Getting a Passport in Raceland, LA: Facilities, Fees & Tips

Getting a Passport in Raceland, LA

Raceland in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, supports residents with strong international travel demands from the oil and gas sector near Port Fourchon, family ties abroad, Caribbean getaways, and student programs. Peaks hit during spring break, summer, holidays, and urgent work trips, straining local facilities. Book early to avoid delays. This guide, based on U.S. Department of State rules, details first-time apps, renewals, and more, with Raceland-specific tips.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick correctly to skip rejections—common mistake: assuming old passports renew by mail indefinitely.

• First-Time (DS-11, in person): No prior U.S. passport, issued before age 16, major name change (not marriage/divorce), or lost/stolen abroad. Don't sign form ahead.

• Adult Renewal by Mail (DS-82): Passport <15 years old, issued at 16+, undamaged, same/legal name. Mail only—no interview.

• In-Person Renewal (DS-11): >15 years old, damaged, or ineligible for mail.

• Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacement: DS-11 in person + police report (U.S. loss); DS-5504 mail if damaged <1 year old.

• Urgent (<14 days): Agencies only (New Orleans ~50 miles); prove travel with ticket.

Minors <16: Always DS-11 in person, no mail renewals. Use State Dept wizard for confirmation: travel.state.gov.

Gather Required Documents

Top delay cause: Missing photocopies or minor consent. Louisiana birth certs from state Vital Records take 4-6 weeks—order early.

Key Documents:

Non-U.S. born: Naturalization cert/CRBA. Mistakes: Using DL as citizenship proof; faded copies.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% rejections from poor photos—glare, shadows, wrong size (2x2", head 1-1⅜", <6 months old, white background, no glasses unless medical).

Local spots: Walgreens/CVS/USPS (~$15). Pros beat home prints. Full specs: [travel.state.gov/photos](http

s://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html).

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Raceland and Lafourche Parish

Small-town limits mean 4-6 week booking for peaks; verify availability—disclaimer: Call or use iafdb.travel.state.gov as services/hours change.

Raceland Post Office: 4626 Hwy 1, Raceland, LA 70373. Appt only; DS-11/execution. (985) 537-2651 / USPS.

Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court: Thibodaux (45 N Canal Blvd, ~15 miles). (985) 447-4841 / lafourcheclerk.com.

Nearby:

*Urgent/proof required.

What to Expect: Agent verifies docs, oaths you, seals app (no on-site passports). Arrive 15 min early, organized. Busy: Mon/midday/peaks (spring/summer/holidays)—try Tue-Thu mornings. Appts beat walk-ins.

Fees and Payment

App fee (check to State Dept) + $35 execution (cash/check to facility). No cards usually.

Adult book routine: ~$165. Details: travel.state.gov/fees.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedited (+$60): 2-3 weeks. Urgent: Agencies. Louisiana peaks (Mar-Jun/Dec-Jan) add delays—don't cut close for oil rig/Caribbean trips. Track: passportstatus.state.gov.

Special Considerations for Minors

Both parents/IDs or DS-3053 notarized (<90 days) + ID copy. 30% delays from consent gaps. Sole custody order if one absent. travel.state.gov/under-16.

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person (DS-11)

1. Wizard check eligibility.
2. Docs/photos/photoco

pies. 3. Fill DS-11 (unsigned). 4. Book appt (4-6 wks early). 5. Fees ready. 6. Arrive early; sign/oath on-site. 7. Agent seals/mails. 8. Track after 7-10 days.

Common Mistakes: Signing early, no photocopies, wrong photos.

DS-82 Mail Renewal:

1. Confirm eligibility.
2. DS-82 + old passport/photo/fees.
3. Mail: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
4. Track after 2 wks. travel.state.gov/renew.

Renewing Louisiana Birth Certificates for Passport Proof

State-only: ldh.la.gov/vital-records. $15-34; 4-6 wks routine/expedited option. Parishes can't issue.

Tracking and What to Expect Post-Application

Email/text if given. Secure mail delivery; report issues after 4 wks. Cards slower. travel.state.gov/times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Raceland? No—apps only. Agencies for urgent. travel.state.gov/agencies.

Expedited vs Urgent? Local expedited 2-3 wks (+$60); agency urgent <14 days.

Expired 16+ yrs? DS-11 in person.

Raceland PO appt? Yes; walk-ins rare in peaks.

Missing parent consent? Court order/DS-3053.

DL for citizenship? No—ID only.

Lost abroad? Embassy. travel.state.gov/lost-abroad.

Home photos OK? If specs met, but pros safer.

Sources

[1] Passports - How to Apply
[2] Renew an Adult Passport
[3] Passport Agencies
[4] Children Under 16
[5] Louisiana Vital Records
[6] Passport Photo Requirements
[7] USPS Passport Photos
[8] USPS Location Finder
[9] Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court
[1

[0] Passport Acceptance Facility Search (iafdb.travel.state.gov)
Use this official U.S. Department of State tool to locate passport acceptance facilities near Raceland, LA (enter ZIP 70373 or nearby). Prioritize those offering routine (6-8 weeks) or expedited service. Practical tip: Filter for post offices or clerk of court offices; most handle first-time adult applications but confirm drop-off only vs. full service by phone. Common mistake: Assuming all facilities process passports on-site—many mail them to a regional agency. Decision guidance: If traveling soon, choose facilities noting "expedited" capability; apply 10+ weeks early for routine to avoid rush fees.

[11] Passport Fees (travel.state.gov/passport-fees)
Review exact costs for book ($130), card ($30), expedited ($60 extra), or 1-2 day delivery ($21.36). Practical clarity for Raceland: Pay by check/money order (split fees: application to State Dept., execution to facility); cash often not accepted. Common mistake: Forgetting photos ($15-20 locally) or execution fee ($35 at most facilities). Decision guidance: Book vs. card? Book for international air/sea; card for land/sea to Mexico/Canada. Add $60 expedite if under 6 weeks needed.

[12] Processing Times (travel.state.gov/processing-times)
Current routine: 6-8 weeks (mail time included); expedited: 2-3 weeks. Practical tip for Raceland: Factor 1-2 weeks extra for mailing to/from remote facilities; check weekly for updates. Common mistake: Starting too late—holidays spike delays. Decision guidance: Apply now if >3 months out (routine, save $60); within 2-3 weeks? Expedite + private expeditor. Urgent? Regional agency in New Orleans (call 1-877-487-2778).

[13] Lost/Stolen Passports Abroad (travel.state.gov/lost-stolen-abroad)
Steps for replacement overseas: Contact nearest U.S. embassy/consulate immediately. Practical clarity: Report to local police first for police report (required). Common mistake: Delaying contact—limited emergency passport validity (1 year). Decision guidance: Traveling soon? Carry passport photocopy + ID; for Raceland departures (e.g., MSY airport), verify status pre-flight.