Expanded Passport Information
Posted Sep 26, 2003

The National Passport Information Center (NPIC) changed its information telephone number on August 19, 2003 to a toll-free number. The new number is 1.877.4USAPPT (1.877.487.2778). Previously, NPIC had a fee-for-service number (1.900). NPIC is part of the U.S. Department of State (DOS). NPIC provides centralized information regarding issues relating to U.S. passports. This is important to naturalized citizens, who may be seeking a U.S. passport for the first time. It is also important for foreign nationals with U.S.-born children who may need U.S. passports for travel.

The new number will provide automated service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Live operators will be on duty weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time (USA). There is also improved access to information available by eMailing NPIC <npic@state.gov>. Before contacting NPIC via phone or eMail, those with passport questions should review the extensive information available online. The information on the DOS WebSite includes instructions, forms, and FAQs on many topics; among them: "Passports the Easy Way," "Get Your Passport in a Hurry," "Apply for a Passport for a Minor under Age 14," and "Change Your Name on Your Valid Passport." This free and easily accessible information should prove quite helpful to those MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers who need U.S. passports for themselves or their family members, particularly minor children born in the U.S.