The City of Hanford Administration Department is pleased to announce that starting next week, it will begin accepting passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. U.S. citizens planning international travel may apply for their passports on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at Hanford City Hall, located at 319 North Douty Street.
Applications are accepted by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call 559-585-2520 during normal business hours (Monday– Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Friday: 8 a.m. – noon). Applicants should visit www.hanford.city/Passports to learn what they need to bring to their appointment.
One of the required items is a 2-inch by 2-inch head and shoulders passport photo, taken against a white/off-white background. Applicants may bring their own photo, or have one taken during their appointment for $15.
Cash, check or money order are accepted forms of payment for a passport photo and the passport Execution Fee (paid to the City of Hanford). A check or money order is accepted for the passport Application Fee (paid to the U.S. Department of State).
“We’ve been excited to make this announcement and have worked hard to ensure that we’re ready to serve the public,” said City of Hanford Human Resources Manager Sarah Cardoza. “We recognized that there’s a growing demand for this service, and we’re honored to be able to provide it here at City Hall in downtown Hanford.”
Cardoza encourages members of the public to apply early due to an unprecedented demand for passports nationwide. The Department of State is currently processing routine applications in 8-11 weeks, and expedited applications in 5-7 weeks.
The City’s acceptance agents include Spanish speakers.
Passport renewals can be completed through the mail. Visit the State Department’s Renew by Mail webpage for more information.
For application forms, information on documentation required, fees, and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, visit the only official website for passport information – www.travel.state.gov.
Much of the same information can be located at www.hanford.city/Passports