Don't Leave Home Without It - Did You Get Your Passport Yet?

With less than six months to go, it's absolutely time to get that passport application done.

According to a new regulation, all Americans must carry a passport when traveling by air to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean regions. By Summer 2008, travel by land or sea to the above areas, will require a passport.

So, how do you get a passport. First, go to the official web site of the U.S. State Department located at
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, including a birth or naturalization certificate; a valid photo-id, such as a driver's license and two 2-by-2-inch passport photos. Don't freak about the picture -- nobody has a good passport photo! Current passport costs are $100 (16 and older) or $85 (younger than 16). Finally, you'll need to complete the application form DS-11, which is available on-line.

If you are a first-time applicant, you'll need to apply in person at places like a court house, post office, library, etc. This website will help you find a location close to your neighborhood. iafdb.travel.state.gov

If you apply today, and choose routine delivery, you'll have your passport in 4-6 weeks. If you choose expedited delivery, you'll have your passport in 3 weeks.

Ok, what if you did wait to long -- now what?!? If it is a simple passport renewal, you can apply by mail by sending in the required materials plus an additional $60 and overnight delivery costs. Write "Expedited" on the envelope. This will still take three weeks door-to-door.

If you need a passport in two weeks or less, you must make an appointment with the Passport Agency. Locations are listed at
http://travel.state.gov/passport/about/agencies/agencies_913.html
Bring with you all of the necessary documents and the extra $60.

And, let's say you need a passport even faster, let's say you just got invited to lunch in Paris on Friday, well, employ a private company that can deliver your passport in about 24 hours. American Passport Express ( http://www.americanpassport.com), lists turnaround times in as short as one to two days -- the price, of course is costly, and can run from $376 (new applicant, one to two days) to $206 (renewal, a week to 12 days). Other companies include Rushmypassport.com, PassportsVisaExpress.com and All American Passports

Remember, passport demand is seasonal with the highest demand period between January and June. So, don't wait.