How To Get Your Own US Passport & Start Your Adventure

Your U.S. passport is a travel essential because a U.S. citizen’s birth certificate does not suffice to cross borders. That law applies to citizens of any age — even baby. So, it’s never too early to get started with your application. A passport is a great holiday present and will become a great souvenir of your family travels, too.

Additionally, you may have seen requirements for “biometrically readable” IDs. The next generation passport book, often called an “e-passport,” has a polycarbonate, multi-layered plastic data page. Unlike older ones issued before 2006, passport books now have a small integrated circuit (or “chip”) in the back cover. That chip stores your biometric data (fingerprints or facial scans) for electronic scanners.

Keep in mind that in the past few years, the processing of U.S. passport applications, renewals and services slowed considerably. Today, the passport agency announced that most passport renewals can be made online. While that’s a big leap forward, they also announced the reduction of routine passport processing time to 4 to 6 weeks. The same holds true for expedited processing (for an additional $60), said to take 2 to 3 weeks. Our advice on how to get a US passport, regardless of their claims: Start Now.

How to Get a US Passport

Don’t wait to acquire or renew yours. Older ones may not be biometric ones, known as e-passports, which may soon be required to visit certian countries. Whether your family has planned an exotic getaway, or has a new baby on board, whether it’s about to expire or just needs more pages; do it now.

Believe us, you can get one more easily if you plan ahead, or more expensively if you’re running late. It used to be that if you only had a minimum of 24 hours’ lead time, it could still happen before your trip. Those days may be gone forever.

With that in mind, here are some of our tips and resources from the U.S. Passports and International Travel office to make the whole process easier for you.

Who Needs Documentation to Cross Which Borders

All U.S. citizens traveling by air and land (with a few tiny exceptions) anywhere, including the nearby countries in the Caribbean, Mexico, and even Canada need passports.

• All US Citizens 16-years of age and older must present a valid passport to travel outside of the country to Canada, even by car or boat.
• Exceptions include kids age 15 and under who, thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, can present an original or copy of their birth certificate or other proof of citizenship to travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and 17 Caribbean nations.
• Teens between the ages of 16 and 18, when traveling with an organized group, can follow the same procedures as younger children per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. If not with a group, they, as all adults, will need their own passports.
• All new US passports must be Biometric Electronic passports
• Plan ahead for any government-issued documentation because waits can be long. The Department of State received more than 19 million passport applications in Fiscal Year 2018, increasing the competition for quick service.

Never Plan to Fly Internationally? Get a US Passport Card

To meet demand, the US developed the U.S. Passport Card. This wallet-sized RealID document is only good for land and sea cross-border travel between the U. S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

It is not valid for international travel by air, but it only costs $65 for applicants age 16 and older whether or not they already have a passport book. It can be applied for online if you already have a passport or expired passport card to send in by mail. Otherwise, you will need to submit one color photo and your forms to an agent in person; visit U S. Department of State for applications and information.

Also read: Parent Teen Adventures In Puerto Rico

Ordering US Passports By Mail

Potential applicants renewing by mail must meet certain qualifications (see website) and provide their expired passports. Xerox everything, then bring it back to your authorized district mail center, or send it directly to the nearest Passport Center.(Several are noted on the website Passport Info.)

Note that the period September to December is typically the least busy application period. In fact, September is traditionally “Passport Month” when U.S. agencies stay open Saturdays and provide extra services to encourage more Americans to apply for or renew passports. 

Get New Biometric Travel Documents by Renewing Online

Last year, the Dept. of State expanded the online passport renewal system to everyone who previously had a passport. That means, instead of printing a paper application and mailing it with a check, Americans can now renew their passports through a secure digital process that will save time and effort. Trust us — a reader tried this online and it worked well.

She writes, “First, fill out all the needed forms — a pain but not so bad because I still had a valid passport. Then, submit a crisp digital cellphone photo taken at home, pay the fee by credit card and wait. My new passport arrived within 10 days of submission and I received several email reminders of the processing progress along the way.”

The Dept. of State also says that thanks to increased staffing, technological advancements, and other improvements, the average routine passport is being processed in 6-8 weeks, and expedited processing (for an additional $60) takes 2-3 weeks.

Step by Step Directions: How to Get a US Passport

If you have a few months’ lead time, head to your local post office or library or one of the more than 8,000 Passport Centers noted on the national passport website to pick up an application, or download one from the site.

What You’ll Need to Get a US Passport

• 10 Week’s Lead Time (they claim the waits have decreased; apply 8 weeks ahead just in case)
• Application (download and fill out before appointment)
• Proof of Citizenship (previous passport, birth certificate)
• One Photo (professional quality)
• Proof of ID (previous passport, driver’s license)
• Fees

Taking Your US Passport Photos Successfully

Did you know that , and several hundred thousand applications are rejected each year due to poor photos?. Passport photos will no longer be accepted if the applicant is wearing eyeglasses and, like this cute photo above, must be in color. The Department of State has gotten very strict about photo quality and readability.

The government has a page of rules about what makes a good passport photo. Fortunately, there’s a fun app called Passport Photo Creator that makes it easier. Check out the parameters you need to line up an ID-worthy photo on your smartphone.

Of course, it’s helpful to have a partner in the picture-taking. Two partnerse help if you are photographing a baby. When complete (the app will “verify” a good quality image), email it to a local Walgreens for printing. If you’re unsure about where that is, you can bring a flash drive memory stick with the images to a printer and have it done.

Also read:  How To Travel With Your Pets: 6 Essential Pet Travel Tips

Fees are High, and Will Go Higher!

Notes that passport fees have skyrocketed with the inclusion of Security and Execution Charges, as well as with the new requirement for Biometric passports. Prepare to pay $165 (first time passport, valid 10 years), $135 (children under 16 years, valid 5 years only), or $130 (renewal, valid 10 years).

The only good news is that some Caribbean and Mexican resorts offer summer family travel specials in which they reimburse any family member who had to purchase a passport to get there!

Who Must Apply In Person, In Real Life, to Get a US Passport

If you are a First Time applicant of any age, you will need to see a Passport Center officer in person with proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. Parents can provide these papers for accompanying children but must have their own photo IDs.

Anyone needing to renew an expired passport that was issued when the passport holder was less than 16-years of age must also apply in person. There are now 8,000 U.S. passport acceptance facilities nationwide. Most of the local Passport Centers accept applicants by appointment only.

How to Get Children’s Travel Documents for Minors Under 16

Remember that every citizen, no matter the age, must carry her own passport. Strict guidelines for the issuance of passports to minors under the age of 16-years require the presence of both parents, with proof of parentage.

If there’s only one parent making an appearance, they must have a notarized statement of consent from the second parent (or divorce papers, death certificates, lawyer’s letters, etc. which can be declared on the special form DS-5525.) Read more about Child Permission or Travel Consent Letters.

Same sex couples must follow the same rules. “In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling on same sex marriage,” comments a State Department official, “regarding the two parent consent requirement for passport issuance, the basic premise of two-parent consent —- that all legal parents/guardians of a child, as determined by state law, must consent to passport issuance -— remains the same.”

Additionally, minors ages 16 and under are recommended to have at least one guardian in attendance. These rules, as usual, are complicated. Be sure to check the national passport website yourself before arriving at their office.

Note: We recommend that any parent who has a different surname than their child also carry a photocopy of the child’s birth certificate while traveling, providing legal evidence of “guardianship” in case of need.

Are custody issues a concern? Parents may request that their children’s names be entered in the U.S. passport name-check system. The Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program provides notification to parents of passport applications made on behalf of minor children. They notify you of denial of passport issuance if appropriate court orders are on file with the CPIAP. The Office of International Parental Child Abduction will provide more information.

Rush Hour – When You Need to Get a US Passport Yesterday

If you’re in a desperate rush, be ready to prove you are departing within two weeks of your application date. Bring tickets plus all necessary documents and cash to your regional passport center. Wait on line to fill out the application, sign it, pay an additional $60 Expedite Fee. You must return in person or have the it delivered to you as soon as possible by overnight mail for an added fee.

If you don’t want to manage this, help is available. For a fee that may be a few hundred dollars (on top of the regular fees), expediters can advise you of the required paperwork and do the legwork for you, ensuring you peace of mind.

Passport and visa expediters get you the forms, take your stuff, wait and deliver your documents, often within 24-48 hours. Their services are most beneficial for:

1. Last-minute travel planners.
2. Those who need to renew it due to expire within 6 months (not acceptable in many countries.) 
3. Anyone requiring international visas with no easy access to a consulate or embassy.

The helpful Fastport Passport, a family run operation based in Brooklyn, is one we’ve worked with. Other national expediters include Passport Plus Visas and A. Briggs Passport Plus.

Also read: Air Travel Tips To Ease Family Vacation Hassles

Confused by How to Get a US Passport Information? Need Help?

For Spanish language information on how to apply for your travel documents, application fees, and other travel information, visit Travel.State.Gov/Pasaporte.

For more information, take advantage of the National Passport Information Center’s toll-free phone assistance line, 877/487-2778, manned by English and Spanish speaking live operators from 8am-10pm weekdays, and Saturdays 10am-3pm EST. TDD/TTY users may call 888/874-7793; recorded assistance is available 24/7 on both phone lines.

Additionally, the NPIC claims they will answer email inquiries addressed to npic@state.gov within two normal business days. Let us know if that works for you and safe travels.

FAQs for US Passports

1. Can I renew mine if it’s expired?

Yes, you can renew yours if it expired within the last 15 years. Plus, you must have been at least 16 years old when it was issued. You can renew it online or by mail using the DS-82 form. If it’s older than 15 years, you’ll need to apply for a new one in person using the DS-11 form.

2. What is the validity period?

For adults (ages 16 and older), it is valid for 10 years. For children (under 16), it is valid for 5 years. Make sure to renew it before it expires if you plan to travel internationally.

3. How can I expedite my family’s applications?

You can expedite your application by paying an additional fee and choosing expedited processing when you submit your application. This option shortens the processing time to approximately 2-3 weeks for routine service. You can also expedite the return mailing of it.