MDPLS Passport Application Acceptance Program

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Miami-Dade Public Library System’s Passport Application Acceptance Program is a new service available to United States citizens who need to obtain a United States Passport. Inaugurated September 2015 Miami-Dade Public Library System initiated the program to fill a community service area gap. South Dade Regional Library was chosen to be the library system’s first Passport Application Acceptance Facility. The facility offers passport application acceptance services six days each week by appointment, including weekend and evening appointment options, totaling 31 hours each week. Additionally, county library staff - who are also trained Passport Agents - are available six days each week during library operating hours to assist customers with passport application guidance and answer passport related questions. In line with Miami-Dade Public Library System’s vision “…to be an innovative, user centric, community anchor that provides opportunities for lifelong education, exploration, and discovery for all of the residents of Miami Dade County,” the library system offers its customers a customer focused Passport Application Acceptance Program. Applicants receive detailed instructions regarding what they need to bring to their appointments, and staff check the passport applications for omissions and accuracy prior to accepting each application. Unique to the library Passport Application Acceptance Program, the experience might also include the librarian/passport agent doing a little research to help the applicant determine his/her divorce date for inclusion on the passport application. Since its inception and through March 21, 2017, South Dade Library Passport Agents have accepted 2,643 passport applications. Miami-Dade Public Library System’s Passport Application Acceptance Program is giving participants the ability to obtain a United States Passport and opens doors for world exploration and travel.