If you’re 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.
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 on the city of Modesto website or travel.state.gov/passport.
This story was originally published January 9, 2026 at 8:37 AM with the headline "Rare passport fair is coming to the Modesto area. Here’s when and where."
