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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Notice To The Press
January 2, 1999

Stamford Passport Agency Initiates
Automated Telephone Appointment System

In 1999, we anticipate that a record 6.9 million U.S. citizens nationwide will be applying for their passports. To provide the best service possible, the Stamford Passport Agency in Stamford, Connecticut has installed an automated telephone appointment system for its customers who are traveling within 14 calendar days or who are pressed for time because they require visas. On January 11, 1999, the Stamford Passport Agency’s automated appointment system will begin scheduling appointments for Thursday, January 21, 1999. Effective that date, 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 (203) 969-9000. The Stamford Agency joins the New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Passport Agencies that already have automated appointment systems in place.

When customers arrive at the Stamford Passport Agency, they will go to the intake window to have their appointment 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 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 without acceptable documentation cannot be processed. After the appointment, and citizenship and identification have been verified, a Q-Matic number will be issued which states the estimated waiting time before seeing an agent.

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 in 14 days or those who do not require extra time for having their visas processed, must apply at one of the designated post offices, clerks of court or municipal offices 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 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 may be accessed on the Bureau of Consular Affairs homepage on the Internet at: 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).

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 complete application. Those wishing to receive a passport sooner may request expedited service for a $35 fee.

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