PAWTUCKET, RI – Applying for a U.S. passport is the right of every American citizen and U.S. Senator Jack Reed wants to make it more convenient too. 

There are currently 21 Passport Acceptance Facilities across the state, mostly at Post Offices.  However, there is one at the Pawtucket Public Library and Senator Reed would like to see more qualified public libraries offer passport services.

Today, Senator Reed visited the Pawtucket Library and met with library staff and patrons, including Julie Fisher, the Passport Acceptance Agent who oversees the library’s passport operations.  

“Travelers heading overseas are required to have a passport, so applying for one should be convenient, not a paper chase.  If you are planning a trip, libraries are a great place to get information about your destination and I’d like to see them become one-stop shops for people who need passport services as well.  The pilot project here in Pawtucket has been very successful.  It offers evening hours for busy moms and dads so they don’t have to take time off work or take the kids out of school to apply for a passport.  I’d like to see the successful program here replicated and expanded to other qualified public libraries across the state to make applying for a passport more convenient,” said Reed.  “Our libraries are community centers so accepting passport applications and taking official passport photos is just adding one more useful service.  And the funds it generates get invested back into the community supporting free literacy and workforce development classes.”

The Pawtucket Public Library was designated as a Passport Acceptance Facility by the U.S. Department of State, the first public library in Rhode Island to receive this designation.  Since its successful launch in 2013, the library has processed more than 1,600 passport applications.  And it was the first complete Passport Acceptance Facility to offer services in the evening. 

All residents of Rhode Island may use the passport services at the Pawtucket Public Library. 

Passport applications are accepted and passport-quality photos required for the passport can also be taken on site (for a fee of $10.00) at the Library (13 Summer Street), Monday – Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  All applicants must apply for a passport in person.  No appointments are necessary.

Before visiting the library, applicants should read what documents, identification, and fees are required by checking the U.S. Department of State's website: www.travel.state.gov

The application fee is payable to the U.S. Department of State.  The library is also required to collect an execution fee, currently $25, which helps support the Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative, a free program that provides adult literacy and workforce development classes to adult immigrants. 

If you are applying for a passport: What to bring

  • Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, citizenship certificate)
  • Proof of identity (driver's license, military, or government ID)
  • Completed, but not signed DS-11 form
  • Passport photo (can be taken on site for a $10.00 fee)
  • Check or money order to pay the U.S. Department of State fee (fees can vary, be sure to visit www.travel.state.gov)
  • Cash, check or money order to pay the library execution fee

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