New US passport design coming in 2028: Key things Americans need to know about November fairs

The US passport is getting a new look, with a larger gold Great Seal on the cover and illustrations of American history inside the booklet. The redesigned passport, called “Flight of the Eagle,” is expected to begin shipping in 2028. But Americans who need a passport sooner have another option, special passport fairs scheduled at locations across several states in November 2026.

The redesign is still some time away, so the upcoming fairs may be more relevant for people who need to apply in the coming weeks. Here is what Americans need to know about the new passport, its expected release and the November application events.

When Can Americans Get the New Passport

Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled the new “Flight of the Eagle” design in September 2026. Applications for the redesigned passport are expected to begin in 2027, with the new booklets scheduled to start shipping in 2028.


The familiar blue cover will remain, but the layout will change. The words “United States of America” will appear at the top, above a larger gold Great Seal.

According to The Sun, the redesign puts the American eagle at the centre of the passport’s visual identity, with historical imagery featured throughout the booklet.

What Changes Are Coming to the New US Passport

The changes go beyond the cover. Inside, the passport will feature illustrations of significant moments in American history, spanning 250 years.

The scenes include the Battle of Lexington, westward expansion, the Wright brothers’ flight and US Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. The illustrations also include the splashdown of the Artemis II crew in April 2026.

The eagle will appear in the top-right corner of every other page. As someone flips through the passport, the sequence of illustrations is designed to make the bird appear to flap its wings and fly across the booklet.

The redesigned passport will also come in a white presentation box featuring the Great Seal on the front.

Where to Apply for a US Passport in November 2026

Americans who cannot wait until 2028 to apply for a passport can check the special acceptance fairs scheduled for November. The events are planned at locations in New Jersey, North Carolina, Alabama, California and Vermont.

As per the US Department of State’s published schedule, the following events are planned:

November 4: Manchester EMS Building in Whiting, New Jersey, from 10 am to 3 pm.

November 7: Rowan Public Library in Salisbury, North Carolina, from 10 am to 3 pm.

November 7: Birmingham Post Office in Birmingham, Alabama, from 7 am to 2:30 pm.

November 7: Veteran’s Sports Park in Tustin, California, from 10 am to 2 pm.

November 9: Manchester Center Post Office in Manchester Center, Vermont, from 10 am to 2 pm.

November 10: Nutley Parks & Recreation in Nutley, New Jersey, from 2 pm to 8 pm.

November 12: Stowe Town Clerk Memorial Room in Stowe, Vermont, from 10 am to 2 pm.

November 13: Hardwick Post Office in Hardwick, Vermont from 10 am to 2 pm.

Appointment rules differ by location. So applicants should check the official passport fair schedule before making plans.

Who Qualifies for the November Passport Fairs

The fairs are for people who need to apply in person using Form DS-11. It is for first time passport applicants, children under 16 and people who don't qualify to renew their existing passports.

Applicants need to bring the required documents and accepted payment methods and anyone attending an event that requires an appointment must arrange one in advance.

These fairs are separate from the new passport rollout. They provide an opportunity for eligible applicants to submit applications before the redesigned booklet becomes available.