It is important that applicants read through this page to make the applying process as smooth as possible. This is an overview and does not cover all situations. Visit travel.state.gov for detailed information about passports.
The Cary Area Public Library is an official Passport Acceptance Facility, accepting DS-11 applications for passports at our Service Center.
Appointment Hours:
We are accepting passport applications by appointment only between the days and hours of Monday-Thursday: 10 am-4:30 pm , 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Friday-Saturday: 10 am-12:30 pm, 1:30 pm-4:00 pm
Sunday: 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
View our upcoming closings which may affect appointment availability
To schedule your appointment, please call 847-639-4210 and press 0. Please allow 30 minutes per applicant when scheduling your appointment. Applicants must arrive on time for their appointments. Any applicant that arrives more than 15 minutes late will forfeit their appointment.
Things to Know
We only process new applications for passport books and cards. If you are not sure what type of application you should submit, try this tool from the State Department.
Passport renewals may be submitted through the mail, and you will not need to visit an acceptance facility if your old passport was issued less than 15 years ago and meets other requirements. Renewal requirements and forms are available online. If the passport was issued more than 15 years ago or was issued to you as a minor, you will need to fill out a new application form (DS-11) and visit an acceptance facility to process it.
What is the difference between passports books and cards, and which is better for my circumstances?
Information about applying for minors under 16 years old can be found here. Information about 16 and 17-year-olds applying can be found here.
Read through what options are available to you if you need to expedite your passport application.
Passport FAQs on the State Department website
Come Prepared
Applications – Applications may be filled out online via www.travel.state.gov and then printed single-sided. The Library also provides applications that must be filled out in black ink with no whiteout. Do not sign the application until asked to do so by an agent.
Applicants and relevant parties – Applicant(s) must be present. Both parents and children must be present for minor applications under the age of 16. If the applicant was 15 or younger at the time their previous passport was issued, it is considered a new application, not a renewal.
Valid photo identification – Applicants and parents of applicants under age 16, must have a valid photo ID.
Proof of U.S. citizenship – Certified or original birth certificates that include parent(s) names, naturalization papers, or a previous U.S. Passport for applicants over age 16. The parent(s) must provide evidence of parental relationship to minors.
Current Passport photo -The U.S. State Department has strict guidelines regarding acceptable passport photos, please read through the guidelines prior to having your photo taken. The Library does not provide photo services, however, passport photo services are available at many Walgreens, CVS, and Staples locations.
Fees – Two fees are required:
- Passport fee(s): Check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of State” for each passport application. At the top, in the center of the check or money order, write the applicant’s full name and date of birth. Click here for the current fee chart.
- Execution fee(s): For each application, applicants must pay a $35 execution fee to the Library. We will accept cash, checks or money orders (made payable to “Cary Area Public Library”). If multiple people are applying together, this execution fee may be combined into one payment.