By Congressman Tom Cole
It is officially summer. This means many Oklahomans have plans for upcoming vacations. For my constituents planning to travel abroad, I want to use this week’s column as an opportunity to pass along information for navigating the passport process.
First, it is important to apply for a passport as soon as possible, as it is possible that delays occur. It typically takes eight to eleven weeks to receive a passport. However, if you are in a rush, for an extra $60, you can have the process expedited to take anywhere from five to seven weeks. It is also important to note that processing times begin the day your application is received at a passport agency or center, not the day you apply or mail your application. You can check the status of your passport applications here.
Next, I want to make sure everyone is aware that some countries require your passport to be valid for more than six months beyond your scheduled trip. With that being said, I recommend you check your passports expiration date prior to leaving the United States. You can find information on your travel destination’s passport requirements here and you can renew your passport here.
If you have children traveling with you, they must also have a passport, as no one is too young to need a passport. All children under 16 must apply for a passport in person using Form DS-11, which you can find here. If your child is 16 or 17, he or she must apply in person using Form DS-11. However, some 16- and 17-year-olds may be able to renew their passport by mail using Form DS-82. You can check your child’s eligibility here.
Also, when applying for or renewing a passport, it is critical to be aware of fraudulent websites and bad actors trying to steal your information. Only State Department sites are safe to use when searching for information. However, there are no websites, including government websites, that will allow you to apply for a passport online – you can only apply for a passport in person or by mail. Instructions for applying in person can be found here.
Finally, I want to make sure my constituents in Oklahoma’s Fourth District know that my staff and I are here to help if you are experiencing a passport issue. If you have any questions, please call my Norman office at (405)329-6500.
Safe travels everyone!
