How do you obtain a passport?

Question

I am going on a cruise to Mexico next winter and I have never been out of the country. I have heard that you now have to go to one of a few places in the US to get a passport. Is this true? What steps do I need to take and where do I go??

Answer 1

Go to http://travel.state.gov
They have all the information you will probably need.
BTW, you can still drive to Canada and Mexico w/o a passport.
That will change soon though. Might as well get it now.
Have a good trip!

Answer 2

You have to get a bona fide "passport photo". Do not try making your own, the angry passport authenticator-lord person will refuse them. I'd recommend getting them taken outside of the post office so you can take multiple shots and choose the picture you'll want to see on your master I.D. for the next decade. The post office might take 2 shots and then you're screwed with some nasty picture of your eyes half shut.

ha ha


You can get these done in numerous places. Walgreen's, CVS...Even WalMart. It's true that you're going to need a passport to go to Canada and Mexico in the near future. Almost all post offices will have the forms you'll need to fill out. I'm pretty sure you'll need to provide a birth certificate and social security card. And bring a picture I.D. for good measure.

But also keep in mind that there has been a dramatic increase in passport applications all over the country. And the standard waiting time has been nearly doubled (or so I read). So if you don't want to risk the extra wait, I'd recommend expediting the process. They'll charge a fee, but then you'll have it when you need it!

I hope this helped!

Answer 3

It currently takes about 12-15 weeks to get a passport, so you really shouldn't wait too long before starting the process. It's a simple process and can be done all at once, then you just wait for it to arrive.

Keep in mind that you need an "original" birth certificate, the one from the county (not the hospital). It has an embossed stamp on it, they will NOT take copies. You will need to get this first before you head off to the post office. Not all post offices are also passport offices, make sure before you go. You will also need two passport photos, these are not typical photos but can be done at the post office.

Answer 4

You'll need:
1) 2 photographs (you can have them taken at Walgreen's Drug Store, believe it or not, for about $8). They must be a certain size and show your head and shoulders against a pale background.

2) A passport application form that you can get online (Google "passport application") or at your local travel agent's office. This application MUST BE SIGNED IN FRONT OF THE WITNESS at the Passport Office, (called the PROTHONATORY office!) which is usually located at your local county courthouse. You can find the location in your telephone book. Or, if you are going through a travel agency to book your cruise, they should be able to tell you the details.

3) Bring along TWO forms of identification: a driver's license and a birth certificate. I did not have my original birth certificate (I don't know too many people who actually DO have their original birth certificate!), so I telephoned the Department of Public Health in Albany, New York (since I was born in upstate NY) and they sent along a CERTIFIED photocopy of my birth certificate with the raised (embossed) seal on it, which was fine for getting a passport. The capital of your state is where your birth records will be if you don't have your original birth certificate. Again, any good travel agent should be able to answer your questions even if you aren't booking your cruise through them!

When I applied for my new passport, it was 2 days after Sept. 11 (2001) and suddenly I found I needed one to go to Canada. Even with FEDEX, it still took nearly 3 weeks for my new passport to arrive. EXPECT to wait about 12-16 weeks. It's good that you are asking this question now because you'll need this extra time. Maybe you'll be lucky and get it sooner. At that time, right after 9/11, the price for a new passport was $65 but I think it is now $100 as previous "answers" folks have said; they are good for 10 years and, I think, well worth it as positive proof of identification.

I didn't know that you could get the application forms at the post office, so I'm glad to learn that.

Have a GREAT time on your cruise! I loved Mexico when I was there back in the 1960's. Do you speak Spanish at all? One phrase that REALLY came in handy for me that I'll pass on to you:

"Donde salon para Damas, por favor?"
["Where is the Ladie's Room, please?]

(pardon my spelling, Amigos). LOL.


Have fun, and don't forget to send postcards.

Hope this helps.

PS-Just got back from Canada yesterday and YES, you DO need a passport to go into and get OUT of Canada!! Both sides of the border are asking to see them now, or they were yesterday.

*And if you are unhappy with the photo taken, you'll be allowed to get another one taken until you DO like it, so no worries there.

Answer 5

Yes, you have to have a passport, even if you only want to go to Mexico or Canada. You can buy one at most post offices. They cost around $100 and will last about 10 years. I believe you need to have two forms of identification to get one. Good luck and I hope you have fun on your vacation.

Answer 6

I think the easiest way is to go to a post office that deals with passports. They will give you a form. After you fill out the form at home, you have to make an appt. with the officer in the post office who deals with passports.

You can find out more info at:
www.usps.com

Answer 7

No, and immigration officers are constantly on the look out for cases of this kind. However, is it any more immoral than marrying someone when expecting to die shortly in order to secure a pension for him/her? Is it any more immoral than arranged marriages which are planned on grounds of expediency and how much each party can gain from the alliance?

Answer 8

You can now just do it online. Go here http://www.allaccess-travel.com
Go to the "EXTRAS" tab. Then click "Passport/Visas" .
You can do it all there. Good luck!

Answer 9

Do you need a passport. you sould go to www.YTBtravelWorldPro.com and they have next shiping. Its very good because its very cheap.

Answer 10

How to Apply in Person for a Passport

Should You Apply In Person?
You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time. Yes
Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged. Yes
Your previous U.S. passport has expired & was issued more than 15 years ago. Yes
Your previous passport has expired and it was issued when you were under 16. Yes
Your name has changed since your passport was issued and you do not have a legal document formally changing your name. Yes
NOTES: All persons must have their own passports, including infants. If you are behind in child support payments, you may not be able to get a passport. See Child Support .

For All Minors Under Age 14 :

* Each minor child shall appear in person.
* All applications for children under 14 require both parents' or legal guardians' consent.
( See Special Requirements for Children Under Age 14 )

For All Minors Ages 14 to 17:

* Each minor child shall appear in person.
* For security reasons, parental consent may be requested.
* If your child does not have identification of his/her own, you need to accompany your child and
present identification.
* Follow instructions below.

To Apply in Person for a U.S. Passport You MUST:

1. Provide Application for Passport, Form DS-11

* To download an application form, please click here.
* Or, forms can be obtained from any passport agency or acceptance facility. (Call to check hours of availability.)

NOTE: Please do NOT sign the DS-11 application form until the Passport Acceptance Agent instructs you to do so.

2. Present Proof of U.S. Citizenship

All documentation submitted as evidence of U.S. Citizenship will be returned with the issued passport. See Processing Times . You may prove U.S. Citizenship with any one of the following:

* Previous U.S. Passport (mutilated, altered, or damaged passports are not acceptable as evidence of U.S. citizenship.)
* Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state

NOTE: A certified birth certificate has a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, registrar’s signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth. Please note that some short (abstract) versions of birth certificates may not be acceptable for passport purposes.

* Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
* Naturalization Certificate
* Certificate of Citizenship

A Delayed Birth Certificate filed more than one year after your birth may be acceptable if it:

* Listed the documentation used to create it and
* Signed by the attending physician or midwife, or, lists an affidavit signed by the parents, or shows early public records.

If you do NOT have a previous U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate, you will need:

1. Letter of No Record

Issued by the State with your name, date of birth, which years were searched for a birth record and that there is no birth certificate on file for you.

1. AND as many of the following as possible:

* Baptismal certificate
* Hospital birth certificate
* Census record
* Early school record
* Family bible record
* Doctor's record of post-natal care

NOTES: These documents must be early public records showing the date and place of birth, preferably created within the first five years of your life. You may also submit an Affidavit of Birth, form DS-10, from an older blood relative, i.e., a parent, aunt, uncle, sibling, who has personal knowledge of your birth. It must be notarized or have the seal and signature of the acceptance agent. If you were born abroad AND do not have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Birth on file, you will need:

1. If you claim citizenship through birth abroad to one U.S. citizen parent:

* Foreign birth certificate,
* Proof of citizenship of your U.S. citizen parent, AND
* An affidavit of your U.S. citizen parent showing all periods and places of residence or physical presence in the United States and abroad before your birth.

2. If you claim citizenship through birth abroad to two U.S. citizen parents:

* Your foreign birth certificate,
* Parent’s marriage certificate, AND
* Proof of citizenship of your U.S. parents and an affidavit of your U.S. citizen parents showing all periods and places of residence of physical presence in the United States and abroad before your birth.

Click here for additional information on documentation of U.S. citizens born abroad who acquire citizenship at birth NOTE: The following are NOT proof of citizenship

* Voter registration cards
* Army discharge papers

Information on foreign-born children adopted by U.S. citizens. NOTE: If you travel extensively, you may request more Visa pages in your passport at no additional cost. To do so, please attach a signed request for additional Visa pages to be added to your application. 48-page passport s are no longer available in the U.S. or abroad. FOR MINORS UNDER THE AGE OF 14: The citizenship evidence submitted for minors under the age of 14 must list both parents' names. Read more information on the citizenship requirements for minors under the age of 14.

3. Present Proof of Identity

You may prove your identity with any one of these, if you are recognizable:

* Previous U.S. passport (mutilated, altered, or damaged passports are not acceptable as proof of identity.)
* Naturalization Certificate
* Current, valid
o Driver's license
o Government ID: city, state or federal
o Military ID: military and dependents

NOTE: Your Social Security Card does NOT prove your identity. If none of these are available , you will need:

1. Some signature documents, not acceptable alone as ID

(ex: a combination of documents, such as your Social Security card, credit card, bank card, library card, etc.) AND

2. A person who can vouch for you. He/she must:

* Have known you for at least 2 years,
* Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident,
* Have valid ID, and
* Fill out a Form DS-71 in the presence of a passport agent.

FOR MINORS UNDER THE AGE OF 14: Each minor child shall appear in person. Both parents or legal guardians must present evidence of identity when they apply for a minor under the age of 14. Read more information on the identity requirements for minors under the age of 14. FOR MINORS 14 to 17:

* Your child MUST appear in person.
* For security reasons, parental consent may be requested.
* If your child does not have identification of his/her own, you need to accompany your child, present identification and co-sign the application.

4. Provide Two Passport Photos

Your photographs must be:

* 2x2 inches in size
* Identical
* Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
* Color
* Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
* Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
* Taken in normal street attire
o Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily.
o Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline.
o If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
o Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.

Click here for information on acceptable digitized photos.
Click here for detailed information for professional photographers.

NOTE:Vending machine photos are not generally acceptable

5. Pay the Applicable Fee

Click here to see passport fees.

Methods of Payment -

At Our 14 Passport Agencies -

Both fees and the surcharge are combined into one payment to the ''U.S. Department of State'':

* Credit Cards – VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
* Debit/Check cards (not ATM cards)
* Checks (personal, certified, cashiers', travelers'), money orders (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchange), bank drafts

Note: If abroad, U.S. Embassies and Consulates accept the foreign currency equivalent, or a check drawn on a U.S. bank. At our over 8,000 Passport Acceptance Facilities - You pay the passport application fee and the security surcharge to the ''U.S. Department of State'' and the execution fee to the facility where you are applying. For Passport Application Fee:

* Personal checks, money orders, and bank drafts at all locations
* Exact cash at some locations (verify with the Acceptance Facility)

For Execution Fee:

* Money orders and bank drafts at all locations
* Personal checks and exact cash at some locations (verify with the Acceptance Facility)
* Credit cards at U.S. Postal Facilities and some other locations (verify with the Acceptance Facility)

Expedite Fee: (See How to Get Your Passport in a Hurry. )

6. Provide a Social Security Number

If you do not provide your Social Security Number, the Internal Revenue Service may impose a $500 penalty. If you have any questions please call your nearest IRS office.

Where to Apply for a Passport in the U.S.

Most Passport Agencies now accept applications only by appointment. Click here for more information.

Return to Passport Services Page


here is the link you can use to find where to get one:
http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/