Pre-departure planning

Passports

In recent years there has been an unprecedented demand for passports; therefore, you should apply for a passport immediately.  You should plan on at least six weeks for standard processing.

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a passport both to enter other countries (including Canada and Mexico) and return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  New U.S. passports take 6 to 8 weeks for processing, depending on the time of the year, and are good for ten years.  Apply early to avoid complications caused by misplaced original birth certificates and similar problems. 

Passport forms are available at many Federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded at the U.S. State Department Web site.  This site will also link you to the procedure and form for renewing your passport.  This can take the same length of time as issuing a new passport.

For complete information about passport services visit the U.S. State Department Web site.

For first-time applicants, age 16 and older, a ten-year passport is $100.00 and includes a passport fee ($75), and execution fee ($25).

With your completed application you must also have the following:

1. Proof of U.S. citizenship (i.e. certified copy of your birth certificate)
2. Proof of identity (i.e. a valid driver’s license)
3. Two (2) identical photographs (2” x 2” with white background)
4. $100.00 fee
5. A social security number

You must submit your application to a post office.  Do NOT send your application by mail. Two local post office branches that accept passport applications are:

Passport photos can be obtained by consulting the yellow pages of your phone directory or from the following locations:

*You may want to check the upcoming Study Abroad Fair at the MSU Union as University Relations normally participates and takes photos for a fee during the fair.

If you need a passport in a hurry, consult your travel agent.  You can get your passport quickly through expedited service at the Chicago Passport Agency.  The Chicago Passport Agency only serves customers who are traveling, or submitting their passports for foreign visas, within 14 days. To apply at the Agency, you must schedule an appointment by calling toll-free at (877) 487-2778, 24 hours/day. In addition to the regular application fees, expedited service costs $60 per application plus overnight delivery costs.  Normally, you will receive your passport within two to three weeks through the expedited service.  The office address for the Agency is as follows:

Chicago Passport Office
Kluczynski Federal Office Building – 18th Floor
230 S. Dearborn St.
Chicago, Illinois  60604-1564
(877) 487-2778 

If you need more detailed information, review the back of your passport application.  If you still have questions or need to renew your current passport, please contact a post office.

Once you have your passport, be sure to sign it and fill in the emergency information page.  Take extra photos with you abroad in case you lose your passport and need to have it replaced quickly.