To assist consumers who need to get their passports, the Automobile Club of Southern California, in partnership with the US State Department, will host Passport Acceptance Fairs in San Diego and Escondido.
The events will take place Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Auto Club branch at 2440 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, and Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Auto Club branch at 800 La Terraza Blvd., Escondido.
Appointments are required and can be made by calling 760-740-5252 for the San Diego event and 760-740-5267 for the Escondido event. A list of required personal documents, forms and fees can be found at www.travel.state.gov/passport. Attendees must bring the required documents with them to their appointment. Accepted forms of payment are checks and money orders only. Cash and credit cards will not be accepted.
Passport photos may be taken at the branch prior to the passport appointment and cost $15 for non-members, $10 for Auto Club Classic members, $8 for AAA Plus members and $5 for AAA Premier members.
“We are seeing increased interest from our members in obtaining or renewing their passports as a form of REAL ID that they can use to board domestic flights when the REAL ID Act takes effect on Oct. 1 of this year,” said Pamela Shepherd, the Auto Club’s vice president of branch operations. “These events will allow people to conveniently complete their passport acceptance process and obtain passport photos in one location.”
U.S. passports are valid for 10 years and cost $110 to obtain or renew. A passport is required for all international travelers when departing from the United States. It's also required on cruises to the Caribbean islands or other destinations that are not territories of the United States.
Additionally, the REAL ID Act of 2005 established new standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Starting October 1, 2020, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other federally approved document such as a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID to board domestic flights or enter military bases and most federal facilities.