Quickest way to get a passport

[mrudman]

I have never had to get a passport before, so have no idea how to even go about getting one.

But we're going to be taking an Alaskan cruise next summer.. and because we'll need one for that, I was thinking it would be nice to take my girls up to Niagara Falls this year (been wanting to do it, just didn't want to spend the money on the passports if that's the only trip I'd be needing them for).

So, what would be the quickest way I could go about getting Dh and I ones? (If I remember right, kids don't need passports for travel between US and Canada?)

We would need them in 3 wks from today, so need to get the ball rolling fast I guess, lol.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Kurby]

it's easy - just go to blacks or another place that does the passport photo's, then go to the post office and pick up an application.

fill it out (i don't think you have to get a signature from a dr, lawyer etc anymore)

and send it in with your check. (i think you also have to send in your birth certificate too so you may have to get that first if you don't have the original)

you should get it back in about 3 weeks but most likely less then 2 weeks.

if you don't want to mail it you could also take it up to the office which is listed somewhere on the appy depending on where you live.

it's pretty easy just need some running around to get it done

 

[Valjean13]

I assume you are Canadian? You don't need passports to visit the best (canadian) side of the falls. Honestly there's not much worth going to on the US side, so no need to rush for passports this year if that's the issue. If you decide you need them, the best way is to take all the pictures and completed forms to the passport office in person. You can pay an extra $10-15 to have them held for pick-up at the office, instead of being mailed to you. It saves a few days.
A few years back I was at the passport office beside a guy who was getting a passport done THAT DAY. He needed to fly to Europe that afternoon and didn't have a passport. They charged him a ton extra, and had to start calling his guarantor right there on the spot. The lady didn't make any promises to him that they could get it done in the next few hours, but she was willing to try. So I guess if speed is of the essence, anything is possible.

 

[aristocat65]

So, what would be the quickest way I could go about getting Dh and I ones? (If I remember right, kids don't need passports for travel between US and Canada?)

To the best of my knowledge, children do need their own passports.
The cheapest place to get your passport photos is Costco. We usually get them there. We renewed them recently and the turnaround time was 2 weeks only, but these were renewals so it may be a little bit longer for initial passports.

Another poster was correct that you don't need a Dr., etc to guarantee your passport. Anyone you know who holds a Canadian passport and has known you for two years can be your guarantor.

HTH

 

[OntFamily]

To the best of my knowledge, children do need their own passports.

Children, who are Canadian citizens, and are under 16, do not requires passports to enter the USA via a land crossing.

 

[ontariomonkey]

You can also get the forms on-line and type out the info then print. I went to the passport office July 10 and they said that they were going to issue it July 24 and it would take a couple of days to arrive by mail. I had to wait in line for one hour but then she checked all my ID and made sure the form was filled out correctly, it only took 5 mins.

Also, I believe that the printed form that you get from the post office still says that your guarantor has to be a Dr or lawyer or whatever but that is no longer the case. The guarantor just has to have known you for 2 years and have a valid 5yr CDN passport. Actually it might even be ok if their passport expired within the previous 6mo or something like that.

I paid $10 for my photos at wallmart.

 

[mrudman]

Sorry I didn't clarify earlier.. I'm a U.S. Citizen hoping to visit the Canadian side of the falls. What is this about a guarantor? I honestly don't know anyone who has a passport, so how would go about having someone sign?

Thanks!

 

[aristocat65]

mrudman, sorry, I thought you were applying for a Canadian passport. Don't know anything about US passport requirements. This link hopefully should be of help.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html