Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Avoid Passport Scams: How to Stay Safe When Applying for a Passport

February 25, 2025
  –  
Mary Hall ,  
Auditor

Planning a trip should be an exciting experience, but falling victim to a passport scam can turn travel dreams into a nightmare. Scammers are taking advantage of travelers by offering “personalized passport instructions” and charging for resources that are already freely available on government websites.  

The Thurston County Auditor’s Office is the only full-time passport acceptance office in the county, and we want you to know how to protect yourself from passport scams.  

Only pay fees through an official government website 

First-time applicants sometimes believe they have already paid their passport fees online, only to realize their money went to a fraudulent company. Unfortunately, they must still pay the official application and execution fees. Always verify that payments are made through official government websites.  

Free Passport Resources Exist 

Passport instructions, application forms, and status updates are all available for free from official U.S. government sources.  

  • Application Instructions: Travel.state.gov provides step-by-step guidance on how to apply, what fees to pay, and what documents are required. 
  • Passport Forms: PPTform.state.gov offers a free questionnaire to help applicants select and complete the correct form, which they can then print and bring to a passport acceptance facility. 
  • Application Status Updates: After applying, travelers can check their status at Passportstatus.state.gov, which provides updates on processing and mailing information. 

Online Passport Renewal (OPR) is Real—But Beware of Scams 

Online Passport Renewal (OPR) is now available, making it easier to update passports. However, scammers may use this opportunity to steal private information. Always use the official site: travel.state.gov/renewonline. Keep in mind that OPR applicants do pay online. 

Emergency Passport Appointments Are Free 

If travel is within two weeks, applicants can schedule a free appointment at a passport agency by:  

  • Calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 

Appointments cannot be bought, sold, or transferred—beware of third parties offering to book one for a fee. 

Approved Hand-Carry and Courier Services 

For urgent passport needs, travelers who cannot visit a passport agency may use an approved hand-carry or courier service. Before paying any company, verify its legitimacy at travel.state.gov/couriercompany. 

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed 

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, take action immediately:  

  • Request a refund from the company. 
  • Contact your credit card provider to dispute the charge. 
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or IdentityTheft.gov. 

Bottom Line: Stick to ".gov" Websites 

To ensure you’re getting accurate information and avoiding scams, only use official government websites ending in “.gov” when applying for a passport.  

For official passport services, visit travel.state.gov. 

By staying informed and using the right resources, you can keep your travel plans on track and avoid unnecessary costs or delays. Safe travels! 

Auditor
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