Need a Passport? It’s Now Easier to Get One in Louisiana

Louisiana travelers who want to get out and explore should know that their gateway to the world, which is about the size of an average bank account checkbook, has gotten a lot easier to unlock. You've probably heard all the talk about Real ID and how you're already supposed to have one of those, right?

I know it looks like a regular driver's license but that little gold star in the upper right-hand corner? That makes all the difference.

While that process seems to have bogged down, at least the government is making it easier for you to get that other important piece of identification, the passport. Incidentally, the deadline for getting your Real ID has once again been kicked further down the road. According to Homeland Security, you won't have to have yours until May 7, 2025.

Your Real ID will be a great addition to your travel documents for domestic trips you have planned but if you're going to travel internationally, you will need a United States Government Issued Passport, assuming you are a citizen of the United States. If you're not,  then you need to get a passport from your home country.

The process for getting a passport has been streamlined significantly since I first got mine some forty or so years ago. Back then there was a lot of paperwork and a lot of waiting. Now getting a passport can be as easy as visiting your local post office.

The United States Postal Service offers walk-in passport service at many of their locations. The goal of USPS is to get each post office location that offers passport services to be available for processing those requests at least three hours per week.

The process for getting your US Passport is actually very simple and it is laid out quite nicely and succinctly on the USPS website. Naturally, you'll need to gather the needed documents. Then you visit this site, that's the USPS scheduler, and you make your appointment.

What Documents Do You Need to Get a Passport?

According to the United States Postal Service, these are the items you'll need to bring in order to start the process of getting a passport or renewing your old passport.

* Application forms (unsigned)
* Proof of identity document and a photocopy of the front and back
* Proof of U.S. Citizenship document and a photocopy of the front and back
* Passport fees

If you don't want to chance a walk-in snafu you may schedule ahead via this website. There are more than 4,800 Post Office locations across the nation that can assist you. And if you need more information you can always speak to a human by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (275-8777)

How Long Does It Take To Get Your Passport Back?

The normal wait time for processing a US Passport is about six to eight weeks. You may expedite that time frame by paying a little extra. If you do that you could expect your passport back in as little as two to three weeks.

The post office is not the only place you may apply for a passport. Many parish clerks of court offices have that service as well. If your local post office doesn't offer these services you might want to check there.