U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate Release April 20,2001 MEDIA NOTE New York Passport Agency Dedicates New Passport Processing System The New York Passport Agency officially dedicated its new passport issuance system on April 19, 2001 at its office located in the Federal Building at 376 Hudson Street in lower Manhattan. The new issuance system, called "TDIS-Photodigitization," introduces new technology that makes the new passport one of the most secure travel documents produced to date. One of the most notable deterrents to passport fraud is the digitized portrait, in which the passport holder's photograph is printed as a digital image into the passport. Ambassador Mary Ryan, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, made remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate the new system, joined by Georgia Rogers, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services, and Michael Hoffman, Acting Regional Director of the New York Passport Agency. Ambassador Ryan noted that the photodigitization process allows us to produce a much more secure travel document. She added that all of our passport agencies will be using the new process by the end of this year. "The New York Passport Agency has long been known for innovations that have enhanced and improved customer service," Ambassador Ryan remarked. "Your continuing commitment to providing efficient and courteous service to the American traveling public is to be applauded." The New York Passport Agency provides passport service to residents of New York City's five boroughs and Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Last year, the Agency issued over 275,000 passports for U.S. citizen travelers. The Agency provides service by appointment only from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. An appointment can be made through its 24-hour automated appointment system at (212) 206-3500. Those traveling in more than 14 days can submit passport applications at one of the over 90 passport application acceptance facilities throughout the Agency's region. Additional information on applying for a passport, including locations of acceptance facilities, passport requirements, passport application forms and other travel-related information, can be accessed through the Bureau of Consular Affairs' website: travel.state.gov (###) *********************************************************** See http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/index.cfm?id=792 for all press statements ************************************************************ To change your subscription, go to http://www.state.gov/www/listservs.html
