Hey friends! This week I wanted to cover a carryover topic from last year, the passport: what they are, reasons you could need one, and how to get one. Now, since I am based in the US, this information is based on regulations here. This will also be all about adult passports. Passports for minors is a different process, however, the links I provide will have that information available.
What is a passport?
This may be one of those ‘Thanks, Capitan Obvious’ things, but I want to give you this information just in case you don’t know.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice:
Any travel document issued by competent authority showing the bearer’s origin, identity, and nationality, if any, which is valid for the entry of the bearer into a foreign country.
So basically, it is a document issued by the government that proves identity and citizenship that will let you get into a foreign country and back into your own.
Do I really need one?
This one depends on if you plan to travel internationally and how. According to the US Department of State:
- A passport book will let you travel by land, sea, or air
- A passport card will let you travel by land and sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
- An Enhanced ID will let you drive across the border to Canada and Mexico. These say Enhanced and are only available in five states at the time of writing.
Just wanting to travel domestically? With the requirements in the US, you need federal identification to fly. Yes, even domestically. You can use the following:
- A Real ID (the one with the star in the upper corner),
- An Enhanced ID
- A passport book
- A passport card
For me, having a passport book is worth it. I have flown internationally a couple of times and hope to do so in the future, so I make sure my passport book is current and valid at all times. Aside from the international travel, I’ve used it to go to Canada, go on a cruise, and used it to fly domestically so I didn’t have to keep pulling out my Driver’s License.
How do I get a passport?
Decided it’s worth it for you? Cool. Here’s some information on how to get the process started.
- You will need to fill out an application (DS-11) and turn it in at an authorized agent. The most common place is the USPS office, but my original one was processed at the local courthouse. You can get the form online or at the authorized agent.
- You will need to prove citizenship. This is done with a certified birth certificate from the county you were born in. It will have the required information of full name, date of birth, place of birth, parents’ full names, date filed with the registrar, seal/stamp from the office issuing the document, and a signature of the registrar. This IS NOT something you can use a hospital issued birth certificate for. If you need more information or to confirm this info, it is available of the US Department of State website. You will need to provide any name change documents, such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption paperwork, etc.
- Present photo identification. Usually it’s a current and valid driver’s license. Here’s a list of approved documents if you don’t have a driver’s license.
- You will need to provide a photo. There are very specific guidelines for this, so make sure you follow them, or it could be rejected. If you are at a place like the USPS office, they will take it for you.
- Pay your fees. There are two fees when submitting your application. The first is to the US Department of State for $130 (passport) or $30 (passport card) and has to be done by check or money order. The second is $35 for the facility where you submit your application, which can be paid by any form of payment they accept.
- Submit your application. You can do this at any passport acceptance facility, such as a post office, library, or local government office. You may or may not need an appointment, so be sure to contact them ahead of time.
Processing takes around 4-6 weeks, currently so plan accordingly. Expedited services is available to an additional fee, however, it will take a few weeks.
I already have a passport. How do I renew it?
Renewals can be done either by mail or online. I’ve renewed mine by mail in the past and it’s similar to the original application. You’ll need the renewal form (DS-82), your most recent passport, any name change documents, new photo that meets the guidelines, the fees (same as original application), and to submit your application to the appropriate address.
When I update my current passport in a few years, I will probably do it online. As of right now, the process is as follows:
- Go to the official and authorized site for renewals. There are a lot of fraudulent sites out there, so make sure you’re on the right one.
- You will need your passport, credit/debit card for the fees, a digital passport photo, and your personal information such as SSN and emergency contact.
- Fill out and submit your application. Once you click submit, your passport will be invalid and CANNOT be used. You don’t need to mail in your passport with this option.
You can only renew the current type of passport you have. If you’d like to switch things up you will have to do it by mail.
Was this helpful? Getting a passport for your upcoming travel? Let me know, comment below!
Be safe out there! REMEMBER YOUR MAPS AND PASSPORT STAMPS!! Seeyalaterbye <3
Also, if you feel called to help a sista out with her travels, check this out!
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