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Passport Requirements

Let's talk about passports. You generally need a passport if traveling outside of the US. If you are going on a cruise that starts and ends in a US port, you usually won't need a passport, but you won't be able to get off the ship at the ports.

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Be sure to give plenty of time to apply for your passport, as the process takes about 2-3 months or so. Also, be sure you read and follow the forms' instructions carefully, as anything done incorrectly will cause a delay.

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https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

1 

Gather your forms

Step 1: Make sure you have all required documents for you or your children. If only one parent can be present with a child while obtaining a passport, you will need a notarized Statement of Consent and front & back copies of the absent guardian's valid, unexpired government issued photo ID.

https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds3053.pdf

2

Acceptance Facility

Step 2: Call an acceptance facility to schedule an appointment such as the Post Office or the County Clerk. You can find your closest facility here: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

Also, ask if they take passport photos.

3

Passport Application

Step 3: Fill out the passport application online and print it off single-sided only. Your local library can print for you for a small cost. Here is the website for U.S. Passports: https://travel.state.gov/.../passports/how-apply/forms.html

4

Get your picture made

Step 4: Get your picture made. Some post offices, AAA or Walgreens take passport photos. Be sure you read the application for the latest photo requirements and dress accordingly.

5

Be prepared including fees

Step 5: Before you head to your appointment to submit the application, be sure you have everything, including the fees for submitting your application. You will likely need 2 separate checks, one for the application, and one for the acceptance facility (the place you made the appointment charges a fee)

Once you have your passport back, you are all set to start booking an international trip!

  • Who needs a passport?
    Any U.S. citizen who plans to exit and/or return to the United States by air. Minors age 16 or younger can present evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate when returning from Canada or Mexico by land. A passport is not required for reentry when traveling on a closed-loop cruise.
  • Does a baby need a passport?
    Yes. An infant, even a newborn, must possess a passport if the child will be taken outside the U.S.
  • How long does it take to get a passport?
    Standard processing can take up to 12 weeks or more depending on the demand at the time you apply. Expediting a passport at an acceptance facility (new) or by mail (renewal) usually takes 3-6 weeks less than routine service. Emergency passports can be processed at regional centers as quickly as the same day. Currently, this is limited to customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days). Same day passport service is available under certain circumstances.: High demand and mailing delays are impacting how long it takes to get a passport. Standard service is currently taking between 7 and 10 weeks. Expedited service is currently taking between 3 to 5 weeks. NOTE: Processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended. Need to get a passport faster? Apply at a regional passport agency. An appointment is required. Let a reliable, registered passport courier service get your passport as quickly as the same day.
  • What is the validity of a passport?
    Passports issued to minors age 15 or younger are valid for 5 years. Passports issued to applicants over age 15 are valid for 10 years. Limited-validity, emergency passports are usually valid for 1 year.
  • When should I apply for a passport renewal?
    It is recommended that you begin the application process to renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. However, the passport renewal application can be submitted at any time. Passports issued to applicants age 16 or older can be renewed by mail up to 5 years after the expiration date.

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