SIKESTON - U.S. citizens planning international travel may apply for their passports without leaving Sikeston. The Sikeston Public Library now accepts passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.
"We have had many inquiries over the years asking whether we process passports," said Ron Eifert, library director. "Other libraries in our area have had success with offering this service, and we are excited to bring passport processing to the Sikeston area."
The library does not take passport photographs, so applicants will need to bring passport photographs with them. Many area businesses provide passport photographs that meet U.S. Department of State guidelines, Eifert said.
Current passport holders will still have to renew their passports online or through the mail.
"They are not allowing us to process passport renewals," Eifert said. "We will have the appropriate renewal forms available for patrons, or the form can be downloaded from the State Department's website."
Passport processing hours are from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday; from 1-5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; and from 1-7 p.m. on Tuesday. Other hours, including weekend hours, will be available by appointment.
For application forms, information on documentation required, fees and other passport and international travel information, visit the only official website for passport information at travel.state.gov.