It is important that you allow sufficient time to get you or your family’s passports. During the busy season, passports could take months to process regardless of whether you’re renewing, obtaining or updating it.
From forms to fees to what ID’s to bring, you will find everything at the US State Department Website and we’ve provided some good tips to make the process run as smooth as possible:
- All first-time passport holders must apply in person
- Fill in your DS-11 form in advance
- Make an appointment to apply so you do not have to take a number and wait in line.
- You will need a valid ID, and proof of US Citizenship, and photocopies of both.
- Get passport pictures taken. AAA, Walgreens, and CVS are all great locations to choose from
- You can renew your passport thru the mail. Restrictions do apply, so check into this.
- If you lose your passport abroad, contact the American Embassy.
- Did you forget this important step? Don’t worry! You have two options. You can pay to have it expedited, or you can go directly to the nearest regional passport agency. Both take under 2 weeks.
- Both parents must apply for their kids in person. For single parent applicants, a signed consent of the absent parent must be presented.
