Getting a Passport in St. Martinville, LA: Complete Guide

Getting a Passport in St. Martinville, LA

St. Martinville, located in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, is a historic city with residents who often travel internationally for business, family visits, or tourism. Louisiana sees frequent trips to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe, especially during spring break, summer vacations, and winter holidays. Students from nearby universities like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette participate in exchange programs, while urgent travel can arise from last-minute business opportunities or family emergencies. However, high demand at passport acceptance facilities during peak seasons—spring/summer and winter breaks—can lead to limited appointments. Local options are limited in small towns like St. Martinville, so planning ahead is essential, particularly for expedited or urgent services.[1]

This guide covers everything you need to apply for a U.S. passport in St. Martinville or nearby areas, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines. It addresses common pitfalls like photo rejections (often due to shadows, glare, or wrong dimensions) and incomplete paperwork for minors.

Determine Your Passport Service Type

Before starting, identify which application fits your situation. Using the wrong form delays processing.

• First-Time Passport: Required if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one expired more than 15 years ago. Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility.[1]
• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were at least 16 when it was issued, and it's undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 and mail it (or apply in person if ineligible for mail). In Louisiana, many renew online via the State Department's portal if eligible.[2]
• Replacement (Lost, Stolen, or Damaged): Use Form DS-64 to report, then DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail) depending on details. Expedited if urgent.
• Child Passport (Under 16): Always first-time rules apply (DS-11 in person); both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent.[1]

If unsure, use the State Department's online wizard.[3] Louisiana residents often confuse renewals with first-time apps, leading to unnecessary trips.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near St. Martinville

St. Martinville has limited facilities due to its size (population ~5,500). The primary local option is the St. Martinville Post Office. Nearby in St. Martin Parish or Lafayette Parish offer more slots.

• St. Martinville Post Office (105 W Port St, St. Martinville, LA 70582): Offers passport services by appointment. Call (337) 394-7231 to check availability. High demand in peak seasons.[4]
• St. Martin Parish Clerk of Court (100 S Main St, St. Martinville, LA 70582): Provides acceptance services; confirm via phone (337) 394-2560 or website. Useful for locals needing birth certificates too.[5]
• Nearby Options (within 30 miles):
  • New Iberia Post Office (1100 W Admiral Doyle Dr, New Iberia, LA 70560).
  • Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court (Lafayette has multiple sites; use USPS locator).[4][6]

Book appointments early via the USPS online scheduler or phone—slots fill fast during Louisiana's busy travel periods like Mardi Gras aftermath or hurricane season evacuations.[4] For urgent travel (within 14 days), contact facilities first; not all handle life-or-death emergencies on-site.[1]

Required Documents Checklist

Gather originals; photocopies aren't enough. Louisiana vital records (birth certificates) are key—order from the state if needed.[7]

Step-by-Step Application Checklist (First-Time or Child DS-11)

1. Complete Form DS-11: Fill out but do not sign until instructed at the facility. Download from travel.state.gov.[1]
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy):
   • Birth certificate (Louisiana-issued; certified copy from Vital Records).[7]
   • Naturalization certificate, etc. No hospital birth docs.
3. Proof of Identity (original + photocopy):
   • Driver's license (Louisiana REAL ID compliant preferred), government ID.
4. Passport Photo: 2x2 inches, color, white background, no glasses/shadows/glare. Many rejections here—use CVS/Walgreens or USPS for $15.[1][8]
5. Payment:
   • Application fee: $130 adult/$100 child (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State").
   • Execution fee: $35 (cash/card to facility).[1]
6. For Minors: Parental consent (both parents or Form DS-3053). Common issue: missing second parent's info.[1]
7. Appear in Person: At facility; sign DS-11 there.
8. Mail or Track: Facility sends to State Dept; track online after 7-10 days.[9]

Renewal/Replacement Checklist (DS-82)

1. Complete DS-82: Sign and date.
2. Old Passport: Submit with app.
3. Photo and Fees: Same as above; mail to address on form.
4. Expedite? Add $60 fee + overnight return.[1]

Full Pre-Application Checklist:

• Downloaded correct form(s).
• Ordered birth certificate if needed (allow 4-6 weeks; expedite via LA Vital Records).[7]
• Got compliant photo (measure: head 1-1 3/8 inches).
• Made facility appointment.
• Photocopies of ID/citizenship (front/back on one page).
• Fees ready (two payments).

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine service: 6-8 weeks (do not count mailing). Expedited (extra $60): 2-3 weeks. Urgent (travel within 14 days): Call 1-877-487-2778 for appointment at a passport agency—nearest is New Orleans (4+ hours drive).[1][10]

Warnings:

• Peak seasons (spring/summer, winter) overwhelm facilities; no guarantees on last-minute slots.
• Confusion: Expedited ≠ urgent. Urgent requires proof of travel (itinerary).
• Track status at travel.state.gov after 5-7 days.[9]

Common Challenges and Tips for Louisiana Residents

• High Demand: St. Martinville facilities book out; use Lafayette (20 miles) or online renewal.[4]
• Photo Issues: Shadows from Evangeline Oak shade or glare from humidity—use indoor pros. Specs: plain white background, neutral expression.[1][8]
• Documentation: Louisiana birth certificates must be certified (raised seal). For minors, both parents often miss court orders for sole custody.[7]
• Renewals: Don't go in-person if mail-eligible; save time.
• Urgent Scenarios: Business trips to Canada or student exchanges—plan 3+ months ahead.
• Students/Exchanges: Universities like UL Lafayette have advisors; check for group apps.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Photos cause 25%+ rejections. Guidelines:[1][8]

• Size: 2x2 inches.
• Head size: 1-1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
• Background: White/off-white, no patterns.
• Quality: Recent (6 months), color, matte, even lighting—no shadows under eyes/nose/chin. Local spots: St. Martinville Walmart Vision Center or USPS.

After Submission

• Routine apps processed at National Passport Center (Philadelphia).
• Track: Create account at travel.state.gov.[9]
• Pickup: Mailed back; allow extra for Louisiana mail delays post-hurricanes.

FAQs

How do I book a passport appointment in St. Martinville?
Call St. Martinville Post Office (337-394-7231) or Clerk of Court (337-394-2560). Use USPS online locator for slots.[4][5]

Can I renew my passport by mail from St. Martinville?
Yes, if eligible (DS-82). Mail to address on form; Louisiana post offices handle execution fees if in-person preferred.[1]

What's the difference between expedited and urgent service?
Expedited: 2-3 weeks, $60 extra. Urgent: Within 14 days, requires agency appointment + travel proof. Not available locally.[1][10]

Do I need both parents for a child's passport?
Yes, unless one provides DS-3053 notarized consent. Common rejection reason.[1]

Where do I get a Louisiana birth certificate for my passport?
Order from LA Vital Records online or mail. Expedite for $39 extra.[7]

How long does it take during peak travel seasons?
Routine: 6-8+ weeks; expect delays spring/summer/winter. Book facilities 4-6 weeks ahead.[1]

My passport photo was rejected—what now?
Retake immediately with specs; most facilities won't accept apps without valid photo.[1][8]

Is there a passport agency in Lafayette?
No; nearest is New Orleans Passport Agency (call for urgent appts).[10]

Sources

[1]Passports
[2]Renew a Passport
[3]Passport Application Wizard
[4]USPS Passport Locations
[5]St. Martin Parish Clerk of Court
[6]Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court
[7]Louisiana Vital Records
[8]Passport Photo Requirements
[9]Track Your Status
[10]Passport Agencies