Passport ?

[Minybear]

How long does it take to get a passport. We are going on our 4nt cruise in Jan 2003. When do you think I should plan to get passport? How long is the process?

 

[RickW]

If you don't do the quick service, they say that it can take up to 6 weeks. Most people have said that it has only really taken about two weeks. You might as well go ahead and do it now. The passports are good for 10 years, so getting it a few months early isn't a big deal.

More info on passports is available here:

http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html

 

[my3kids]

It took longer for me to accept that that photograph was actually me than to receive the completed document! Seriously, it COULD take a few months, but lately it seems to be taking under 2 weeks. That said, I wouldn't wait until the last minute, but you aren't in danger of missing the boat either! Just do it when convenient.

 

[Minybear]

Thanks everyone. My husband told me it took longer to get the photo then the documents it self. He thought it would take approx 5 months. I am glad to find it it would be from 2 wks to 2 months.

Do you know the current cost for this?

 

[albiats]

We just got ours in mid-February. We got them both back in 8 calendar days, which is 6 business days, and we did not use Expedited Service. Both of us were born in the U.S. and had certified copies of our birth certificates. My father was a Naturalized Citizen and all 3 of the other parents were born in the U.S. Not sure if that lengthens the time that the State Department needs or not, but I thought I'd offer it.

The fees were $15 each for the Post Office as the process agent and $45 each for the State Department.

I recommend that you download a copy of the application form and fill it out before you go to the passport office. Just remember not to sign them until you're in the office and in the presence of the clerk.

 

[RickW]

About the photos...

I suggest going to Costco if you are a member. They could get the photos done in less than an hour and it costs about $6. Also, I think you can get them quickly and inexpensively at Kinko's or similar places.

 

[albiats]

We got our photos at the AAA office, $7 for each person, 15 minutes to develop, they were like the Polaroid film types.

You can also get them at Walgreens drug stores and probably others that are competitive.

You could also take your own, the requirements are on the Website, they have to be a certain size and background, but still something you could do. You need two identical photos of each person.

 

[Minybear]

Looks like I will be going to Kinko's or Walgreens for the photos. I am not a member of costco (yet).

I will definately fill out the form (of course not sign it) and then go to the passport office.

Thanks for all your good info.

 

[Minybear]

RickW

Thanks for the link about the passport. I realized that I needed a true copy of my birth cert to get the passport and that link gave me another link on how to get my birth cert.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

You can use this site to find the passport office nearest you.

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

 

[gnewton]

Just got back from the post office and they just started
taking passport pic. there. This is in madison wi.

greg

 

[Otisp]

Just noticed on the State Department website that our Post Office in Laguna Hills CA also takes photos. What's your post office charging to take the pix?