In 1998, we anticipate that a record number of U.S. citizens nationwide will be applying for their passports. To provide the best service possible, the Miami Passport Agency has installed an automated telephone appointment system for its customers who are traveling within 25 calendar days or who require multiple visas. Effective April 16, 1998, the Miami Passport Agency will no longer offer walk-in appointments for passport applicants. Instead, the Agency will be open by appointment only, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Customers may schedule an automated appointment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week up until 3 days before their departure by calling 305-539-3600.

When customers arrive at the Miami Passport Agency, they should take a number and have a seat. At the time of appointment, customers must present acceptable evidence of their U.S. citizenship (such as an original certified birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate), valid identification (such as a driver's license), proof of immediate travel (airline ticket, confirmed airline-generated itinerary, or a travel letter from an employer for business travel), two identical photographs (2x2 inches in size), completed passport application and the appropriate fees. In addition to the regular passport fee, customers will need to pay a $35 expedite fee for each application. Applications from customers without acceptable documentation cannot be processed.

Customers who receive an appointment are advised not to arrive more than 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time. Early arrivals are not admitted until their appointed time and late arrivals will have to reschedule their appointments. Only those individuals scheduled for appointments should come to the Passport Agency as space and public facilities are limited.

Individuals not traveling in 25 days or those who do not need multiple visas must apply at one of the designated post offices, clerks of court or municipal offices authorized to accept passport applications. Customers will receive their passports in the mail within 25 business days from receipt of completed applications by the Passport Agency. Expedited service is also available for an additional $35 fee to ensure processing of the passport within three business days from receipt at a passport agency. A list of the most convenient locations is attached. Customers may also access the Bureau of Consular Affairs homepage on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. At this web site, customers may access application requirements and download passport application forms as well. For passport information, to obtain forms, or to check the status of a pending application, customers should consult the National Passport Information Center at 1-900-225-5674 or 1-888-362-8668 (with a major credit card).

Those customers who are renewing their passports may be eligible to apply through the mail and avoid a trip to the Passport Agency. To use the mail, customers must have had a previous U.S. passport issued within the past 12 years and after their 16th birthday. They should obtain a DSP-82, "Application for Passport by Mail" and follow the instructions on the form. Customers should expect to receive their new passport within 25 business days from receipt of the completed application. Those wishing to receive a passport sooner may request and pay $35 for expedited service.