HOW DO I GET A US PASSPORT?
HOW MUCH WILL A US PASSPORT COST?

The U.S. Department of State has over 9,000 Acceptance Facilities

When reviewing the requirements for adults on the "How to Apply in Person for a Passport" page (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html) for a first time US passport, here are some important points:

(1) Provide a completed application. Forms can be obtained at an Acceptance Facility (http://iafdb.travel.state.gov). BE AWARE, to save time you can download (http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html) the forms to fill out and take with you, but DO NOT sign them until you are in front of an Acceptance Agent at an Acceptance Facility.

(2) Proof of U.S. Citizenship. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. BE AWARE it has to be certified not a photocopy. DO NOT assume that because you have a birth certificate on hand that it meets the requirements. There are restrictions. If you can not get a birth certificate, check the other options listed. BE AWARE that if you need to order a certified copy of your birth certificate allow more time and cost before going through the passport application process. That is a separate process in another location. The government does return your documents with the new passport.

(3) Proof of identity. BE AWARE you need to take a valid picture ID such as a driver's license or other ID that is listed.

(4) Two passport photos. BE AWARE they have to be two official identical photos that meet certain requirements for clarity and size to fit specific spaces on your passport and application. It may speed up the process if you arrive with your two official identical photos rather than having them taken on-site. There are other locations that can take these official photos, such as FedEx, Kinko's, Walgreens and Sears. If you plan to have them taken on-site, be sure and confirm the photo service is available at the Acceptance Facility you will go to. Check the U.S. Department of State's website for photo specifications and what not to wear.


Get your photos made by a professional. With an overwhelmingly large number of applicants, you don't want to wait in a long line, and then find out your pictures do not meet the strict guidelines. Try these links under Guides for Professional Photographers for information on the strict guidelines.

FYI...there is a new passport look with a high tech chip embedded in the back cover to store vital details. The ePassport will have anti fraud and security features as well as store a digital photo to aid in biometric comparison using facial recognition technology. BE AWARE you should not smile, and be sure to have your mouth closed for the photos. The facial recognition technology can get thrown off with a smiling mouth full of teeth.

(5) How much will a US passport cost? BE AWARE before you go that the passport fee payment methods vary at the two different types of official locations (over 9,000 Acceptance Facilities and the 14 Passport Agencies). Read the complex fee descriptions very carefully on the government fee link, then read it 2-3 more times to fully catch the differences. Personal checks or debit cards may not be accepted under all circumstances and at all locations. In some locations the fees will be divided, and you may need two methods of payment.

U.S. Government Costs as of 2008 price increase:

REGULAR PROCESS:

A. Passport book ( 16 & up ) = $75 application fee + $25 to process = $100
B. Passport book (16, under ) = $60 application fee + $25 to process = $ 85

C. Passport card ( 16 & up ) = $20 application fee + $25 to process = $45
D. Passport card (16, under) = $10 application fee + $25 to process = $35

E. Passport book renew by mail, Form DS-82 (if applies) = $7575
F. Passport card renew by mail, Form DS-82 ( if applies ) = $20

(6) Social Security Number. BE AWARE that the government website states that you have to provide a social security number or you could be fined $500. Go to the last item on the FAQ:Passports & Citizenship Documents page (http://travel.state.gov/passport/fri/faq/faq_1741.html#ssn).

If you've been through this process and have some feedback, Email Us

Wait, there is more. Now, you have to decide how fast you want to get that passport.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A PASSPORT?
PANIC! HOW TO EXPEDITE A PASSPORT.
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Get Passport from U. S. Department of State: When you go to an Acceptance Facility (see Locator) with your documents, the 2008 processing time for a regular passport has gotten back to 4 weeks for a first time regular application (see updated processing times). It is now about 3 weeks for an expedited passport.

BE AWARE: Originally, when we anticipated the system bogging down as it did, we asked you to consider applying more than 6 weeks to 3 months ahead which was greater than the government's recommendation. With the new laws, who knows whether that will happen again so, if you have the time, don't wait until the last minute. The best months to apply used to be August through December because January through July is the busiest time of the year. However, this may no longer apply.

Get Expedited passport from U.S. Department of State:
There are 13-14 Acceptance Agencies (not same as Acceptance Facility) that may be able to help you if you are travelling, or need your passport in order to get a visa, within about 3 weeks. Check government schedule, and for appointment information contact the National Passport Information Center.

If you are not planning to travel within 3 weeks, consider the regular application process. If you are not applying for the first time, there are different procedures, so please check the U.S. Government website.

Get Expedited passport from Non-Government Passport Services:
A faster option may be a non-goverment passport expedite service like RushMyPassport.com.

Prior to the system getting bogged down, you might have been able to get your new passport in 1-5 days and in some cases maybe as little as 24 hrs depending on circumstances. However, now you should contact them to see how their processes have been affected. BE AWARE if you are getting a first time passport, you still have to take your documents to a U.S. government Acceptance Facility. Tell the Acceptance Agent that you are going to use a non-government passport expedite service (that you are already working with in advance). The Agent will witness you signing your application and seal your packet so you can take it with you to submit to the non-government expedite service you are working with.

BE AWARE, notice that we said "that you are already working with in advance". You should have already:

BE AWARE when comparing these expedite services, check each for their requirements, prices, locations, turn around time...and most importantly the support they offer. Good support should provide step-by-step instructions that can help clear up confusion. Confusion causes delay in the process, and the reason you are requiring an expedite service is that you are in a panic mode and cannot afford a delay.

BE AWARE if your departure is within a few days, you need to contact an expedite service immediately so they can reserve an appointment with the proper government agency pronto. There are only so many appointments in a day that the expedite services can get.

Thanks for coming and have a wonderful trip!

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Disclaimer:
We, Just2Imagine LLC, are giving our experience, opinion and insight. We are not a government agency or an authority. We will try to keep our information current, but ultimately it is your responsibility to check with the U.S. Department of State or any official authority. You should also check with the passport expedite services for their rules and requirements. By using this website you agree to accept all terms and statements. Use of any of our web site or any linked sites is strictly at your own risk, and we are removed from any liability from their use. Just2Imagine LLC has no control over the content of, and accepts no liability for, any linked sites which are provided for your convenience. The government is working hard to update their website, and so are we.

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