How to Get Passport in Metairie LA: Steps & Facilities

Getting Your Passport in Metairie, LA

Metairie, located in Jefferson Parish just outside New Orleans, sees steady demand for passports due to Louisiana's vibrant travel scene. Residents frequently travel internationally for business—especially to Latin America and the Caribbean via nearby Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)—and tourism on cruises departing from the Port of New Orleans. Seasonal spikes occur during spring break, summer vacations, and winter holidays, when families, students from local universities like Tulane and Loyola, and exchange program participants rush for documents. Urgent trips, such as last-minute family emergencies or business opportunities, add pressure during these peaks. High demand often leads to limited appointments at acceptance facilities, so planning ahead is essential [1].

Common hurdles include photo rejections from shadows, glare, or wrong dimensions; incomplete paperwork, particularly for minors; and confusion over renewals versus new applications. Expedited services differ from urgent travel options for trips within 14 days—don't assume last-minute processing is guaranteed, especially in busy seasons like March-May or December [2]. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, tailored to Metairie residents, using official requirements from the U.S. Department of State.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before gathering documents, determine your application type to use the correct form and process. Misusing a form—like submitting a renewal when you need a new passport—causes delays.

• First-Time Passport: Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or it was issued more than 15 years ago. You must apply in person at an acceptance facility [3].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing details [4]. Metairie post offices can handle DS-82 drop-offs if mailing.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it first with Form DS-64 (free replacement if eligible), then apply as first-time (DS-11 in person) or renewal (DS-82 by mail) depending on circumstances [5].

• Name Change or Correction: Use DS-5504 by mail if recent; otherwise, treat as new application.

For children under 16, always use DS-11 in person with both parents [6]. If unsure, check eligibility tools on the State Department's site [1].

Required Documents

Gather originals and photocopies (on plain white paper) for all applicants. Louisiana-specific notes: Birth certificates come from the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records office or Jefferson Parish clerks for older records [7].

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (submit original + photocopy):

• U.S. birth certificate (long-form preferred; hospital certificates invalid).
• Naturalization Certificate.
• Certificate of Citizenship.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

Proof of Identity (submit photocopy of front/back):

• Valid driver's license (Louisiana-issued OK).
• Military ID.
• Government employee ID.

Additional for Minors:

• Both parents' IDs and presence (or notarized consent form DS-3053).
• Parents' citizenship proof if not on child's birth certificate.

Photos: One 2x2-inch color photo (details below).

Payment: Check or money order for State Department fees; many facilities accept cards/credit for execution fees [1].

Photocopy everything twice: one set for submission, one for your records.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos account for 25-30% of rejections in high-volume areas like Metairie. Specs are strict [8]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1 3/8 inches.
• Color photo on photo-quality paper, taken within 6 months.
• White/very light off-white background.
• Neutral expression, eyes open, full face view.
• No glasses (unless medically necessary), hats, uniforms, shadows, glare, or filters.
• Head coverings only for religious/medical reasons, face fully visible.

Local options: CVS, Walgreens, or UPS Stores in Metairie (e.g., 701 N Causeway Blvd) offer passport photos for $15-20. Confirm they meet State Department standards—ask for digital proof [8]. Selfies or home printers often fail due to glare from LA humidity or poor lighting.

Where to Apply in Metairie and Jefferson Parish

Apply in person (DS-11) at State Department-approved acceptance facilities. Book appointments online to beat seasonal crowds [9]. No walk-ins during peaks.

Key locations:

• Metairie Post Office (Main): 3100 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002. Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM (call 504-533-0131). Execution fee ~$35 [10].
• Veterans Post Office: 2900 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002. Similar hours.
• Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court (Gretna): 200 Derbigny St, Gretna, LA 70053 (15-min drive from Metairie). Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4PM. Handles minors well [11].
• Jefferson Parish Library (Select Branches): E.g., East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W Metairie Ave. Check for passport hours [9].

Use the locator: iafdb.travel.state.gov. During spring/summer rushes, book 4-6 weeks early. Post offices mail your application after acceptance.

For mail-in renewals (DS-82), use any post office—no appointment needed.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Metairie

In Metairie and the surrounding Jefferson Parish area, including nearby spots in Kenner, Gretna, and toward New Orleans, you'll find various passport acceptance facilities conveniently scattered throughout. These are official sites designated by the U.S. Department of State to handle the initial submission of passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and minor passports. Importantly, acceptance facilities do not process passports on-site; they serve as submission points where staff verify your paperwork, witness your signature, and forward everything to a regional passport agency or processing center.

Passport acceptance facilities (often called PAFs) typically include locations like post offices, public libraries, and municipal or parish clerk offices. When visiting, come prepared with a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your needs), original proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate), valid photo ID, two passport photos, and exact payment via check or money order—cash is rarely accepted for passport fees. Some sites offer on-site photo services for an additional fee, while others require you to bring your own. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes per applicant if everything is in order, but delays can occur if documents need corrections. Always double-check requirements on the official State Department website before heading out, as facilities forward applications via mail, leading to standard processing times of 6-8 weeks (or longer during peaks).

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities in the Metairie area tend to see heavier foot traffic during peak travel seasons, such as summer vacation periods, spring breaks, and holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Weekdays, especially Mondays and mid-week days, often bring crowds dealing with backlogged weekend requests, while mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) coincide with lunch breaks and shift changes, amplifying wait times.

To plan effectively, aim for early morning visits shortly after opening or late afternoons near closing to dodge rushes. Many facilities offer appointments—check their general policies online or via signage. Travel light with all documents organized in a folder, arrive with buffer time for unexpected lines, and consider seasonality by applying well in advance of trips. During high-demand periods, patience is key, and some sites may limit walk-ins, so flexibility helps ensure a smoother experience.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or New Passport (DS-11)

Follow this sequentially to minimize errors:

1. Determine eligibility: Confirm first-time/renewal/replacement via State Department tool [1].
2. Gather documents: Original citizenship proof + photocopy, ID + photocopy, photo, parental consent if minor.
3. Complete Form DS-11: Fill out but do NOT sign until instructed at facility [3]. Download from pptform.state.gov.
4. Get photo: At approved vendor; verify specs [8].
5. Calculate fees: Book ($30 child/$130 adult) + execution ($35) + expedited ($60 optional) + 1-2 day delivery ($21.36). Payable separately [1].
6. Book appointment: Via facility website/phone. Arrive 15 min early with all items.
7. At facility: Present docs, sign DS-11, pay execution fee. They seal and mail to State Dept.
8. Track status: Online at passportstatus.state.gov (2-3 weeks for routine).
9. Receive passport: Mailed to your address (allow extra time in peaks).

For renewals: Mail DS-82 + old passport + photo + fees to address on form [4].

Minors Checklist Add-Ons:

• Both parents/guardians present with IDs.
• DS-3053 if one absent (notarized within 90 days).
• Child's presence required.

Print this checklist and check off as you go.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (do not mail until you have 8+ weeks) [2]. Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Life-or-death emergencies within 14 days: In-person at regional agency (e.g., New Orleans Passport Agency, 365 Canal St, Suite 1200—appointment only, prove travel) [12].

No guarantees during peaks—spring/summer and holidays see backlogs. Check wait times weekly [2]. For urgent business/travel, apply 10+ weeks early. Louisiana's cruise season (winter) amplifies delays.

Special Considerations for Louisiana Residents

Jefferson Parish birth certificates: Order online/via mail from LA Vital Records ($15-34 rush) or local health units [7]. Processing 1-2 weeks—factor into timeline. Snowbirds: Renew before winter travel. Students: Universities offer group sessions; check Loyola/Tulane international offices.

Lost passports abroad: Contact U.S. Embassy; replace upon return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Metairie?
No routine same-day service locally. Urgent within 14 days requires New Orleans Passport Agency proof of travel (e.g., itinerary, death certificate) [12]. Plan ahead.

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited ($60) cuts routine to 2-3 weeks via mail/agent. Urgent (life/death) is for <14 days, in-person only at agencies [2].

My child is 17—does he need both parents?
Yes, under 16 requires both; 16-17 can apply alone but parental consent recommended if co-signing [6].

Can I use my old Louisiana birth certificate?
Only certified long-form from Vital Records. Short forms or hospital-issued invalid [7].

What if my renewal passport is full of stamps?
Mail DS-82 with old passport for new one (up to 52 pages standard) [4].

How do I track my application?
Use passportstatus.state.gov with last name, date/place of birth. Allow 1 week post-submission [1].

Photos rejected—what now?
Retake immediately at vendor; common issues: glare (use natural light), shadows (even lighting), wrong size [8].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
[3]Form DS-11
[4]Form DS-82
[5]Form DS-64
[6]Passports for Children
[7]Louisiana Vital Records
[8]Passport Photo Requirements
[9]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[10]USPS Passports
[11]Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
[12]Passport Agencies