By Joshua Dieker
District Representative

Even though the passport agencies have recovered from the huge backlogs of last year, I thought it would be wise to provide a quick refresher on passports as Spring Break time arrives and the vacation season begins. As you may recall, recent changes in passport regulations have resulted in a significant volume of applications, and this has caused backlogs in the application process.

Here in Congresswoman Boyda's office, we have worked to help our constituents track the status of their applications and expedite them when necessary to meet their travel needs.

If you’re traveling abroad soon, the first thing to check is whether you will need a passport. Generally today it’s a good idea to have one if you are leaving the country, but there are a few locations to which you can travel without a passport. To find out if your destination requires a passport, visit the Department of State’s informational website. If you are traveling to a place that does not require you to show a passport, you should check with the Department of State here to find out what documentation you do need to show. For example:

• To travel by plane to or from Mexico or Canada, you must show a passport.
• To travel on foot, by car or bus, into or from Mexico or Canada, you do not have to show a passport.
• To travel by boat, such as on a cruise, the rules vary, and you should check with your cruise line the rules for your particular cruise.

In the cases where you are able to cross without a passport, adults will have to show proof of citizenship (such as a certified copy of a birth certificate) as well as proof of identification (such as a driver’s license). People under the age of 18 need only show a birth certificate, though if they have a driver’s license it can’t hurt to have it on hand, just in case.

If you do need a passport, apply as early as possible. The best thing you can do is give the passport agency plenty of extra time to process your application. If you are traveling unexpectedly and don’t have the eight weeks that they recommend, it does help to pay the extra expedite fee and give them an accurate “need by” date. If they know when you are traveling they will make every effort to get your passport to you in time.

If you have applied for a passport, but you still have not received it, and it is within 14 days of your travel date, don’t hesitate to call our office. We may be able work with the passport agency to locate your application, and shepherd it through the process.

Finally, if you’re traveling within two days, and you don’t have a passport, your best option is probably to physically go to a passport agency office. They can take your application and documentation, and prepare a passport for you while you wait. The three nearest passport processing facilities are in Aurora, Colorado; Houston, Texas; and Chicago, Illinois. It is highly recommended to make an appointment at an agency before going to get a passport. To obtain addresses and instructions on how to schedule an appointment, click here.

If you go to a passport agency, you will be starting the application process over. As such, please make sure you have a certified birth certificate, 2x2 photos and new application. Complete instructions and documentation requirements can be found here.

Again, if you have any questions about this process, or you need help with your own passport situation, please don’t hesitate to call our office.  We will do all we can to get you pointed in the right direction!

Happy travels!