New 900 Number to Get Passport Forms

Ordering U.S. passport applications by phone will get easier but also more expensive (as measured by the minute) starting Monday, according to the State Department.

A 900-number will go into effect nationwide to request applications, check their status or ask other questions at a cost of 35 cents per minute for recordings and $1.05 per minute for a live operator. The line is 24 hours per day; operators are on 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Previously, callers have had to dial one of 13 regional offices.

The new system is designed to eliminate lengthy recordings and help callers make swifter contact with a live person, a department spokeswoman said. The new number is (900) 225-5674.

Passport applications can also be printed from the department’s new Internet site (https://travel.state.gov), or obtained from passport offices and some post offices.