Traveling Overseas This Fall? Start Your Passport Process at the Birmingham Public Library

Are you making plans to travel abroad this fall?

Start your passport process at the Birmingham Public Library. Staffers trained by the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Center are available at five BPL locations to assist you: the Central Library downtown and four regional libraries—Avondale, Five Points West, North Birmingham, and Springville Road. 

No appointments are necessary at the Central Library; passport appointments must be made in advance at the other four BPL locations - Avondale, Five Points West, North Birmingham, and Springville Road.

It is important to take steps to get a passport early because, on average, the U.S. Department of State says it takes six to eight weeks to receive your passport in the mail after completing an application. You can request expedited service for an additional fee.

Call 205-226-3601 for more information about BPL's passport services. In addition to accepting walk-ins, the Central Library also takes passport photos for a $15 extra fee.

Download and complete a passport application beforehand from the U.S. Department of State website. All applicants must appear in person (including minors). Minors under the age of 16 must appear with both parents.

To start your passport process, please bring the following to participating BPL locations:

• Completed Passport Form DS-11
• Evidence of U.S Citizenship, such as: U.S. Birth Certificate (original or certified copies only), Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship
• Personal identification with a recent photo, such as: U.S. Driver’s License Expired Passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, Government Employee ID, U.S. Military or U.S Military Dependent ID
• Photocopy of personal identification (front and back)
• Passport photograph (2x2 color photograph) – remember you can get photos made at the Central Library on-site for $15
• Payment as follows: $110 application fee, payable to the U.S. Department of State (check or money order) $35 execution fee, payable to the Birmingham Public Library (cash, check, or credit/debit) 

Click on this BPL link for details on forms and documentation needed 

If any questions about passports, the U.S. Department of State provides detailed guidelines for preparing passport applications and supporting documents.