Thurston County passport office aces federal audit amid rising demand 

The Thurston County Auditor's Passport Office cleared a U.S. Department of State compliance inspection without a single deficiency this year. 

All 51 reviewed criteria were rated clean, as passport application volume at the office surged 63 percent from the prior year. 

In a news release on May 27, the county said federal inspectors from the Office of Acceptance Facility Oversight (AFO) conducted a review earlier this year. 

Staffers examined acceptance procedures, information security protocols and training records. No issues were raised about data security or the handling of customers personally identifiable information. Reviewers also cited the office’s “strong organization” during the evaluation. 

Under AFO procedures, passport acceptance facilities that receive repeated deficient inspections can be recommended for suspension or deactivation. Facilities that lose acceptance authority cannot process applications. 

The Auditor’s Office processed 7,031 passport applications in 2025, up from 4,321 in 2024, according to the county. 

Despite the volume, staff performance drew favorable marks in the federal report. Agents answered all inspector interview questions and showed working knowledge of complex cases, including minor applications and identity verification. 

The report further noted several office best practices, among them a bassinet available for minor photographs and walk-in service when scheduling permits. 

Federal auditors found nothing to flag in 2024 either, the county said, giving the office back-to-back clean inspection results. 

Auditor Mary Hall credited her team for the result. 

"I am incredibly proud of our passport team's proficiency during this federal review," Hall said. "This achievement reflects our commitment to providing secure, honest, and excellent service to our residents, even as demand for these services grows." 

To schedule or submit a passport application, visit the Thurston County Auditor's Office at 3000 Pacific Ave. SE in Olympia, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional information is posted on the county's web page.