Getting a passport online?

[DocRafiki]

Sorry -- no luck in searching this one.

The official government site says you have to get your first passport in person. Then there are all these other sites that say you can get your first passport through them. I could get them much faster and cheaper online. Has anyone gotten their first passport from one of these websites? I'm inclined to just pay extra and get it from the post office, but if anyone here says they've done it online successfully, it would be worth the try.

Thanks!

 

[HauntedMansionGeek]

I got my first one a few months ago, and nope, wasn't able to do it online. Believe me, I tried too! LOL

You can renew online and you can get your VISA online if one is needed, but you can't get the first PP unless you show yourself in person.

Have your drivers license and a certified copy of your birth certificate with you when you go in as well.

Safe travel!!

 

[bsnyder]

And be prepared to wait....and wait....and wait!

 

[DocRafiki]

Thanks! That actually makes me feel a little better. There's something not right about the thought of people getting passports online.

Bet-- what exactly will I be waiting for?

 

[SoonerKate]

Do it through the post office. I wouldn't trust any of those websites.

If you really need it quickly, there is a space on the passport form to note that you want it expedited. If you need it quickly for an emergency, there's also a space to note that.

The last passport I got only took 3 weeks to get to me -- but I know that's not the norm.

 

[HauntedMansionGeek]

Oh, one thing I forgot to mention......the office where I had to go apply for my passport was not equiped to take photos, so I had to bring in my own picture.

You may need to get a passport regulation photograph taken somewhere else. I went to a travel agency and they did that for me (for a fee, of course!) LOL

 

[bsnyder]

What I mean is you'll have to wait your turn at the passport office. At least that's always been my experience at the one here in Tampa.

Take a book to read.

 

[Wendy]

Check with your local passport office, but some will now actually take appointmets. I know the one here in Houston does, but I'm not sure about others. A friend of mine had to get an emergency passport a few weeks ago, and he was able to make an appointment and he said it took all of 20 minutes before he actually had the passport in his hand.

 

[DocRafiki]

thanks for the extra info, everyone

 

[mickeyfan1]

You all are lucky, we don't have a passport office and the PO doesn't do them. We have to go to the City Superior Courthouse to get the application processed. But it's easy to do, just bring the form, your 2 pictures and an official copy (read raised seal) of your birth certificate. It took about 2-3 weeks when I got mine, and it was in the summer. And they very nicely return your BC.

 

[m&m's mom]

OK, so you are saying we only need our certified (raised seal etc.) Birth Certificate and our drivers license? OK, and maybe the pictures and cash (someone told me they don't take checks).
The kids just need just birth certificate?
What is the "normal" timeframe? We are going on a cruise in Nov. and ned to get a move-on obviously.
Thanks for letting me "tag-along" on your thread because I need info too.

 

[Mskanga]

The last time I had my kids passports done, I was told you can not get them at the Post Office anymore. Call your local townhall , they will tell you where to go.

 

[Fire14]

I'm personally in process of getting my passport and I had to go to county clerk to get mine. I had to provide my certified BC, DL, and 2 pictures. I got my pictures done at Walgreens. Walmart photo studio, Cord Camera, AAA office are some of places listed to get photos done. I know the cheapest I found was walgreens and all they did was run it through KODAK picture maker thingie, I got 16 pictures for 7.99. All you need is 2 for passport so if family all needs pics this maybe cheapest way to go.

 

[SoonerKate]

The last time I had my kids passports done, I was told you can not get them at the Post Office anymore. Call your local townhall , they will tell you where to go.

I just renewed mine through the post office -- I had tp appear in person since I was under 18 when I got my last passport. (Despite the fact that I'm 21 now..)

 

[Mamu]

I do remember when DH and I got ours you had to have a photo ID, long form birth certificate with a raised seal and 2 passport photo. We had to visit the post office a few towns over in person. Once they verified who we were all the forms were signed and about 3 weeks later they arrived in the mail.

The good thing is it is good for 10 years.