Obtaining a passport: What's involved?

[BigBlue75]

I'm sure a lot of you have traveled overseas and have had to get a passport. About all I know about getting one is that you have to fill out a form and send it in with your picture. How far in advance of your trip do you need to get it and how long does it take to get it back?

I've visited about 17 countries but I was in the Navy at the time and didn't need one then since I was in the military.

I have a chance to visit Jerusalem with a church group next year in July and I was wondering what all was involved in the process.

[CATHYnKY]

I went to AAA for my picture. I believe you need 2. The P.O. is where I got my application. I applied for mine not too long after 911 and was told it would take 6 to 8 weeks. It came back in less than 3 weeks. Haven't used it yet :(

[PsychoCat]

Our daughters both spent time traveling in Spain and we got theirs through the post office ...... it took a full 8 weeks to get them back .... we had passport pictures done at kinkos

[CoquieKat]

I've been told that if possible, you should allow 3 months for everything to get processed for your passport. If it takes less time, great. But that extra time will allow for any problems along the way.

For my first passport, got the pics done at AAA. The second? Hmm, don't remember. Maybe AAA again. I know that some drug stores such as Walgreens will do them, but I've also heard that they don't always meet the very stringent specifications for the pics (i.e., your head has to bewithin a certain size and range in the photo). Photo places will also take care of them.

[Old Blue]

I'm thinking about getting one just to have it. I notice on the application there is a block that asks where and when you are planning to travel. What do you say if you really don't have any specific or imminent travel plans?

[Chaz]

BigBlue75 wrote: I'm sure a lot of you have traveled overseas and have had to get a passport. About all I know about getting one is that you have to fill out a form and send it in with your picture. How far in advance of your trip do you need to get it and how long does it take to get it back?

I've visited about 17 countries but I was in the Navy at the time and didn't need one then since I was in the military.

I have a chance to visit Jerusalem with a church group next year in July and I was wondering what all was involved in the process.


You will need 2 passport pics (Sears, AAA, among others will take them for you) and most important is your Birth Cirtificate with a raised seal. Photo copy will not get it. The small credit card type is accepted sometimes. As others have said, allow 2-3 months for it. If you are in a hurry, you can pay extra (like double) and get it in 8-10 days. You will also have to pay shipping both ways (purchase prepaid envelop from P.O.)

As far as intended country, just put cruise and some future date. Don't actually have to go, it just gives thema reason for you wanting a PassPort.:lol:

[POEKLM]

Everyone has given good information. I have accepted hundreds of applications as a postal clerk. You need the application filled out. Do not sign it. It has to be signed in front of the accepting agent. You need the passport application. Your original birth cetificate from the state or vital statistics. They will not accept a copy and they will not accept a birth certificate from the hospital. You need to show some identification with a picture. Usually your driver's license will do unless it is brand new.

You can go to the state department's website. www.travel.state.gov (http://www.travel.state.gov)

You can download the application and you can type in your zip code and they will show you all the places within a 50 mile radius that can accept your application.

All that and some money. If you are paying by check you will need two. Part of the money goes to the post office and the rest goes to the state department.