How To Get A Passport
So you wanna get a passport and start exploring the world, eh? I understand. I’m so happy you decided to join the cool travelers club! ;) Here are a few things to know about acquiring a passport before we get started:
Getting a passport isn’t free.
It is good for up to 10 years.
It can be a long process but if you’re in a rush and leaving somewhere soon, there are quick ways to obtain one which I’ll cover in a bit.
Step 1: Get your picture taken
This is the easiest task but I suggest doing it first that way whenever you’re done with the process of getting a passport, you wont have to worry about a photo.
You can go to Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid or if you have the back drop and equipment at home, do that. If you go to the stores though, it’s not a long process and it’ll cost you about $15. Call before and make sure they offer these services just in case.
If you don’t live near any of these stores, you can also go to Fedex Office, U.S. Post Office, Walmart, Costco (must be a member and only offered at some locations).
Tips to keep in mind when taking your photo:
Wear regular clothing. Don’t dress super fancy. Keep it casual.
No smiling.
No hats or glasses (on face or head). They want to see your pretty face. Show them it.
Make sure it’s an updated photo that is within 6 months of submitting application.
Taking the photo at home?
Make sure it’s a sold white/off white background.
The photo must be 2×2 inches, with your face being between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from head to chin.
Make sure the photo is in color.
Only you in the photo. No one else.
Do not photoshop your face. They need to see the real you, not the made up version you have in your head. You’re beautiful with or without that zit on your head.
Printed on high quality paper.
No selfies.
No photo vending photos.
Make sure it is a photo of you from straight on. No angles.
Step 2: Fill out the paperwork
This is strictly for first time passport holders. You will need to fill out the DS-11 form. You can do that online and then print or print it on blank and fill in by pen (black ink only).
Make sure you check “U.S. Passport Book” at the top of your application. This the pretty blue book that you take with you overseas to collect stamps. This is what you’ll need to enter any country that’s not the US.
Make sure to fill out your parents information even if you’re a grown up. Hey, its like that saying goes… you’ll always need your parents.
Staple your photo to the section that says “staple”. Pretty easy. I’m sure you can do this.
Do not sign your application. You must do this in front of the federal employee that is processing your paperwork
Step 3: Gathering supporting documents
Proof of Identity: Your driver’s license or permit, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, state-issued non-driver ID, military ID, federal/state/municipal government employee ID, Green Card, or a Trusted Traveler ID (Global Entry card).
Proof of Citizenship: Your birth certificate or a certified copy of it. This means a copy of it from the hospital you were born at it. It typically has a fancy seal/stamp on it.
Don’t have your birth certificate? Yikes. Don’t worry too much but it will be a bit more complicated of a process. Refer to page 2 of the DS-11 form.
Photocopies of both your Citizenship/Identity. Black and white.
Step 4: It costs money, baby
If this is your first time applying, the application fee will be $110. This goes to the State Department for the actual passport.
You will then pay $35 to the Post Office for having them check your documents/submit this paperwork for you.
Click here for more info on passport fees.
Step 5: Submit your documents in person
Make sure you submit to a specialized agent that is trained and qualified to submit passports. Click here for a list of places. The local post office is where I usually go but keep in mind, not every post office accepts passports.
Click here to find a post office that works for you and whether or not they accept walk ins or appointments.
&& That’s it! Keep in mind, processing times are longer now due to high demand and COVID so please make sure to leave plenty of time to book travel accordingly.
Passport Expedition
Alright so you’re leaving for a trip in a few weeks and realize “Oh crap! I don’t have a passport” .. which honestly, by now I hope that wouldn’t be the case considering how common traveling is and having a passport is probably the only thing you actually need to leave the country. Maybe you lost your passport, though, and have no clue where it is…(Hi, Rachael Bower) (I’ll cover this topic in a different blog post dedicated to renewing/replacing passports) or, you just are impatient and don’t want to wait. Fret not. I am here to help you! Just call me.. Captain Passport…? Eh, I’ll stop with the awful dad jokes. Let’s dive right in.
If you go this route and want to cut the wait time in half, your passport is then expected to arrive in 2-3 weeks. Amazing, right?
If you go this route, make sure to request this at the post office when expediting it.
The fee is an extra $60 on top of the $110 application fee.
If you want to cut the wait time down EVEN MORE, like 2-3 days there and back.. it’ll be an extra cost that depends on your location. Ask your local post office what the rates and fees are.
Obtaining an emergency passport
If someone in your immediate family dies and you are required to travel overseas, please click here for more information on how to apple for a Life-or-Death emergency passport.
Traveling in 2 weeks and need a passport ASAP? Click here to find your local passport agency. Unfortunately they aren’t located everywhere so it can be tricky depending where you are living. You can apply in person and and will need to make an appointment which you can do so here.
Need a passport tomorrow? I personally have never had to do this luckily but know a few people who have. It can be extremely stressful so be prepared. Locate your nearest passport agency office, wake up super early and get in line, hopefully they have a same day appointment that you can book online but if not, wait in line and try. Bring all your completed paperwork (application, photo & documents). Bring your checkbook. I believe this cost is the same as expediting. Bring proof of your travel. They won’t do this for you if you’re not traveling somewhere within 24-48 hours. Show them your itinerary.
Overall, I hope all this information helps you get a passport and make the process a bit more easier and understanding. It’s a journey in itself to obtain that blue book but boy oh boy, it is WORTH IT :)
Image credit: USPS