Passports

Western’s Testing Center is an approved Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility.

Please review the information on this page before scheduling an appointment.

Hours

Monday – Friday, most Saturdays
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Appointments are required.

Instructions outlined below are if you are applying for a new passport or do not qualify for renewing your U.S. passport by mail. (See if you qualify.)

  • Use Form DS-11  for new in person application or those not qualifying for renewal application.

1) Schedule an in-person appointment (Two Options):

We will ask for your name, number of applicants, whether this is a new or renewal application, phone number and email address. You will receive an email explaining what to bring to your appointment.

Arrive 10 minutes early if you need passport photo services - $15.00 per applicant.

2) Prepare in advance of your appointment

Use the checklist that fits your needs to make sure you have all the documents required. Visit travel.state.gov for more info.

Please have the following ready before your appointment:

  • Completed DS-11 Form in black ink.
  • Citizenship Evidence: Submit one of the following original documents along with a photocopy (front and back) of the document.
    • U.S. Birth Certificate 
    • Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. Passport (may be expired) 
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
    • Certificate of Naturalization 
    • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Valid Identification: Submit original identification documents along with either:
  • Passport Photo: see requirements at travel.state.gov.

For more information about proving Citizenship, please visit the Citizenship Evidence page.

You can renew your passport by mail.

Video to help explain how to renew your passport.

Please have the following ready before your appointment:

  • Completed DS-11 Form in black ink.
  • Citizenship Evidence: Submit one of the following original documents along with a photocopy [front and back] of the document. 
    • U.S. Birth Certificate 
    • Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. Passport (may be expired) 
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
    • Certificate of Naturalization 
    • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Passport Photo: see requirement at travel.state.gov.
  • Show parental awareness: You must show at least one parent or legal guardian is aware that you are applying for a passport by bringing in a personal check from and signed by a parent listing them under the Emergency Contact section on Form DS-11.  If parental consent is not indicated on the application, a notarized letter of consent may be required (e.g., Form DS-3053). For more information, please see Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program.

Passports for applicants 16 and older are valid for 10 years.

See information on acceptable documents.

Please have the following ready before your appointment. (Both parents or legal guardians must be present with the child.)

  • Completed DS-11 Form in black ink.
  • Citizenship Evidence: Submit one of the following original documents along with a photocopy [front and back] of the document. 
    • U.S. Birth Certificate 
    • Fully-valid, undamaged U.S. Passport (may be expired) 
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
    • Certificate of Naturalization 
    • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Passport Photo: see requirement at travel.state.gov.
  • Proof of Parental Relationship: This includes:
    • An original or certified copy of U.S. birth certificate with parent names.
    • A photocopy of birth certificate (front and back).
  • Parents Valid Identification: Each parent must provide a valid Washington State driver’s license or valid U.S. passport along with photocopy [front and back ], or any of the additional forms of acceptable ID’s listed on the state's travel website.

Passports are only good for 5 years.

See information on acceptable documents.

Video to help explain how to apply for your Child's Passport.

3) Your in-person appointment

Be prepared with correct documentation and photocopies. Failure to bring all required documentation and copies may result in passport application delay, forfeiture of your appointment, and possible reschedule to a later date.

If you do not have your paperwork ready to go in time of your appointment, you may be required to reschedule.

Remember both parents or guardians must be present with child at the appointment for ages under 16 yrs. (See exceptions to this requirement.)

4) U.S. passport fees

Information about passport fees can be found online at Passport Fees.

The $35.00 per applicant acceptance fee is paid directly to Western Washington University by credit, debit, check, or cash. All other passport fees will be paid by check, cashier’s check, or money order at the time of your appointment and must be addressed to the “U.S. Department of State.”

5) Information on choosing the service that fits your needs

Please see the Passport fee chart.

Mail delays are impacting the type of service you may need. Processing times begin the day they are received by the U.S. Passport Processing Center, not the date the application is submitted.

  • Routine processing is 8-10 weeks (does not include shipping to and from)  
  • Expedite processing is 5 weeks (does not include shipping to and from)  
  • One-to-two-day delivery for the return of your new passport is available for an extra fee, but this fee will not speed up the processing time.

6) Life-or-death emergency appointments and urgent travel (non-emergency)

Passport agencies are open by appointment only for life-or-death appointments and urgent travel (non-emergency), but only through the Department of State (not Western Washington University). Learn more about rushing your passport.