Getting a Passport in Schriever, LA: Steps, Facilities & Checklist

Getting a Passport in Schriever, LA

Residents of Schriever, Louisiana, in Terrebonne Parish, often need passports for international business trips tied to the local oil and gas industry, family vacations to the Caribbean or Europe, or seasonal travel during spring break, summer vacations, and winter escapes from the Gulf Coast humidity. Students from nearby Nicholls State University in Thibodaux participate in exchange programs, while urgent needs arise from last-minute opportunities or family emergencies. High demand at acceptance facilities during peak seasons like spring and summer can lead to limited appointments, so planning ahead is essential. This guide covers everything from determining your needs to submitting your application, drawing on official U.S. Department of State requirements to help you avoid common pitfalls like photo rejections or incomplete documentation.[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right service prevents delays and extra trips. Here's how to decide:

• First-time passport: Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16, more than 15 years ago, or lost/stolen/damaged. You'll apply in person at an acceptance facility.[1]

• Renewal: Eligible applicants (U.S. passport issued when 16+, within last 15 years, undamaged, issued in your current name or with name change docs) use Form DS-82 by mail. If ineligible, treat as first-time with DS-11.[2]

• Replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free report) or DS-11/DS-82 with fee if reissuing. Damaged passports are not renewable.[3]

• Name change, correction, or additional pages: Use DS-5504 within one year of issuance (free, by mail) or DS-82/DS-11 later.[1]

For minors under 16, always use DS-11 in person with both parents.[4] Louisiana residents face confusion here, especially with incomplete birth certificates for kids born at home or abroad. Check eligibility first using the State Department's online wizard.[1]

Required Documents and Step-by-Step Checklist

Gather everything before your appointment to avoid rescheduling. Common issues in Terrebonne Parish include missing certified birth certificates or parental consent for minors.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

1. Complete the form: Download and fill out DS-11 (first-time/new) or DS-82 (renewal by mail). Do not sign DS-11 until instructed.[2][5]

2. Proof of U.S. citizenship: Original or certified copy of birth certificate (Louisiana vital records office issues these; hospital certificates don't count), naturalization certificate, or previous U.S. passport. Photocopy front/back on standard paper.[1][6]

3. Proof of identity: Valid driver's license, government ID, or military ID. Must match application name; bring name change docs if needed (marriage certificate, court order). Photocopy.[1]

4. Passport photo: One 2x2 inch color photo taken within 6 months, on white background, no glasses/headwear unless religious/medical (with note). Specs are strict—shadows, glare, or wrong size cause 25% rejections.[7]

5. Payment: Check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State" for application fee ($130 adult book first-time; $30 child). Separate execution fee ($35) payable to facility (cash/check). Expedite extra.[1]

6. For minors: Both parents' presence/IDs/consent (DS-3053 if one absent), or sole custody proof. Court order if one parent unavailable.[4]

7. Book appointment: Use online locator for facilities.[8]

Print this checklist and check off as you go. For Louisiana births, order certified copies early—processing takes 4-6 weeks normally, longer in peaks.[6]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos fail due to glare from Louisiana's bright sun, shadows from poor lighting, or incorrect 2x2 inch dimensions (head 1-1 3/8 inches). Use pharmacies like Walgreens/CVS (common in Schriever/Houma), USPS, or libraries. Specs:[7]

• Color photo on thin photo paper, matte finish.
• Full face, front view, neutral expression, eyes open.
• Even lighting, plain white/cream/off-white background.
• No uniforms, headphones; headwear only for medical/religious reasons (face fully visible).

Take multiples; facilities reject flawed ones on-site. Cost: $15-20.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Schriever

Schriever lacks a dedicated facility, so head to Terrebonne Parish options. High demand means book 4-6 weeks ahead, especially spring/summer for vacations or winter for cruises.[8]

• Schriever Post Office (6064 W Main St, Schriever, LA 70395): By appointment; call (985) 446-5299. Convenient for locals.[9]

• Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court (7856 Main St, Houma, LA 70360): Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm; (985) 868-5665. Handles first-time/minors well.[10]

• Houma Post Office (935 Barrow St, Houma, LA 70360): Larger volume; appointments via usps.com.[9]

• Thibodaux Post Office (115 Green St, Thibodaux, LA 70301): For Nicholls students; nearby.[9]

Use the State Department's facility search for hours/fees.[8] No walk-ins; all require appointments.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare documents/photos/fees (see checklist).

2. Schedule appointment online or by phone at chosen facility.[8][9]

3. Arrive early: Bring all items. Facility staff review, witness DS-11 signature, collect execution fee.

4. Mail application: Staff seal DS-11/forms/docs in envelope; you provide postage or they do.

5. Track status: Online at travel.state.gov after 7-10 days.[1]

For mail renewals (DS-82): Send to address on form; use certified mail.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (do not mail overnight).[1] Expedited (extra $60): 2-3 weeks. Avoid relying on last-minute during peaks—State Department warns of delays.[11]

• Urgent travel <14 days: Life-or-death emergency (e.g., imminent death abroad) qualifies for in-person at regional agency (New Orleans Passport Agency, 365 Canal St, Ste 2100; appointment only).[12] Business trips don't qualify; prove with docs.

• <28 days: Expedite + overnight return ($21.36).

Track weekly; peaks overwhelm. No guarantees.

Special Considerations for Minors and Louisiana Families

Minors under 16 need DS-11, both parents/guardians present with IDs. If one unavailable: DS-3053 notarized consent or custody docs. Louisiana divorces often complicate—bring full court papers. Exchange students: parental consent critical.[4] Birth certs from LDH vital records; apostille if foreign-born.[6]

Renewals for Louisiana Travelers

Mail DS-82 if eligible; include old passport. Louisiana oil workers renewing for frequent Mexico rigs: do early. Ineligible? DS-11 in person.[2]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Schriever

Passport acceptance facilities are designated locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to review and submit passport applications for processing. These are not passport issuance offices but serve as the initial point of submission where agents verify your identity, completed forms, photographs, and supporting documents. Common examples include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Schriever, such facilities can typically be found within local post offices, parish clerk offices, and community libraries in nearby towns like Thibodaux and Houma.

To locate one, use the official State Department website's search tool by entering your ZIP code or city. Expect a straightforward in-person process: arrive with your completed DS-11 form (for new passports), two passport photos, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and fees payable by check or money order. The agent will administer an oath, review everything for completeness, and forward your application to a regional passport agency. First-time applicants or those needing expedited service must apply in person. Processing times vary from standard 6-8 weeks to expedited options, but facilities do not handle issuance or replacements on-site.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities near Schriever often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring break, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays and mid-day periods (10 AM to 2 PM) tend to be especially crowded as people start their week or fit appointments into lunch hours. To avoid long waits, schedule an appointment if the facility offers them—many do via online booking. Arrive early in the morning or later afternoon on weekdays, and check for seasonal alerts on the State Department's site. Bring all documents organized in a folder, arrive 15-30 minutes early, and confirm requirements beforehand to prevent rejections. Patience is key, as walk-ins may face delays during busy periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Schriever?
No local same-day service. Nearest agency is New Orleans for life-or-death emergencies only.[12]

What's the difference between expedited and urgent travel service?
Expedited speeds routine apps (2-3 weeks extra fee). Urgent (14 days or less) requires proof of international travel and life-or-death for agency appt; business doesn't qualify.[11]

My photo was rejected—what now?
Retake meeting exact specs: 2x2 inches, white background, no glare. Check State Dept tool.[7]

How do I get a birth certificate in Terrebonne Parish?
Order certified copy from Louisiana Vital Records (504-593-5100 or online); allow weeks.[6]

Do I need an appointment at USPS in Schriever?
Yes; book via usps.com or call to avoid wait.[9]

Can I renew my child's passport by mail?
No, under 16 always in-person DS-11.[4]

What if my passport is lost abroad?
Contact U.S. embassy; temporary issued, full replacement later.[1]

Peak season delays in Louisiana?
Expect longer; apply 3+ months early for spring/summer travel.[11]

This guide equips Schriever residents for smooth processing amid local travel demands. Double-check docs to sidestep challenges.

Sources

[1]U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2]Passport Renewal (DS-82)
[3]Lost/Stolen Passport (DS-64)
[4]Passports for Children Under 16
[5]Passport Forms
[6]Louisiana Vital Records
[7]Passport Photo Requirements
[8]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[9]USPS Passport Services
[10]Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court - Passports
[11]Get My Passport Fast
[12]Passport Agencies