Ordering U.S. passport applications by phone will get easier but also more expensive (as measured by the minute) starting Monday, according to the State Department.
A 900-number will go into effect nationwide to request applications, check their status or ask other questions at a cost of 35 cents per minute for recordings and $1.05 per minute for a live operator. The line is 24 hours per day; operators are on 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Previously, callers have had to dial one of 13 regional offices.
