Weber Times

WASHINGTON—In response to the high demand for passport services in Utah, the state's Congressional Delegation, in coordination with the Department of State, has announced the hosting of five "Passport Fairs" throughout the state. The delegation, consisting of U.S. Senators Mike Lee and Mitt Romney, as well as Representatives Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy, John Curtis, and Burgess Owens, recognizes the need for accessible passport services for Utahns.

"Utah is rapidly expanding as a center for global commerce and tourism, is home to thousands of Latter-day Saints who annually embark on worldwide religious missions, and has a fast-growing population. These factors have created a high demand for passport services in our state, but unfortunately, Utahns must travel long distances to reach the nearest passport office," said the delegation.

To address this issue, the Congressional Delegation has partnered with the State Department to organize passport fairs at five different locations throughout the state. This initiative aims to provide Utahns with the opportunity to obtain expedited passport services closer to home. While the ultimate goal is to establish a passport agency in Salt Lake City, hosting these passport fairs is a step towards meeting the immediate needs of Utahns.

The passport fairs will take place from February 13 to 17, and individuals in need of a passport or those whose passports are expired or will expire in the next year are encouraged to register for an appointment. Expedited processing will be available at the fair locations. Here are the details of the passport fairs:

- Tuesday, February 13: Weber State University, Community Outreach Center, 2605 Monroe Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401

- Wednesday, February 14: Salt Lake Community College, Jordan Campus, 3491 West 9000 South, West Jordan, UT 84088

- Thursday, February 15: Utah Valley University, Young Alumni Center, 1062 West 800 South, Orem, UT 84058

- Friday, February 16: Bennett Federal Building, 125 South State St, 5th Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84138

- Saturday, February 17: Kiln Building, 2701 North Thanksgiving Way #100, Lehi, UT 84043

Due to the high demand, all slots for appointments at the passport fairs have been filled. Utahns in need of passport assistance are advised to contact the Congressional Delegation's District Office for further guidance.

To apply for a passport or renew an existing one, individuals must bring the following documents to their appointment:

- A completed passport application for each applicant, which can be filled out and printed from the State Department's website.

- For minors under 16, personal appearance of the minor and parental consent are required. More information can be found on the State Department's website.

- Minors aged 16 and 17 must appear in person for their passport application.

- Evidence of U.S. citizenship.

- A recent passport photo (2" x 2") with no glasses.

- Valid photo identification and a clear, single-sided copy of the front and back of the ID.

- Payment of passport fees in the form of a check or money order.

The State Department provides primary application forms for a U.S. Passport through their online Form Filler, allowing individuals to enter their information and print off a paper form with a special barcode.

The Utah Congressional Delegation's partnership with the State Department to organize passport fairs demonstrates their commitment to addressing the passport service needs of Utahns. While efforts continue to establish a passport agency in Salt Lake City, these passport fairs provide a temporary solution for Utahns seeking expedited passport services.