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Saturday, March 31, 2007

common sense on obtaining a passport

What are the new rules regarding passports?

As of January 23, 2007, U.S. citizens are required to present a valid passport when traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Beginning January 1, 2008, everyone will need a passport to re-enter the U.S., regardless of whether they are traveling by air, land, or sea. For more information on new passport regulations, you can visit the State Department's website at http://www.travel.state.gov/.

How long will it take to obtain or renew a passport?

Due to these new passport requirements, there has been a rush of people applying for passports, and this has created delays within the National Passport Agency. I advise travelers needing passport services to plan for at least 10 weeks for standard processing, and up to four weeks for the expedited service option, which requires additional payment. Passport offices are working additional office hours to meet the high demand, but it is going to take time to clear up the backlog. Passport applicants can check the current status of their passport by visiting the National Passport Agency's website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. In addition, the National Passport Agency's information center can be reached at (877) 487-2778.

What should I do if I have not received my passport and I am traveling abroad soon?

My offices have received many phone calls recently from people who need to obtain a passport quickly. Many of these people have emergency cases in which they have applied for a passport, the processing has been delayed, and their departure date is less than 10 days away. My offices have been working diligently with constituents and the passport offices. Iowans with an emergency passport request should not hesitate to call my staff for help. My office phone numbers are as follows.

Washington, D.C.

202/224-3254

Des Moines

515/284-4574

Cedar Rapids

319/365-4504

Davenport

563/322-1338

Dubuque

563/582-2130

Sioux City

712/252-1550