Any U.S. citizen may apply for a U.S. Passport. Generally, they are valid for 10 years; for children under age 16, they are valid for 5 years.

A passport is now recommended for any and all travel outside the U.S. Although Canada and Mexico will allow U.S. citizens to visit without a passport, U.S. government officials may request to see your passport upon your return home. By 2007, a passport will be required for all foreign travel.

New passport applications must be made in person. Many U.S. Post Offices, and the City of St. Louis Circuit Clerk's office, serve as passport acceptance facilities. The following are located in the City of St. Louis:

Circuit Clerk's Office, Civil Courts Building 10 N. Tucker Blvd., 63101

Wheeler Station Post Office 1140 Olive St., 63101

Main Post Office 1720 Market St., 63103

Marian Oldham Station Post Office 4021 Laclede Ave., 63108

Gravois Station Post Office 4455 Ridgewood Ave., 63116

Southwest Station Post Office 3232 Clifton Ave., 63139