In Fiscal Year 1999, the Department of State issued a record 6.7 million passports to U.S. citizens nationwide. That number is expected to reach more than 7 million in the next fiscal year. In order to meet this growing demand and continue to provide the best service possible, the Philadelphia Passport Agency, located at the U.S. Custom House, 200 Chestnut Street, has installed an automated telephone appointment system for its customers who are traveling within 14 calendar days or who need extra time because they require visas. On November 19, the Philadelphia Passport Agency's automated appointment system will begin scheduling appointments for Thursday, December 2, 1999. Effective December 2, 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 by calling (215) 418-5937. The Philadelphia Agency joins the Passport Agencies in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, and Stamford, Connecticut which already have the automated appointment system in place.

When customers arrive at the Philadelphia Passport Agency, they will go to the information window to have their appointments verified. Customers must present acceptable evidence of their U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate), valid identification (such as a driver's license), proof of travel within 14 days (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. A completed passport may be returned by overnight mail for an additional cost for overnight delivery. Applications without acceptable documentation cannot be processed. After the appointment has been verified, customers will be issued numbered tickets, take a seat, and will be served when their number is called.

Customers who receive an appointment are advised not to arrive more than 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time. Early arrivals cannot be 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, nor needing their passports for visas within 14 calendar days, must apply at one of the designated post offices, clerks of court, municipal offices or public libraries authorized to accept passport applications. These customers will receive their passports in the mail within 25 business days from receipt of completed applications by the Passport Agency. Expedited service, plus the two-way overnight delivery option, are also available for the additional $35 fee, plus delivery costs. Together, these generally ensure receipt of completed passports in 7 to 10 business days. A list of the most convenient locations may be accessed on the Bureau of Consular Affairs homepage on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. That site also has information on application requirements and passport application forms for downloading. Another option for information, forms, or to check the status of a pending application is the National Passport Information Center at 1-900-225-5674 or 1-888-362-8668 (with a major credit card).

Many people plan to travel in the year 2000. We encourage our customers to plan ahead and apply for their passports several months in advance of their proposed trips.