Getting passports

[Miaka1]

We are planning our first cruise for June 2019. DH, two teenage daughter's and myself. None of us have passports. While we are not planning to leave the ship, Due to my older daughter's type 1 diabetes, it is too much of a risk to not have a passport, incase there is a medical emergency. So, my question is, how far in advanced should I start the process of getting passports? 6 months out? A year out? Any tips on making the process easier? For the kids, I should just need their birth certificates, right?

 

[disneyfaninaz]

My advice is to get them now, as the prices for passports are going up soon.

My DD is a T1D as well, we have been on 3 cruises since her diagnosis. DCL is wonderful with it and she has never had any medical issues while onboard or in port. But, we have always cruised with passports. Not only do we use them for travel, but we have used them as a form of ID for getting drivers license, school travel, etc. Think of passports as an investment that you can use for years to come.

 

[Shanti]

I recommend getting passports for everyone.

 

[Miaka1]

I recommend getting passports for everyone.

Yes, we will all be getting them.

 

[DCSWO]

The USPS website has all the details but minor’s passports are a little more work:

Passport applications for children under 16 have special requirements.

• Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of a child's passport. The best way to give consent is for both parents/guardians to go with the child when applying.
• Children need evidence of citizenship.
• Parents/guardians need proof of parental relationship.
• NOTE: Children's passports are only valid for 5 years.

 

[MelSpees]

I know a renewal is a bit different, but I just got my new passport back exactly 2 weeks after I mailed it in. They seem to be processing them quickly.

 

[jdb in AZ]

I know a renewal is a bit different, but I just got my new passport back exactly 2 weeks after I mailed it in. They seem to be processing them quickly.

We need to renew ours too, but I'm concerned the govt shutdown will slow down the processing time. Hopefully the shutdown won't last long.

 

[bumbershoot]

We need to renew ours too, but I'm concerned the govt shutdown will slow down the processing time. Hopefully the shutdown won't last long.

I would have sworn that didn’t happen.



OP check out the state departments website for passport application info! It’s super easy in my area, since we have a ton of places to bring applications. Other areas aren’t so easy. Read it all. You have time to do so.

 

[apathetic]

I would say at least 6 months out. Usually they come back pretty fast, but I think they say to expect 2 months without the "expedited handling bribe". 6 months gives you a buffer in case something comes up. For kids under 16 you don't both have to be there. There is a form on the website that you can get notarized and then only 1 parent needs to be there. A lot depends on where you live. Some places it is easy, while others it can take several weeks to get an appointment.

 

[Geomom]

How old are the teenage kids? I would say in general, 6 mths in advance, 4 mths would be my outside limit as sometimes the paperwork you send in isn't official enough (note that our kids' paperwork was fine...it was the birth certificates for DH and I that we needed updated). We did it at 5 mths as our oldest turned 16 that February and we were sailing in August. We wanted to wait until she turned 16 so that hers would be good for 10 yrs vs. 5 yrs for kids under 16. I also wish that we had gotten her both the passport book AND card so that she had a form of ID for flying in the US. She'll be 18 next week and doesn't have her driver's license yet, so she'll need to use her passport book as her ID at that point.

 

[MUN]

I'm concerned the govt shutdown will slow down the processing time. Hopefully the shutdown won't last long.

Which one?

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Budget for the passports. It is worth it. As others have stated, if your kids are 16, they can get the adult passport which is good for 10 years. We just all renewed- $$$ ouch! But, the kids are now good for 10 years and will be paying for them on their own the next time. The kids-which were not renewals, but applied for as adults, took 2 weeks to get back, our renewals took 3 weeks. I always budget for extra time as you never know what the government may do. We used our local post office for their applications. Our adult passports were just renewals, so all we needed were pictures and the application and we could mail them in.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

One more thing, though I agree with everyone about the amount of time it will take, I would advise to prepare NOW. WE thought we had everything we needed for our sons' passports, only to find that one of their birth certificates had gone missing. It took about 4 weeks to get a new one from the state they were born in. Likewise, it has to be an official state birth certificate, not one issued only by the hospital. Also, some post offices require appointments made in advance (especially if you want a Saturday one) so you may need to allow time for that also. Plus, if you are getting your photos done somewhere other than the place were the passport is being processed, it is possible they will decide the photo you bring is not valid, and you may have to return a different day.

So, in short, it is fine to wait until 6 months out to get the passports (after all that makes them expire later too), but don't wait until then to prepare to get the passports.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Passport execution fees for new passports will go up by $10 on April 2, 2018. Better to get them now than later.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/passports/execution-fee-increases.html

 

[ladyofthetramp]

One more thing, though I agree with everyone about the amount of time it will take, I would advise to prepare NOW. WE thought we had everything we needed for our sons passports, only to find that one of their birth certificates had gone missing. It took about 4 weeks to get a new one from the state they were born in. Likewise, it has to be an official state birth certificate, not one issued only by the hospital. Also, some post offices require appointments made in advance (especially if you want a Saturday one) so you may need to allow time for that also. Plus, if you are getting your photos done somewhere other than the place were the passport is being processed, it is possible they will decide the photo you bring is not valid, and you may have to return a different day.

So, in short, it is fine to wait until 6 months out to get the passports (after all that makes them expire later too), but don't wait until then to prepare to get the passports.

Agreed- the preparation and the appointment can take time.

 

[Miaka1]

Thanks everyone for the great advice! This has been very helpful!

 

[MUN]

We are planning our first cruise for June 2019. DH, two teenage daughter's and myself. None of us have passports. While we are not planning to leave the ship, Due to my older daughter's type 1 diabetes, it is too much of a risk to not have a passport, incase there is a medical emergency. So, my question is, how far in advanced should I start the process of getting passports? 6 months out? A year out? Any tips on making the process easier? For the kids, I should just need their birth certificates, right?

Which cruise are you on?

 

[bumbershoot]

The talk about appointments is why reading the state department site and knowing your area is important. In my area there are tons of options that don’t involve an appointment.

And I can walk into the registrar’s office and come out with a new certified BC for hubby or son. For me I have to send away for one since I was born elsewhere but I know my birth county’s policies.

Since we have experience with this stuff I would never get the passport as far as 6 months out.

 

[Miaka1]

Which cruise are you on?

The dates/cruises for June 2019 are not out yet. We are planning on doing a 5 night from Port Canaveral, some time in late June.

 

[MUN]

The dates/cruises for June 2019 are not out yet. We are planning on doing a 5 night from Port Canaveral, some time in late June.

I read that you don't plan on getting off of the ship. Even at Castaway Cay?