Obtaining a Passport in Birmingham

If you’re planning to travel overseas soon, one of your top priorities should be ensuring your passport is up to date. Not only is a passport essential for international travel, but it can also serve as a backup form of identification for domestic flights. Getting a passport in Birmingham may seem like a daunting task, but there are several local facilities that can assist you throughout the application process. However, keep in mind that some services may require appointments and additional fees.

In Birmingham, you can seek passport services at various locations, including Birmingham Public Libraries Passport Service, Hoover Public Library Passport Appointments, United States Postal Service Passport Appointments, and the UAB Passport Office. These official services can guide you through the necessary steps to obtain a passport, making the process more manageable and less overwhelming for applicants.

For those planning to travel domestically by air, it’s crucial to note the requirement for a STAR ID (also known as REAL ID) as of May 7, 2025. If you don’t have a STAR ID, a valid U.S. passport can serve as an alternative form of identification for your flight. Other acceptable forms of identification include foreign government-issued passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards, and veteran Health Identification Cards.

When it comes to costs and processing times, applicants should be prepared to cover the necessary fees for a new passport. The fee for a passport book, which allows for international travel by air, land, and sea, is $130. Alternatively, a passport card, valid for return to the U.S. by land or sea from specific locations, costs $30. Additional fees for expedited processing within two to three weeks amount to $60, while standard processing typically takes four to six weeks. No extra costs are incurred for standard delivery via USPS Priority Mail, but expedited one to two day delivery is available for an additional fee of $22.05. Additionally, an execution fee of $35 is required for all new passport applications.

To begin the application process, applicants can utilize the U.S. Department of State’s online form filler tool or print out the application form to complete manually. The filled-out form, which must be printed on standard-sized paper with no double-sided printing, should be submitted along with the required documents. One crucial aspect of the application is providing a recent passport photo that adheres to specific requirements, such as a clear image on a white background taken within the last six months.

Overall, obtaining a passport in Birmingham involves several essential steps, from selecting the appropriate form of identification to preparing the necessary documents and ensuring compliance with photo requirements. By following the guidelines outlined by official passport services and facilities, applicants can streamline the application process and ensure a smooth transition as they prepare for international travel.