Passport Information

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future.

The proposed timeline will be as follows: December 31, 2007 - Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.

New Application for a U.S. Passport

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.
Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.

You’ll need to apply in person if (1) you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: (2) if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; (3) if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; (4) if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; (5) or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

Current passport holders, your passport must have a valid expiration date of six months after your return.

For more information please visit:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
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