DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) – On Thursday, the Dothan Houston County Library will host a Passport Fair.
“It’s one of our favorite services that we offer,” said Chris Warren, Director of the Dothan Houston County Library System.
With summer break around the corner, Warren says the passport fair comes at a great time. It’s intended to be convenient, allowing people to walk right in and get in line.
“There’s no need to make reservations or appointments,” said Warren. “It’s designed to be a drop-in event. If you have a vacation or mission trip coming up, just stop by the library and we’ll help you out.”
You Gov estimates that over fifty percent of Americans don’t have a passport, but the Dothan Houston County Library is giving us a chance to be in the percent that does.
At past events like this, Warren says they usually see 50 to 100 people. Still, he wishes more people knew about it.
“It’s kind of a best-kept secret in Dothan, I wish it wasn’t a best-kept secret,” said Warren.
It’s a secret the staff wants to share and they encourage you to come out.
“We do also have some goodies for the first 25 people,” said Warren. “It’s a travel bag that’s TSA-approved and has those bottles for liquids you may need to carry on your flight.”
With the high demand for international travel, Warren gives some insight on the timetable for a passport return.
“The turnaround on a passport application can be anywhere between nine weeks and eleven weeks,” said Warren. “It depends on how quickly the state department can process them.”
“There are also some expedited options that can be turned around in as little as 3 to 4 weeks,” said Warren.
Warren is confident the staff will make the process as smooth as possible.
“We have about a dozen state department-certified passport agents on staff,” said Warren. “They’re very knowledgeable about the application process. They’ve seen every possible hurdle and complication, and they know how to help resolve them.”
The Passport Fair will be held at DHCLS’ Westgate location on May 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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