Statement by Timothy M. Wiesnet, Regional Director

In 1998, Passport Services anticipates that a record number of U.S. citizens will be applying for passports. To provide the best service possible, a state-of-the-art automated appointment system has been installed at the Los Angeles Passport Agency for its customers who are traveling urgently, which is within 14 calendar days, or who require extra time to obtain visas. Effective May 14, 1998, the Agency will no longer offer walk-in service. Instead, it will be open by appointment only, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. However, customers may call to schedule an appointment at any time, 24 hours-a-day, 7 days a week by dialing 310-575-5700. Instructions are provided in English and Spanish.

At the time of the appointment, customers first go to the "check-in" window. They must present acceptable evidence of U.S. citizenship (such as an original certified long-form birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization); valid identification (such as a driver's license); proof of immediate travel (such as airline tickets, confirmed and airline-generated itinerary, or a travel letter from an employer for business travel); two identical 2"x 2" photographs; and a completed passport application. Applications without all acceptable documentation cannot be processed.

In addition to the regular passport fees, to provide this urgent service a $35 expedite fee will be charged for each application. With all documentation in order, these applications will be processed within 3 business days.

To ensure customer comfort, applicants are advised not to arrive more than 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointments. Early arrivals will not admitted until their appointment time because space is limited. Late arrivals will be required to reschedule their appointments.

People not traveling within 14 calendar days, or not requiring extra time for visas may apply at one of many designated post offices, clerks of court or municipal offices authorized to accept passport applications. These customers will receive their passports within 25 business days from receipt of completed applications and documentation by the Passport Agency. These customers may also pay the $35 expedite fee to ensure processing within 3 business days from receipt. Also adding payment of two-way overnight mail delivery, this generally takes 7 to 10 business days (depending on location) for customers to receive their passports.

To find the most convenient location to apply, customers should consult the blue pages (government listings) in the telephone directory under "Passports" or the Internet at http://travel.state.gov, where customers may also access more information on requirements and download application forms. Another option for information, forms, and to check the status of already submitted applications is the National Passport Information Center at 1-900-225-5674 or with a major credit card 1-888-362-8668.

Customers with previous passports may be eligible to renew them by mail and avoid a trip to the Agency or a passport acceptance facility. To renew by mail, a person's most recent passport must have been issued within the past 12 years and after their 16th birthday, and it must be available for submission with a form number DSP-82, "Application for Passport by Mail". The same 25-day service commitment and expedite fee options are available as for those who are required to appear in person.