National Passport Day is Sept. 17

If you've been waiting to get your passport, or you're just intrigued by the thought of international travel and want to be prepared when the mood strikes to fly abroad, mark your calendars for this Saturday, Sept. 17.

National Passport Day is an annual event held by the U.S. Department of State in an effort to make waiting in line for your passport fun. While one would usually have to make an appointment to go through the new passport process, National Passport Day allows U.S. citizens to apply for U.S. passports without an appointment. Head over to one of the regional offices and fill out the paperwork, then choose standard processing (4-6 weeks) or pay an additional $60 for Expedited processing (2-3 weeks, door-to-door).

To help keep things moving at the passport agency, make sure you have the following:

• Passport photos for all travelers who wish to get a passport
• Proof of residency (birth certificate and social security card is best)
• Fill out the necessary forms ahead of time (for a list of forms, or to determine which form you'll need, click here)
• If you're applying for a passport for a minor (under age 16), make sure both parents or guardians are present for the passport approval, if appropriate.

Passport Day in the USA also means passport-themed events for adults and children at various offices. Help speed up the process by organizing everything before you go, so you can enjoy a little fun while you're there!

Here are the regional locations hosting National Passport Day in New England:

Massachusetts locations
New Hampshire locations
Maine locations

For locations around the U.S., click here.