How do you get a pasport?

[chrissyb2411]

I know, silly question. I have only ever been out of the country once, it was before 9/11 and I just used my birth certificate. My DH had one, but hasn't used it in 10 plus years. We have 2 kiddos, 1 and 5. So, how does it work? Figured it might not hurt to have them, broaden our travel pontial. We are going to Dis in Dec, so not sure if I would get them before then, or not. Thanks!

 

[Suz725]

Go to a place that takes passport pictures like a CVS or Walgreens and then go to the post office and get a passport application. fill everything out and return it to the post office with the fees

 

[csharpwv]

You will need official birth certificates for everyone in your party.
A form of photo ID for all adults in your party.
A completed passport application for everyone in your party. (you can obtain these from all post offices)
At least two passport photos for everyone in your party.

When you pick up your applications from your local post office, ask them if they process passport applications. Not all post offices process passports - you can check here to find the closest one to you!

http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

 

[LadyBeBop]

It costs extra, but I'd think about having my passport picture taken right at the post office. The passport pictures have to be just right (all white blackground), and some places leave in a trace of a different color background. So, you're paying for two passport pictures.

Keep in mind that the passport fees are expensive. For an adult, it's a total of $135. And you need two separae checks, one for $110, and the second for $25. Children under 16 are a little cheaper...$80 + $25.

I have a passport, but I also went to the Bahamas two years ago and Germany three years ago. I wouldn't get a passport, unless you're sure you'd be travelling out of the country.

Turnaround time for passport processing...about a month, but I would allow at least six to eight weeks. You can request expedited processing, but that costs more, and you may have to travel to a passport agency for processing. There are about 20 such agencies in the US.

 

[Jestocost]

Also, for the kids, I believe both parents must be present when the applications are submitted if they are to be valid.

 

[taitai]

Here is the link from the State Department with all the info you need. You can print off all the forms from here so you don't need to go to the post office.

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

Go to Costco or wherever does them cheap and get passport photos taken.

Kids will need to apply in person. The State Department site gives a list of places in your community where they can apply. If both parents cannot be present, there is a form the absent parent needs to fill out and get notarized FOR EACH CHILD giving his or her okay for passports to be issued.

We just got all of our kids passports renewed (only good for 5 years when they are kids) and it only took two weeks.

Have a great trip

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Go to Costco or wherever does them cheap and get passport photos taken.

I agree - Costco passport photos are fine and they are cheap. No need to pay much for these.

 

[bumbershoot]

You've been given the main passport info page.

If your husband's passport was issued less than 15 years ago, he should qualify as a renewal. Brings down the cost and increases the easy factor, b/c you only pay the passport fee for him, not the other fee, as everything is just mailed in. That's if he has the old passport still, of course. (they basically allow you 5 years after the p'port expires to be a renewal)

Everyone has mentioned the important factors for the other parts...best if you all go together to the PO or whichever place (if you go to a non-post office, be SURE you call them to make SURE what fees they have and how to pay those fees!), but if you can't have both adults, make sure the absent adult has the forms notarized giving the other adult permission to get them passports, etc.

I myself just renewed not 2 weeks before the end of my 15 years, and for the almost 5 years of NOT having a valid passport, I felt stifled! I couldn't stand not being able to roam freely! I love having a passport, even without firm plans to go out of the country.

Took us probably one month from taking DS to the PO to get his passport process started and from mailing in my forms to getting the passports. Well under the 4-6 week processing time. But again, we were not under any travel stress; we just wanted to get them. (beating the clock with my renewal AND we got them in just days before the prices increased to the level they are at now)

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

From the main passport page, do a search for passport agencies in your area. For us, we have a county store in our local mall that handles it all. So convenient. They take the picture and handle all of it.

Unless you're going to start planning a trip fairly soon, like the next 6 mos, I wouldn't get new ones just yet. Esp since kids only last 5 yrs. Sounds like a lot of time but my kids are already on their 2nd. We get them for cruising DCL.
There was recently a rather large price increase so no real incentive to rush right out and get one.
I'm not a procrastinator, just hate paying all these high fees, so why start the clock ticking sooner than necessary? I'd apply probably 4 mos before the trip. Still plenty of time.

 

[chamonix]

Definitely get them now if the money isn't a factor (and maybe even if it is,because as mentioned unthread you will save money if your husband can just get a renewal).

Lots of good reasons......able to travel out of the country without worrying about getting passports in time, not having to add the cost of passports to that trip cost.....having another form of ID readily available for domestic flying or anything else if you ever lose your DL the night before a trip or something......your kids now have ID.....(not that they need it ever, lol)....and the number one reason? It's just cool. (kidding! LOL)

Go for it, you won't regret it.

 

[chrissyb2411]

Thanks for all the replies! I think if I can swing it before our trip in a few months I will, otherwise will probably do it with tax money after the holidays. I figure I would like to do some sort of tropical vaca in the next couple of years. Thanks a lot!

 

[alyssa810]

If you're thinking tropical as in somewhere in say, the Caribbean, you can get a passport card, which is less expensive than a regular passport and good for travel to Canada (not tropical LOL), Mexico, and the Caribbean.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

If you're thinking tropical as in somewhere in say, the Caribbean, you can get a passport card, which is less expensive than a regular passport and good for travel to Canada (not tropical LOL), Mexico, and the Caribbean.

This is only for land/sea border crossings. If you plan to fly in/out of a foreign country, you need a passport book.

 

[JB2K]

If OP is a "AAA Plus" member, they will be able to get free passport pictures.

Otherwise, print your applications from the link, take completed apps, photos, photo ID and birth certificates along with payment to your local postmaster, and you'll be all set.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Thanks for all the replies! I think if I can swing it before our trip in a few months I will, otherwise will probably do it with tax money after the holidays. I figure I would like to do some sort of tropical vaca in the next couple of years. Thanks a lot!

Passports are only good for 10 years for adults, and for the kiddos, only 5 until they are 16 or 18, can't remember, IMHO I would not get one unless you have a trip planned, the kids expire quick and it does cost $$$. They say 3 months notice for passports, but we rewnewed and got it back in 10 days!!

 

[Alexander]

I highly recommend filling out the PDF online and then printing it out for each person. You can do it right from your home computer and saves having to go get the applications.

We had our pictures taken at a local pharmacy that has a photo counter.

You will need original or certified copies of birth certificates. They will send those in with the applications and mail them back to you with the passports.

As other posters have indicated, BOTH parents need to be present with photo ID in order for children to be issued passports. If both cannot be there there are other procedures that need to be followed.