First-time applicants need different documentation than those renewing. If you’ve never had a passport, you’ll need to apply in person. Bring proof of citizenship like a birth certificate, valid government ID, and passport photos. Renewals can often be completed by mail if your previous passport is in good condition and was issued when you were 16 or older.

Collect all necessary documents before your application. This includes a completed DS-11 form for new passports or DS-82 for renewals, proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid photo ID, and passport photos taken within the last six months. Ensure your documents match exactly with your current legal name.

Fill out your passport application carefully and accurately. For new passports, use form DS-11 available at local post offices or online. For renewals, form DS-82 can typically be mailed. Double-check all information to prevent delays in processing.

Passport photos must meet strict federal guidelines. Local pharmacies, post offices, and some grocery stores in Crescent offer professional passport photo services. Photos must be 2×2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background.

For first-time passports, submit your application in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. In Crescent and Iberville Parish, this typically means the local post office or county clerk’s office. Bring all original documents and be prepared to pay applicable fees.

After submission, you can track your passport status online through the U.S. Department of State website. Keep your tracking number and be patient during peak travel seasons when processing times might be longer.