For people 16 and older, obtaining a new passport costs $97, including a passport fee of $55, an execution fee of $30 and a $12 security fee. Passports usually are valid for 10 years.


For people younger than 16, the total is $82, which includes a passport fee of $40 and $42 in security and execution fees. A renewal is cheaper: $67, including a $55 passport fee and $12 security fee. Most renewals can be handled through the mail.

There are about 7,000 places that accept passport applications in the U.S., including some courts, public libraries, post offices, county offices and municipal offices. There also are 13 regional passport offices, which can handle expedited passport requests.

If you need a passport quickly — if you're traveling within 14 days or need one within two weeks in order to apply for a visa — make an appointment by calling the National Passport Information Center at (877) 487-2778.

The L.A. Passport Agency is in West L.A. at the Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90024-3602. Expedited service costs $60 extra per application.

Passport agencies will no longer amend passports, and if you need to request a name change or correct an error, you'll have to apply for a replacement. Requests for additional visa pages are still allowed.

A new passport agency in Aurora, Colo., opened last year, giving Midwest and West Coast residents an optional center if they need a passport in a hurry. The New Orleans office reopened with limited hours last month.

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How to get an application going

You will need to apply in person if:

•  You are getting your first passport.

•  You do not have your expired passport.

•  Your passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago.

•  Your passport was issued when you were younger than 16.

•  Your passport has been lost or stolen.

•  Your passport has been changed or damaged.

Most renewals can be handled through the mail.

If you need a passport within two weeks, make an appointment by calling the National Passport Information Center at (877) 487-2778, or see http://www.travel.state.gov . Click on "Passports." You can also download applications or check on the status of an application.