I am 17, and I want my passport to travel soon, how do you go along to getting one? Gastonia, NC?

Question

Hi,

I was born in NC, Gastonia to be precise. And I never had a passport and looking forward on getting one real soon. What do I have to do to get one? Because I am planning on traveling. And how long would it take to get one here in Gastonia, NC?

Answer 1

Download the forms from http://www.travel.state.gov fill it in completely, get some pictures, and take it to your nearest Post Office that accepts passport applications. Processing usually takes 4 to 10 weeks, but they're currently very backlogged, so it will likely take longer unless you pay extra for the expedited service.

Answer 2

How soon will you be 18? As long as you're a minor, you need your parents to be a big part of the process.

First of all you have to go to government building, post office is where most people go. You have to begin by applying for a past port and filling out a lot of paperwork. You have to prove you birth date with a birth certificate and US citizenship, as well as provide your SS number. They'll also charge you a processing fee and for the past port itself.

The whole process can take several weeks and up to several months to do and you have to wait in the long lines that you may see, but it's all part of the process. And don't be surprised if you have to return to the post office several times during the process because it makes going to the DMV look like a piece of cake.

Of course your parents will have to be there to sign forms with you and give their consent, otherwise you can't get one on your own until you're legally an adult at 18 years of age.

Once you have a passport, it expires eventually so you have to renew it periodically. It's just one of the complicated, yet necessary things.

Answer 3

You have to get and fill out an application, you can dowload one on the internet. You'll need two photos (specifications will be on the application), proof of US citizenship and a government issued photo ID.
It will cost you $97.00 plust an additional $60.00 if you need it expedited. The waiting time for getting a passport has increased due to the new law coming into effect concerning Mexico and Canada so it is best to apply for a passport before actually needing one.
Below is a list of places that you can go to have your application processed:

Gastonia Post Office 301 W. Main St. Gastonia NC 28052-9998 [phone] 6.4
Denver, NC, Post Office 3593 Denver Drive Denver NC 28037 [phone] 17.2
Downtown Charlotte Post Office 201 North McDowell St. Charlotte NC 28204 [phone] 18.4
York County Clerk of Court #2 South Congress Street York SC 29745 [phone] 19.5
Carmel Post Office 6300 Carmel Road Charlotte NC 28226 [phone] 22.1
South Providence Post Office 11035 Golf Links Drive Charlotte NC 28271 [phone] 23.7
County Court Clerk, Rock Hill, SC 1070 Heckle Blvd., Bldg. 2, Rock Hill SC 29731 [phone] 24.4
Mint Hill Station 8920 Lawyers Road Charlotte NC 28227-9998 [phone] 26.8
N. Lake Station, Mooresville, NC 172 Williamson Road Mooresville NC 28117 [phone] 29.3
Gaffney Post Office 1208 West Floyd Baker Blvd. Gaffney SC 29341 [phone] 33.6

Answer 4

Our son had his passport by the time he was 4 months old - we traveled to Australia for my brother's wedding when he was 6 months old. You may have to go to a specific photo specialist to have the actual photo taken because it has to be specifically square. But when you visit with your local post office or passport agency about the application they should be able to refer you to a local business who will be able to help you! If you already have travel plans you may want to get it done asap because there can be a wait of 4 - 6 months for the passport to arrive - depending on how backed up they are. Good luck and have fun traveling!

Answer 5

When I got my passport, I went to the post office. Sometimes they have hours where they will accept passport applications.(These hours aren't always the PO hours.) You will need your birth certificate (NOT a photo copy), photo ID, and you probably want to get a passport photo somewhere else. (They're cheaper that way.) If you want to rush your passport, you will have to mention it and pay an extra fee. I didn't rush it, and they said it would be about 13 weeks. It is now 16 weeks and I still haven't got them. You will probably have to have a parent or guardian present, as you are under 18.

Answer 6

On October 4, 2006, the U.S. Government extended the deadline for Guests to obtain passports for sea travel to the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and Mexico. The deadline is now expected to be as early as January 2008. Please note, however, that recent legislative changes may permit an even later deadline depending on whether certain requirements are in place by January 1, 2008.

For air travel, however, the deadline is January 23, 2007. This means that all travelers, including U.S. Citizens* and all foreign nationals, traveling to the United States by air on or after January 23, 2007, such as Guests flying to Orlando, Florida from Canada, are still required to carry a valid passport after the effective date.

Despite these new requirements, we encourage you to obtain your passport as soon as possible. Having a passport allows you to always be prepared to travel wherever you wish, and offers an added measure of security when you're traveling. For more information on the benefits of acquiring a passport, visit our FAQ.


Passports are taking anywhere from 3 to 5 months!
What You Need
You must appear in person at the passport location when you are applying for a passport for the first time. This includes minors (see Passports for Children under the Age of 14 below).
Here are the documents you will need in most cases:
1. The U.S. Government's DS-11 Application – Download the application from the government site to be certain you have the latest form.
Tip: You will need to complete this form, but do NOT sign it until you are at the passport location where the Passport Acceptance Agent will instruct you. If you sign the application form before you get there, it will not be accepted and you will be asked to fill out a new form!

Tip: Don't use white-out or correction tape on the application; you will be asked to fill out a new form.

2. Proof of Citizenship – Visit the US Government website for a list of acceptable proof of citizenship, including the particulars of what is considered a certified birth certificate.

Tip: Your certified birth certificate will be submitted with the passport application. That means you will not have it for approximately eight weeks. If you will need the certificate during that time — for example, to register your child to attend kindergarten or to play soccer — be sure to make a copy.

3. Current valid identification with a signature, photo and physical description (your height, weight, etc.) – Visit the government site for examples of valid identification.

Tip: A social security card is not considered valid identification.

4. Two current color photos – Visit the government site for the particulars of a passport photo, including size and acceptable attire.

Tip: Some passport locations offer photos at an additional charge. Call your location to find out.

5. Methods of Payment – Visit the US Government site for the methods of payment. Different locations accept different forms of payment. Be sure to check with your individual passport location to verify its acceptable methods of payment. You can request Expedited Service to obtain your passport faster than the normal processing time.


Passports for Children under the Age of 14
To submit an application for a child under the age of 14, the child must appear in person. Visit the U.S. Government's information on passports for children and the U.S. Government's issue of Consent for an Application of a Minor for information on obtaining passports for children under the age of 14.

If your child is adopted abroad, we recommend you visit Child Citizenship for information on appropriate documentation requirements.

Tip: You must use a birth certificate that includes parents' names. The credit card-sized birth certificate you may have for your children may not include your names. You will need a certified birth certificate.

Where To Go
There are 14 Passport Agencies and over 7,000 public places that accept passport applications. To find the locations nearest to you, including locations that offer handicap access and photos on-site or nearby, enter your zip code in the form at the US Government site.

Tip: Be sure to contact your location to verify acceptable forms of payment, hours of operation, and need for an appointment.

Age 16 and older: The passport application fee is $67. The execution fee is $30. The total is $97 .

Under Age 16: The passport application fee is $52. The execution fee is $30. The total is $82 .


Here is a website for Passport forms, but you can also get them at Post Office, library, etc.:
http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/forms/c2100...

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en...

Answer 7

realistically, plan on 3 months to get one. all you have to do is go to your post office. they will help you fill out the application.