Passport services are now being offered without an appointment during regular business hours at the Thurston County Auditor’s Office.
While walk-in service is available, a news release from the county still encouraged people to make an appointment to avoid a potentially long wait time.
The auditor’s office is the only provider of passport services in Thurston County during its regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The auditor’s passport facility is located at 3000 Pacific Ave. SE in Olympia.
“We’ve redistributed resources to expand our ability to serve customers who don’t have time to wait for a scheduled appointment,” Thurston County Auditor Mary Hall stated in the release. “With the increasing demand for passports due to increased travel and the approaching REAL ID deadline, our friendly and efficient staff is dedicated to making the passport process easier.”
Starting on May 7, 2025, everyone will need a passport, an enhanced driver’s license or identification card, or another federally approved identification to travel domestically on commercial aircraft.
The auditor’s office provides the following advice to facilitate the walk-in process:
• Walk-in hours for passports are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Walk-ins should check-in at the lobby kiosk to receive their number.
• Arrive early in the day when business is lighter. This typically results in faster service.
• Due to lunch breaks, staffing levels are limited between noon and 2 p.m.
• Fill out all paperwork before arriving.
• If you plan to have your picture taken, wear dark clothes because they produce a better photo. Please do not wear white or cream clothing.
• Your patience is appreciated.
• The U.S. Department of State portion of the fees must be paid by check or money order.
To make an appointment and find more information about auditor passport services, go online to thurstonauditor.gov.
Routine passport service may take up to 13 weeks, which is approximately three months, from the date the passport agency receives the application until a person receives their passport, stated the release. It may take up to two weeks for the application to be “in process” from the day of submission.
