Haines Borough Administration Passport Services

At Haines Borough Administration, understanding the distinction between routine and expedited processing is crucial for managing your travel timelines. Routine processing, as of November 2024, generally takes about 7.2 weeks for a new passport application submitted through our facility. This option is suitable if your international travel plans are several months away and you are not under immediate time pressure. The costs are standard federal application fees plus the local $35 execution fee. Expedited processing significantly shortens this timeframe, typically averaging 2.5 weeks as of November 2024. This service is ideal for Haines residents needing their passport sooner due to impending travel or unforeseen circumstances. Choosing expedited processing incurs an additional $60 federal fee per application, plus any applicable express mail charges if you opt for faster delivery from the Department of State. While Haines Borough Administration processes your application promptly, the actual expedited timeline depends on the U.S. Department of State’s current workload and mail transit times from our remote Alaskan location.

For most adult passport renewals, you typically cannot renew your passport directly at the Haines Borough Administration facility. The standard process for renewing an adult passport requires you to mail your previous passport, a completed DS-82 form, new photos, and the applicable fee directly to the U.S. Department of State by mail. This applies if your passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current legal name. However, there are specific situations where you might need to apply in person again using a DS-11 form, even for what might feel like a renewal. For instance, if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, or if it’s lost, stolen, or severely damaged, you must apply as if it’s a first-time passport. In these specific cases, Haines Borough Administration can certainly assist you with the in-person application process, including verifying your identity and witnessing your signature, adhering to all federal guidelines for a DS-11 application.

While Haines Borough Administration strives to accommodate all residents, walk-in passport services are generally accepted only on a space-available basis and are highly discouraged due to the potential for significant wait times. Our small team manages a range of borough duties in addition to passport applications, and dedicated appointment slots ensure that each applicant receives the focused attention required for accurate processing. If you arrive without an appointment, the staff will assess the current schedule. There is no guarantee of immediate service, and you may be asked to return at a later, less busy time or to schedule an appointment. To ensure a smooth and efficient experience, especially if you’re traveling from a more remote area of the Haines Borough or have a tight schedule, we strongly recommend calling ahead to schedule your passport application appointment. This allows us to prepare for your visit and dedicate the necessary time to your application.

No, Haines Borough Administration does not provide on-site passport photo services. Applicants are required to bring two identical, color passport photos that meet the specific U.S. Department of State requirements. These photos must be 2×2 inches in size, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background, and your expression should be neutral or a natural, slight smile. It is crucial that the photos are free of shadows, glare, and redeye. Residents in Haines typically utilize local services for passport photos. For example, a local pharmacy or a small photography studio on Main Street might offer passport photo services; it’s advisable to call ahead to inquire about availability and cost. Ensuring your photos meet all federal guidelines before your appointment at the Borough Administration will prevent delays in processing your application.

When submitting your passport application at Haines Borough Administration, it’s essential to understand the dual payment structure. The passport application fee, which is payable to the U.S. Department of State, must be submitted via a personal check or money order. Federal regulations prohibit the acceptance of cash, credit cards, or starter checks for this portion of the fee. Ensure the check or money order is made out precisely to ‘U.S. Department of State’ for the correct amount for your chosen service (e.g., passport book, passport card, expedited service). The separate $35 execution fee, which covers the processing service provided by Haines Borough, can be paid directly to the Borough. For this fee, Haines Borough Administration accepts personal checks, money orders, or cash. Unfortunately, credit or debit card payments are not processed for either fee at our facility. We recommend having both forms of payment prepared prior to your appointment to ensure a seamless application process without any unexpected delays.

The passport office is located at 103 THIRD AVE S, HAINES, AK 99827. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 9077666400.0 to confirm before visiting.

Photos on-site: 1. If available, photos typically cost around $15 in cash.

Routine processing takes 12-13 weeks. Expedited service (additional $60 fee) takes 7-9 weeks. Our expedited service gets your passport in 3-10 days.

Most facilities accept check or money order. You’ll need two separate payments: one to “U.S. Department of State” ($130) and one to “HAINES BOROUGH ADMINISTRATION” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

Handicap access: 1. The facility is ADA compliant with accessible entrances and facilities.

Parking at Haines Borough Administration is remarkably convenient, reflecting the small-town nature of Haines where congestion is rarely an issue. The most direct option is the dedicated municipal parking lot situated immediately adjacent to the building on its south side, accessible directly from Third Avenue S. This lot provides approximately 20 clearly marked, free parking spaces. While typically ample, during peak summer tourist season, particularly mid-morning between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays when local businesses are bustling, these spots may occasionally fill up. Should the on-site lot be full, abundant free street parking is readily available along Third Avenue S itself, directly in front of the building, and on the intersecting streets of Main Street and Second Avenue, generally within a one-block radius. There are no parking meters or permit requirements in downtown Haines, making parking hassle-free. For optimal convenience, aiming to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to a scheduled appointment allows ample time to secure a spot and comfortably walk to the entrance. Seasonal considerations are important: during winter months (November-March), heavy snowfall is common. While borough crews maintain consistent plowing, applicants should factor in extra time for potentially slower travel and to navigate any remaining snowbanks or icy patches. Conversely, summer parking, while free, can see more pedestrian traffic. Ensuring your vehicle is safely parked and not obstructing any clear zones is always a good practice in this friendly, walkable community.

No, passport renewals cannot be done at acceptance facilities. Renewals must be mailed directly to the State Department using Form DS-82, or you can use our expedited renewal service.

If you’re traveling soon, our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 days. We handle everything from document review to delivery, with 24/7 support. Call 800-860-8610 to get started.