U.S. will process some passports without fee in June

The U.S. State Department is offering some passport applicants a way to apply in June without paying for expedited service or another special processing add-on, but the option is narrower than some reports suggested. The agency said on May 19 that passport acceptance facilities around the country will hold “special passport acceptance fairs” on evenings and weekends. Those events are designed to let people apply outside normal business hours, according to Travel.State.Gov. The fairs do not change the standard passport application fee structure, but they can help applicants avoid paying extra for faster service if timing is the main problem rather than urgent travel. ### Who can actually use these June passport events? The State Department said the fairs are for first-time applicants, children, and anyone who must apply in person using Form DS-11. Some events at passport agencies may also accept renewals, but the department says that depends on the specific event. (travel.state.gov) Form DS-11 is the in-person application used by adults applying for a first passport, children, and some people who are not eligible to renew by mail or online. The department says acceptance facilities such as post offices, clerks of court and libraries take those applications on its behalf. ### Is the government waiving passport fees in June? (travel.state.gov) The State Department’s notice describes special hours and locations, not a blanket waiver of passport fees. Travel.State.Gov says the fairs “offer passport services outside of regular hours or locations,” and the agency separately directs applicants to its fee calculator for standard costs. (travel.state.gov) The extra-charge issue in many cases is expedited processing, not the basic application itself. The department says expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks and routine service takes 4 to 6 weeks, excluding mailing time, which can add up to two more weeks. Applicants who can submit paperwork at a June evening or weekend fair may be able to use routine processing instead of paying extra for speed, if their travel date allows. (travel.state.gov) That is an inference based on the department’s posted processing options and the purpose of the fairs. ### Where do these after-hours passport appointments happen? Travel.State.Gov said the events are hosted by passport acceptance facilities such as post offices, clerks of court and libraries, and sometimes by passport agencies. The department has a dedicated page listing upcoming May and June 2026 events. (travel.state.gov) The State Department also says applicants who do not find a suitable fair can use its acceptance facility search tool to locate sites that are already open on weekends or after regular business hours. That search tool lets people look by ZIP code, state or city and can also identify locations that offer photo services on site. (travel.state.gov) ### What if you need a passport faster than June routine service allows? The State Department says travelers leaving in less than 6 weeks can request expedited service, and people traveling in less than 2 to 3 weeks may need an appointment at a passport agency or center. For travel within 14 calendar days, or within 28 days if a foreign visa is needed, the department says applicants can seek an urgent appointment, though it does not guarantee one will be available. (travel.state.gov) Travel.State.Gov also says eligible adults may renew online or by mail instead of appearing in person. Acceptance facilities do not take Form DS-82 renewals or Form DS-5504 correction applications, the department says. ### What should applicants check before showing up? The State Department says applicants should confirm whether the event accepts their application type, gather the right form and supporting documents, and review the June event list before going. (travel.state.gov) The department’s passport pages also direct applicants to tools for calculating fees, finding locations and checking processing times. (travel.state.gov) June 2026 event details are posted on the State Department’s special passport acceptance fairs page, and the agency’s acceptance facility search tool remains available for applicants who need an evening or weekend option outside the listed fairs. (travel.state.gov)