Getting Your Passport In Person

Traveling outside the country is a dream of many people. Planning for your trip is a great process too - deciding on where you're going to fly or sail to, and how long you're going to be away for. One part of the process some people forget about is their passport - an important part of overseas travel.

Travel outside of the United States requires a passport. For most people this is common knowledge, but other people may forget just how important it is to have a passport if you're going outside of the US. There are just a couple of countries that do not require seeing your passport upon arrival in their land.

The two big exceptions to the passport rule are Canada and Mexico. Even these two have made a couple of changes to their rules - you must have a passport if entering Mexico or Canada by air, but not by land or sea. You will still need copies of your driver's license and your birth certificate.

When applying for a passport for overseas travel for the first time, you must do so in person. You can usually apply for your passport at one of the many United States Post Office locations that handle passport applications. These offices are indicated on the USPS website, or you can ask in person.

You don't have to stick with the post office for your application spot, however. There are, in all, 9,000 spots to apply for a passport. These include places like court clerk offices, county and state offices, town offices and even public libraries. The US travel.gov website can help you find a spot.

You will need to bring your completed application for a US passport with you to the location, as well as two identical passport photos, that are 2"x2" in size (can be taken at most photo stores). You will also need proof of citizenship, usually in the form of a birth certificate.

Bring along your driver's license, non-driver id card or other state issued identification card as well. You will need this card in order to prove your identity. It you are applying for minor children, you will need to bring them with you so you can vouch for their identity in person, as they lack this id.

Get ready to pony up some moolah, as your final step is paying for the passport fees. About $100 will get you a standard passport processing time, additional money will get you a more expedited time. Minors' passports cost less. Processing time can take up to eight weeks depending on many variables.

If you apply for your passport in advance (well in advance) of the time that you will need it to travel - three months is a good guideline - you can make sure that you will receive your passport in plenty of time for your trip, without having to worry about not making it in time for the big day!

About The Author:

Aazdak Alisimo writes about travel subjects for NomadJournals.com - makers of travel journals that make great promotional gifts.

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