The provisions, to be in place by the time the law takes effect, are intended to prevent child abductions. After decades of trimming passport photos to specified size and then pasting them into booklets, the agency has switched to a digital photo-handling process that imprints images on protected booklet paper. This makes photo substitution all but impossible, Reid said, and will probably give investigators more time to probe other passport-related crimes. Doing the paperwork Los Angeles Times Passports To obtain a passport for the first time, or to renew a lost or expired passport, the application must be made in person at a designated post office. A valid, unexpired passport can be renewed by mail.
Forms are available at a post office or the Web site.
Visas Most countries that are popular travel destinations for Americans do not require entry visas. Travel agents and tour operators will have information about visa requirements for trips they are booking. They also can get the necessary visas, for a fee. Travelers can get visas from embassies or consulates, or from local companies that specialize in this service.