How long does it take to APPLY for (not receive) a passport?

[mrsklamc]

I tried google and I just get answers about how many weeks it will be before my passport arrives in the mail. I'm just wondering how long whatever process at the actual post office takes. (swearing to your identity or whatever it is you do.)

[mmouse37]

I tried google and I just get answers about how many weeks it will be before my passport arrives in the mail. I'm just wondering how long whatever process at the actual post office takes. (swearing to your identity or whatever it is you do.)

You can fill out the physical application online and print it off to bring to the post office with you, along with your ID's. Filling out the application takes about 15 minutes or less (go over it first and gather all the info they require and then sit down and fill it out).

Print off the pages and bring them to the post office. Most PO have certain times they accept passport applications. Once you are at the counter it takes only a few minutes for them to go over the application, look at your ID and photo (or take your photo there if you don't bring one with you) and accept your payment. Should not take that long at all unless there is a line at the PO for passports. Here is the website to find the forms to fill out.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

MJ

[kcashner]

It takes about 5 minutes in addition to however long the line in the post office takes.

[Dreamsoftravel]

I think my post office does passports by appointment only. We live in a small town and found out the county courthouse was easier since appointment was not needed. It took no time at all. I agree with mmouse37, less then 15 minutes.

[Lucky St. Louis]

Like others have said, fill out the forms and print them off prior to going to the physical location to apply. Make sure to bring your identification and birth certificate with the seal (also make sure the issue date is visible on the birth certificate...mine wasn't so I needed to get a new certified copy). You can bring your own photo or have them take one there. I made an appointment at my local Village Hall and was in and out in 10 minutes for four people, photos included. Look at the state department's website to find out where you can apply. I wanted to avoid the post office because it always has long lines where I live. The "special services" department of our local village hall performed the service and were so organized. Also, they were much less expensive for pictures (as cheap as Costco) than the post office.

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Not all post offices accept passport applications. And make sure you check with the post office you are going to if you need an appointment or not.

We had to go to the next town. I had to make an appt. Someone showed up and started whining that how was he supposed to know he needed an appt. She politely told him that she had 3 people waiting and no additional time for him and sent him away to come back another week.

All in all we were in there about 30 minutes total but that was for 3 passports. Oh yeah, and make sure you have the current paperwork. I filled out the applications, printed them out but sat on them for several months. By the time we went to the p.o. the paperwork was outdated so I had to fill it out all over again. Oops. :rolleyes1

Oh yeah, and we did our photos at Wal-Mart as walk-ins. Our p.o. didn't do photos.

[lbgraves]

You want to call your PO to find out if they require appointments too. Do not rely on the information on the website because it was wrong about two of the three POs around us.

[mrsklamc]

Thanks for the tip! I wouldn't have thought about an appt.

[sshaw10060]

Dont' forget you have to pay with cash or check for the passport. They will not take a CC.

[trimix]

My advice would be AVOID THE POST OFFICE!

Even the USPS facilities that take appointments seem to be painfully slow. I think this is partly due to the belief that the post office is where you go to apply, and partly because some people don't think following the instructions on the application is important.

If a local city or county office accepts applications, use them - after checking to see if you need an appointment.

And, as somebody else wrote, you need to pay cash or check. Be aware that two checks will be required - one for the passport, and one for the 'execution fee' which is paid to whatever office accepts the passport application for you.

[imanazd]

It took us about 15-20 minutes and that was with already having our paperwork filled out and bringing our photos with us (Sam's). There were 2 of us. The man in front of us took about 1/2 hour because he didn't have his paperwork filled out and they had to take and develop his photo. Our PO didn't require an appointment, but we did have to stand in line for a little while (the 15-20 was once we got to the counter...we stood in line 20-30 minutes before that).

Good Luck...I think it depends on the person you get behind the counter and how much they enjoy or resent what they are doing.