Should we get Passports?

[esdras]

Just one little idea to throw out there. If money is an issue, you could also think about staggering your passports. I have a friend who does that. They didn't "need" passports for their previous travel, but wanted them "just in case". So, each year, a different member of the family got one. Now, each year, someone has to renew (except for every 5th year, since it's a family of four). That way it becomes a cheaper annual expense, rather than paying for it all at once.

So, since you've mentioned that you might be able to use your driver's license next, but your kids wouldn't have them, you could always just get the passports for your kids this year. Then, next year, if you still need them because the driver's license thing hasn't worked out, you and your wife can get them. It would spread the cost out over a couple of years, anyway...

Just an idea...

Thanks for the suggestion.

Money isn't an "issue" per se - I just don't like spending that much on anything we will use very infrequently - as I said, we go to the U.S. MAYBE once per year - even though we're only about an hour away from Port Huron.

Staggering spreads out the cost - but going through the forms, getting the photos, getting the signatures, going to the office - if I'm gonna do that for the kids, might as well do it for me and the wife at the same time. The hassle of doing all that again next year (since this isn't a renewal) is worse - for me anyway - than the cost of doing it all at once.

I've filled out all the forms at this point - I just need the photos, guarantor signatures and getting them to the Passport office.

 

[mabba18]

I've filled out all the forms at this point - I just need the photos, guarantor signatures and getting them to the Passport office.

One tip I would have like to add is to get them on-line. However, (after re-reading it) you can only do that for people 16+, and you'd filled out the forms already, but it may be usefully for other people. It can save you a ton of time. We got our passport the year the US started requiring them for air travel, and we were at the office only 45 minutes instead of 3 hours, and we got them in the mail in 3 days. It's like a Fastpass for passports.

Don't forget speak to the security guard or receptionist (if there is one) when you arrive at the passport office. They can double check to make sure everything is in order BEFORE you wait.

For photos, try Costco, if you are a member or know anybody who is. They are cheap, and very fast.

I'd have to agree with everybody else that it will make things easier in the US. Hopefully it won't be too much hassle for you!

 

[esdras]

One tip I would have like to add is to get them on-line. However, (after re-reading it) you can only do that for people 16+, and you'd filled out the forms already, but it may be usefully for other people. It can save you a ton of time. We got our passport the year the US started requiring them for air travel, and we were at the office only 45 minutes instead of 3 hours, and we got them in the mail in 3 days. It's like a Fastpass for passports.

Don't forget speak to the security guard or receptionist (if there is one) when you arrive at the passport office. They can double check to make sure everything is in order BEFORE you wait.

For photos, try Costco, if you are a member or know anybody who is. They are cheap, and very fast.

I'd have to agree with everybody else that it will make things easier in the US. Hopefully it won't be too much hassle for you!

Actually, I looked at the online version and didn't find it any better than the forms - HOWEVER, I used the "Fillable" .pdf type. Many people assume (usually correctly) that "Fillable" .pdf forms can't be saved. The Passport ones are different. I simply opened up the form in my web browser - started filling it in, and when I was done - saved it as "DadPassort.pdf". I then hit the "clear" button - started again, and saved it as "MomPassport.pdf". Did the same for the kids on their form.

I just have to print those and take them with me to the Passport office - but THANK you for the heads up on having someone check it over before getting in line to wait.

 

[maryrego]

I would get a passport
Its going to be necessary eventually and it makes crossing the boarder much easier

 

[Tantor]

I would get them. It only takes one time that you get someone at the border who makes life miserable. And it's the only ID that they have to accept. Everything else they can dismiss