I need to get a Passport. Where do I start?

Question

I live in PA and need to get a passport ASAP. Any advice on where to start and what steps to take?

Thanks!

Answer 1

It depends...

First Time: To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of over 8,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.

Renewal: You can renew by mail if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.

You can fill out the forms online and see what documents you need and such by going to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

Expect to wait. American bureaucracy sucks and is notoriously inefficient. And when you renew your passport, make sure to do it MONTHS ahead next time so you can just do it in the mail office and rest easy. But as for now, since you need it ASAP you might have some problems.

> You might be able to have some luck by finding an actual passport agency and going EARLY to wait...and wait...and wait...to get it done.
> Or you might be able to make an appointment a little ahead of time if your trip is in LESS THAN 14 DAYS. You will need proof of traveling dates, so bring the itinerary, or even better, the actual tickets.

Good luck and definitely check this official site http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html

Answer 2

Most post offices (main branches) have the applications. Or you can go online and download the application. You also will need a "passport" photo, which you can get at most AAA offices (if you are an AAA member) or at most Walmart of similar stores. Costs about $10. Then you send your check (about $100) to the the Philadelphia passport office.

Now for the hard part. You wait 12+ weeks. Hope you are not planning to travel anywhere soon that requires a passport.

Answer 3

If you are not in a hurry you can just go to your local post office and they have all the appropriate forms etc. If you are in a hurry you can go to the Local passport department. I have been to the one in LA and while it was a pain, They did get a passport out in record time. Take your tickets with you to show the urgency of your application. They have been known to process a passport in the same day. However; My information is somewhat dated. As I did this before 9/11 good luck.

Answer 4

Call your local post office, most of the time they have the applications and they also set up the interviews for passports as well. You can also look online to get more information about your local passport offices. I also live in PA and even some of the local libraries offer passport applications (which you can also print out from online) and interviews. I went to the local library in Pottstown, PA to have my passport interview because they had weekend hours.

Answer 5

Go to the post office and fill out the form. Get your photo taken, show your identifying documents, pay the fee. You can do all that at most post offices now. There is a set fee, the only way it's going to change is if you must rush your processing. So make sure you give yourself a few months between the time you order the passport and the time you're going to need it.

Answer 6

Post Office - you can get the application and everything from them.

If you need it expedited - I'm not sure - possibly check with a travel agent, because I think they can sometimes get things expedited, but that might only be if you booked your trip with them.

Also, check the phone book - ours has a "blue" section for government agencies - you might be able to find the agency that handles passports and ask them what you can do to get your passport application pushed through quicker.

Answer 7

I would suggest that your best place to start is here:
http://travel.state.gov/passport
You will get all of the information that you needed regarding the application process for your passport.

Answer 8

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
I need to get a Passport. Where do I start?
I live in PA and need to get a passport ASAP. Any advice on where to start and what steps to take?

Thanks!

Answer 9

Go here: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

...."ASAP" doesn't quite work...it takes a few weeks for everything to be processed.

Answer 10

Secrets To Getting Ex Back - http://ExBack.GoNaturallyCured.com