Clerk of Court Office Will Be New Passport Location

As you may know, the passport office at the Lake Charles Post Office has been closed. Does that mean we have to drive to Lafayette or some other location to obtain a passport? Calcasieu Clerk of Court Lynn Jones says we can still get them right here at home starting Monday.

Starting Monday, Oct. 29, the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court will accept passport applications, according to a Thursday news release from Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court Lynn Jones.

Jones said the passport applications will be accepted on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.

"U.S. citizens planning international travel may apply for their passports Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Clerk of Court Office located at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles (the parish courthouse)," the release states.

"We felt that we needed to step up to the plate for the citizens of Calcasieu Parish and the surrounding areas and provide this much-needed service. I want to take this opportunity to praise the employees of the clerk's office for their enthusiasm and willingness to take on this challenge to help provide this service to the public," Jones said.

Jones asked for the public's patience as his staff is learning the application process.

For application forms, information and documentation required as well as fees and other information, visit the official website for passport information, www.travel.state.gov.