PassportsI have listed some frequently asked questions below. If you need further information, please visit the
State Department Passport and Information page.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PASSPORTS AND OVERSEAS TRAVEL Every day, constituents visit my office to ask for help in applying for a passport. Because overseas travel is becoming so popular, I'd like to offer answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. I hope you will contact my office if you need any help or have a question about this process. Traveling to a foreign country should be an adventure -- getting a passport shouldn't!
Who needs a Passport?Anyone planning to travel to a foreign country should apply for a passport.
How long does a Passport last?Passports last ten years. They may be renewed up to 12 years after the issue date.
APPLYING FOR A PASSPORTIn applying for passport, you will need to take a certified copy of your birth certificate or original naturalization papers, two passport-size color photos (which can be obtained from area camera shops) and the application fee to the U.S. Post Office.
What if I can't find my Birth Certificate?The Vital Records Office in your State of Birth can provide you with this information.
What is the Cost of a Passport?A new application costs $97. Renewals are $67. A child's application is $82.
How long does it take to Receive a Passport? Approximately three to four weeks.
Checking on the STATUS of your Passport ApplicationYou may now call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) to check the status of your application. Simply call (877) 487-2778 or 1-900-225-5674 (cost: $1.05 per minute). You will be connected with a live operator within seconds! You will be required to provide the operator with your name and date of birth. The inquiry will be handled in a timely manner.
PASSPORT INFORMATION is now in the INTERNET!! The Consular Affairs website is travel.state.gov
EXPEDITING PASSPORTSThere are some instances that require a passport to be expedited. Situations include attending a funeral, family medical emergency, or even an unplanned business trip. Your congressional office stands ready to assist you in these situations. We offer the following tips as you make your plans.
What Must I do if I Need a Passport in Less Than Five Days?Passport Offices are located in many metropolitan cities, and you can walk your application through one of the Passport Offices prior to your departure. However, this process can last up to seven hours. Passport Offices are located in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Should you need our assistance with expediting your application, please do not hesitate to contact my Concord office.
How Much Does it Cost to Expedite My Application?The expedition fee is an additional $30 which guarantees a five-day turnaround. The application must be sent via overnight mail to and from New Orleans to guarantee this process. Please contact your local Post Office to assist you with this procedure.
TIPS TO OVERSEAS TRAVELERSNEVER purchase a Non-refundable ticket unless you already have a passport. Apply for a passport before you need one! Obtain a passport before you buy a ticket. Always keep the passport in a safe place. Photocopy or write down the passport number and the expiration date and keep it separate from the passport. Keep your passport up-to-date. Renewals are less expensive and less time consuming than applying for a new one. Give a copy of your itinerary as well as a copy of the passport to a member of your family or a close friend. Include lodging plans and telephone numbers to facilitate communications in case of an emergency. If your passport is stolen while you are traveling, go to the nearest American Embassy to report your loss. Always keep your cash, passport and other identification in separate places when you travel. Make sure to update your passport whenever you have a name or address change.
TRAVEL ADVISORYIf you are planning to travel to a country that has recently experienced war or civil unrest, please contact the State Department to get current information. If you need to find out specific details of your trip, please call the State Department Travel Advisory 1-202-647-5225
HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL JOURNEY! 
