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Hey Fairbanksans! Getting a passport might seem daunting, but trust me, it’s totally doable, even with our unique Alaskan lifestyle. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway to warmer climates or finally taking that dream trip to see the Northern Lights from Iceland, this guide will break it down. You can always go the standard route through the post office or court, or, for a faster and smoother experience, we offer an expedited service to help you navigate the process. We know that things like travel for work, visiting family outside of Alaska, or those spur-of-the-moment cruises out of Seward can pop up fast. With a little planning, you’ll be ready to go! Let’s get started!
First things first: is your current passport still valid? Check the expiration date. If it’s expired or expiring within the next six months, you’ll need to renew. Also, take a look at the condition of the passport. Significant damage, water stains from that Chena River rafting trip, or missing pages could mean you need to apply for a new one, even if the expiration date is further out.
Not sure which type you need? First-time applicants must apply in person, while renewals can often be done by mail if your previous passport is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years.
For a new passport, you’ll need proof of U.S. citizenship. This could be your original or certified copy of your birth certificate (issued by the city, county, or state), a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Keep in mind, birth abstracts are not accepted. If you don’t have your birth certificate handy, you might need to order a copy online. This is especially important if you were born outside of Alaska.
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
The form you need depends on whether you’re applying for a new passport (Form DS-11) or renewing (Form DS-82). You can find both on the U.S. Department of State’s website. Make sure you fill it out completely and accurately. Even small errors can cause delays. You can fill it out online and print it, or print it blank and fill it in with black ink.
Fill out Form DS-11 for new applications or DS-82 for renewals. Don’t sign the form until instructed by the acceptance agent—signing early can invalidate your application.
Passport photos have strict requirements. It needs to be a 2×2 inch color photo with a white background. Your expression must be neutral, and you should be facing the camera directly. Many places in Fairbanks offer passport photo services, including Walgreens on Airport Way and most UPS stores. Make sure the photo meets all the requirements; otherwise, your application could be rejected.
Passport photos must be 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white background. Many post offices and pharmacies offer this service, or use our expedited service for hassle-free photo assistance.
In Fairbanks, you can submit your application at the downtown Fairbanks Post Office (at Cowles and Cushman). Keep in mind that the Post Office requires an appointment. Or, consider our expedited passport service. We streamline the entire process and can often get your passport processed much faster. We understand how important speed is when you are planning international travel or returning to school.
Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. Need it faster? Our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 business days with zero errors guaranteed. Call (800) 860-8610 to get started.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a tracking number. Use this to monitor its progress online through the Department of State’s website. Processing times can vary depending on demand, so be patient! Don’t book any non-refundable travel until you have your passport in hand. Keep an eye on the mail, and you’ll be ready for adventure in no time.
Track your application status online at the State Department’s website using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Updates typically appear within 7-10 days of submission.
Use these free tools to plan your passport application
Find out if standard processing will work for your trip from Fairbanks
Make sure you have everything needed for Fairbanks facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ Fairbanks applications and found the top errors: incorrect photo specifications (38%), photocopied birth certificates instead of originals (31%), and unsigned forms (22%). Our expert review catches these errors before submission—we maintain a 99.2% error-free rate, saving you weeks of delays.
Understanding which process applies to you
New passport applications require you to visit one of Fairbanks’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Fairbanks North Star Borough and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no Fairbanks facility visit needed. But mailing takes 35+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from Fairbanks.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in Fairbanks. Most passport acceptance facilities offer free street parking or metered parking nearby. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
Find the nearest acceptance location — or skip the hassle entirely
Honest comparison to help Fairbanks residents choose the right option
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