Passports

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Obviously, I've never traveled outside of the country, because I have no idea where I should go to get a passport. I've heard you can just go to a travel agency? Could I also do this at the state motor vehicle department (where I would go to get a VT state ID)? Will passports cost the same everywhere and how much do they typically cost? Is the price the same for children?

Also, if I bring a passport, will I still need to bring my license to the airport or will the passport be enough?

Sorry for all the questions and THANK YOU!

 

[prymsu]

not sure, but in my area, the passport office is located inside the post office. The travel agencies can take the photos for the passports and visas, and they do take care of forwarding the passports to the appropriate consulates for visa approvals.

Passports cost the same no matter where you get yours. The one thing that can differ though is the photos. You will need a set of photos for each application. The price on these can vary.

I normally take my passport. Once on board i lock it in the safe. Then i use my license and KTTW for getting off and back on the ship.

I know the prices just increased, so not sure what it is running now. I think we paid sixty five or seventy dollars each, plus cost of photos.

Adult passports are good for ten years, and children are for five. I don't recall that it cost less for my son's, but it very well could have been less.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I am not sure if passport requirements are state sensitive. However, in CT, you can obtain an application at the post office and a photo at any walk-in photo store. It takes 6 weeks to receive in the mail or you can go to their primary location in your county and receive it in about 2-3 weeks. The cost is $85 per adult (good for 10 years) and $60 per child (good for 5 years). There is an expediting fee, if applicable.

I purchased my passport for DCL a year ago. And I use it for all my travel which is primarily domestic. For me, it is easier to show my passport than to take out my dl each time.

I also use it for my son (which is not needed) when boarding - it makes things much easier and faster.

Also, keep this in mind, if you lose your passport while going thru checkpoints, you can obtain another in days or a week. But if you lose your dl, you cannot rent a vehicle, write a check, etc......

Good luck.

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

Wow! Thanks Sue! I had know idea they were so costly. Definitively worth the money for a frequent traveling, but too great an expense for us at this time. I will be getting together the birth certificates.

 

[PhillyCB]

Tammy:

Remember that the birth certs have to have a "raised" seal. Most states have non-driver's license id's and you get them where you get your driver's license.

Also, if and when you decide to get a passport, check to see if you have a Federal Building in your town/city. In Phila. you get them in the Federal Courthouse Building.

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

No federal building close by here.

 

[mickeymom629]

We are a family of 6 and it will cost $450 for us and I'm with you---it's too much money!! But piece of mind, is it worth it? I don't know, but I'm glad to hear from someone like you who feels llike me!

 

[albiats]

Here's a link to the US Department of State, the agency that issues the Passports for US Citizens.

It has various links where you can find the nearest location and you can also download the application and print it.

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

I applied for our passports in February and it only took 8 calendar days to receive them, without using the expedite services. We got our passport photos taken at the local AAA office where we're members. It was $6 or $7 each for the photos.

hope that helps