Traveling in this day and age without a passport is very restrictive as you won't be allowed on an international flight and are therefore literally "locked into"the United States. Currently, over 30% of US citizens have a passport, or around 90 million people, and another 3 million have a passport card. The origin of what we have come to regard as an American Passport started during the birth of our nation and the creation of the 13 original sates. Issued to select citizens during the American Revolutionary War, they were valid for 3-6 months and simply pieces of paper with a description of the bearer. The first known "passeport" was created by Benjamin Franklin for Francis Dana (a Massachusetts Delegate to the Continental Congress) to expedite his travel from France to Holland. It was written entirely in French, for centuries the language of diplomacy and international relations.
As mentioned in previous posts, the requirements for travel are ever changing. You need to know what to expect from check-in to arirval and this includes having the proper documentation to facilitate your journey. One thing is certain, you will not be able to embark upon most international trips (including air travel to Canada or Mexico) without a valid passport.
I had no experience with applying for a passport in the post 9/11 era, let alone any memory of the process from getting my first passport over 25 years ago. Fortunately, at that time, my father was in the throws of constant travel and very well versed in what the process entailed, and the most arduous part for me was a visit to his office for a quick photo. I have been fortunate (or conditioned) to have always kept my passport up to date, because you never know when the opportunity may arise to explore the world. I recently navigated different avenues of the process for my children and spouse, and I wanted to share some points and tips for anyone embarking on securing their first passport or dealing with one that needs to be renewed or has expired.
First of all, there are two types of passport documents available as of this publication- a Passport Book and a Passport Card. The book version is most familiar to us. It's used for inserting visas (permission to enter when required) and stamps on the numerous pages as you clear customs and immigration anywhere in the world. If your travel plans don't go beyond North America (including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean), then a Passport Card may be the document for you, providing you are traveling by land or sea and not by air. For the purposes of this article however, we are focused on Passport Books.
Renewing a passport is relatively painless and straightforward, and can be done anytime during the period your passport is valid and up to 15 years after it has expired; provided you were over 16 when you procured your last passport, and you have the actual document in your possession. If expired beyond 15 years, it is considered a new application, and you must apply in person. The best place to start is the US Department of State website where you will verify if renewing is the right process for you. After filling out the DS-82 form, collecting a compliant photo, and name change documentation (if necessary), simply include the passport you have, and a check for $110 in an envelope addressed to the appropriate routine processing facility. You can expedite the process, which incurs additional fees depending on the reason and your needs.
The more cumbersome task of applying for your first passport requires visiting a passport office in person. Again, the US Department of State website is the best place to start so you know what will be required. First time applicants will require form DS-11, as well as proof of citizenship and valid ID (a front and back photocopy of these is also required). Bring these documents, as well as the previously mentioned compliant photograph and a check for $145 for adult applicants. The process is the same for those under the age of 18, with some interesting points of note. Minors under the age of 16 require both parents (with valid photo ID) to be present to provide consent. Several exceptions can be made if both parents are unable to attend for a variety of circumstances, most of which involve a notarized form. The fee for a child under the age of 16 is $115. Applicants ages 16-17 who posses valid ID, are required to "show parental awareness" when applying for a passport which can simply be one parent accompanying them, or "a signed, notarized statement consenting to issuance of a passport from at least one parent or legal guardian" accompanied by a photocopy (front and back) of the parent or guardian's ID. The fee for this age group is the same $145 as an adult application.
So, now you have collected the appropriate paperwork, regained your vision after smiling (or not) for your lovely 2"x2" photo, and scrawled out a check for the appropriate amount... but where the hell is a passport office? If you were to do a quick web search, you would likely find a list which should include your nearest Passport Agency. This is not the place you need! These locations are for travelers that require the previously mentioned "expedited" service, and for many this will come as a relief, since few states have an office and they are usually located in or near the capital city. The next best step is to visit the USPS travel website and either allow them to "use your location" or enter your zip code. In the "services" box on the next line select "passport" and then click "search". Poof, there is a list of the nearest Post Offices that provide passport services. After you select your preferred location, read down to where it says "Passport Appointment Hours"just below those times you should see "Schedule an Appointment". After clicking on this link you will have the chance to select the best time and date that suits your busy lifestyle.
Once you have completed whatever process is right for your circumstances, you have roughly 8 weeks to wait (routine service) for your shiny new passport to arrive in the mail. Whether you have a destination already on the horizon, a trip you're dreaming of, or just want to be ready for any opportunity, there is never a bad time to secure the most essential item for your journey. A passport opens a world of possibilities to anyone who possesses a curiosity for what lies beyond.
Enjoy the journey.
Very informative and detailed - well done George. Interestingly, in the UK, we are NOT allowed to smile on passport photo's - must be the ill-informed expectation of seeing our British horse-teeth or bad dental work?