Cleveland Passport Agency — Emergency Passport Services for Ohio

Agency Location and Hours

The Cleveland Passport Agency is Ohio's federal office for emergency and expedited passport issuance. It is located in the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building at 1240 E. 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44199, a large federal complex in downtown Cleveland near the lakefront. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding all federal holidays.

The Celebrezze Federal Building is a major federal hub and has a full security checkpoint at the main entrance — bring a government-issued photo ID to pass through, even if you aren't the applicant (companions are allowed). Allow 15 extra minutes for security screening on weekday mornings. The passport agency is well-signed once you're inside.

Who Qualifies

Appointments are reserved for travelers with a genuine time-sensitive need:

• Departing internationally within 14 calendar days — bring a confirmed flight itinerary, cruise booking, or rail ticket showing your name and departure date.
• Needing a foreign visa within 28 days — bring consulate or embassy documentation proving the visa appointment date falls within that window.

Life-or-death emergencies — critical illness or death of an immediate family member abroad — can qualify without a booked ticket. Explain the situation when you call NPIC so the representative can flag your case appropriately.

Booking Your Appointment

No walk-ins are permitted. Book through the National Passport Information Center:

• Phone: 1-877-487-2778 (Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–10:00 PM ET; Sat 10:00 AM–3:00 PM ET)
• Online: travel.state.gov — phone recommended for urgent timelines

The Cleveland agency serves Ohio and surrounding states. It tends to have shorter wait times for appointments than the coastal agencies — this can actually work in your favor if you can get to Cleveland. Call at 8:00 AM ET when lines open for the best selection. If Cleveland is booked solid, ask NPIC to check Pittsburgh (handled through Philadelphia) or Detroit (handled through Chicago).

Required Documents

Bring originals of everything — the agency makes copies on-site. For first-time passport applicants:

• Completed DS-11 form — do not sign until the agent instructs you; premature signing invalidates the form
• Proof of U.S. citizenship — certified birth certificate with raised seal, previous U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate
• Government-issued photo ID — Ohio driver's license, state ID, or military ID (valid or expired within 5 years)
• Photocopy of both sides of your ID
• One 2×2-inch passport photo — white background, taken within the past 6 months, no glasses
• Proof of urgent travel — itinerary showing your name and international departure within 14 days
• Payment — see fees below

For renewals, use DS-82 and bring your most recent passport (issued after age 16, issued within the past 15 years, undamaged). No birth certificate required for renewals.

Passport Fees

Government fees (book + execution + expedite) are paid by check or money order to "U.S. Department of State." Return shipping is a separate credit or debit card payment. Cash is not accepted for government fees.

Getting to the Cleveland Passport Agency

The Celebrezze Federal Building is in downtown Cleveland near the lakefront, accessible by multiple modes:

• RTA Red Line (Cleveland Hopkins to Tower City): Ride to Tower City–Public Square station and walk east on Lakeside Ave about 10 minutes to E. 9th St.
• RTA HealthLine (BRT): Runs along Euclid Ave — board near Public Square and ride to E. 9th St stop.
• Driving: Several parking garages are within two blocks, including the Erieview Garage on E. 9th St and the Q Arena garage. Budget $10–$20 for a few hours. The I-90 lakefront exits drop you close to the building.

Cleveland's downtown is significantly easier to drive and park in compared to coastal cities, making the drive-and-park option practical for Ohio residents coming from Columbus, Akron, or Youngstown. Plan for 45–90 minutes of wait time inside once you've checked in.

No Appointment Available?

If Cleveland is fully booked before your departure:

1. Ask NPIC to check Chicago or Pittsburgh — Both serve Midwest travelers and may have earlier slots available.
2. Expedited mail service — For departures 3+ weeks out, submit by USPS Priority Mail Express with the $60 expedite fee. Check current processing times at travel.state.gov first.
3. Licensed courier service — A registered passport expediting company can submit on your behalf at whichever agency has the earliest opening. Budget $150–$300 above government fees and verify registration before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an Ohio resident to use the Cleveland agency?

No. Federal passport agencies serve anyone, regardless of home state. If Cleveland is your most convenient option, book there.

Can I get my passport photo taken near the building?

There is no on-site photo service. CVS and Walgreens locations near Public Square (a short walk or rideshare away) offer passport photos. Get yours taken before your appointment to avoid complications.

What if my child needs an emergency passport too?

Each applicant needs a separate appointment. Children under 16 require both parents present, or one parent with a notarized DS-3053 form if the other parent cannot attend. The child must appear in person.

How do I get my passport if I travel in 3 days or less?

For departure within 3 business days, same-day issuance is typical. You pick up the passport at the will-call window before the office closes at 3:00 PM. For travel 4–14 days out, the agency mails it overnight to arrive one to two days before departure.

Is parking available on-site at the building?

There is no free public parking at the Celebrezze Federal Building itself. The Erieview Garage on E. 9th St and surrounding downtown garages are the most convenient paid options. Budget $10–$20 for a morning visit.