NEW ORLEANS - If you're planning on going out of the country in the next few months, or even the next few years, the most important step is to make sure you have a passport. 

Congressman Troy Carter will be hosting a passport acceptance event on Thursday in New Orleans for District 2 residents to get their international plans started. 

The event will be hosted in the McDonough 35 Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. 

Checks and money orders will only be accepted. 

What you need to bring: 

• Completed passport application
• Passport photograph
• Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
• Identification
• Payment