On Saturday, March 27, the Department of State will celebrate its 2^nd annual “Passport Day in the USA.” U.S. citizens throughout the country can apply for a passport at any one of the 23 regional passport agencies without an appointment.

The first Passport Day in the USA was held in March 2009. More than 57,000 passport applications were accepted at passport agencies and 2,000 passport acceptance facilities. This year, the State Department opened new passport agencies in Detroit, Dallas, Minneapolis and Tucson.

“Passport Day in the USA is a great opportunity for Americans to apply for their passports,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services Brenda Sprague. “Since it is on a Saturday, people can drop by a passport agency or their nearest passport acceptance facility and still have plenty of time to enjoy their weekend.”

On March 27, all passport agencies will be open and accepting passport book and passport card applications from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with no need to schedule an appointment. For this day only, U.S. citizens without urgent travel plans may apply directly at a regional passport agency and both routine and expedited processing service may be requested.

Many passport acceptance facilities around the country will also be hosting Passport Day in the USA events. U.S. citizens can visit www.travel.state.gov to find a participating passport acceptance facility near them and the event details. The Web site also contains complete passport information about what is needed to apply for a passport, as well as the application fees and processing times. U.S. citizens may also call the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.

Since June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens have been required to present a passport book, passport card, or other travel document approved by the U.S. government when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry. Additional information on travel requirements is available at www.getyouhome.gov.