The application must be sent via overnight mail to and from New Orleans to guarantee this process. Please contact your local Post Office to assist you with this procedure. Obtain a passport before you buy a ticket. Always keep the passport in a safe place. Photocopy or write down the passport number and the expiration date and keep it separate from the passport.
Renewals are less expensive and less time consuming than applying for a new one.
Give a copy of your itinerary as well as a copy of the passport to a member of your family or a close friend. Include lodging plans and telephone numbers to facilitate communications in case of an emergency. If your passport is stolen while you are traveling, go to the nearest American Embassy to report your loss. Always keep your cash, passport and other identification in separate places when you travel. Make sure to update your passport whenever you have a name or address change.