The process of getting a U.S. Passport can be a lengthy one, from passport photos to applications it can all take time. But, getting a U.S. Passport is one of the best investments you can make because you get to travel the world. It’s a life-changing experience to visit countries like Italy or France and immerse yourself in their culture. You get the opportunity to try new foods from different cities and see famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
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The Benefits of a U.S. Passport
There are many benefits when it comes to getting a passport. First, the U.S. passport is one of the most powerful passports. You can travel to over 150 countries without a visa. Generally, getting a visa can be a long process and have several requirements. Secondly, collecting stamps in your passport is a great keepsake for your travel memories. Thirdly, if you ever want to live, work, or study abroad in a foreign country a passport is needed to apply for a visa. Lastly, it’s your golden ticket to seeing the world. Traveling internationally has changed my perspective on life and I know it will for you too!
Passport Photos
Passport photos will be the first thing you need before filling out your application. You can get your photos taken at Walgreens, FedEx, UPS, CVS, and The Post Office. First, go online and set up an appointment or call ahead. Next, when you arrive check in at the photocenter. An employee will help by having you stand against a plain white background and explain the next steps. It’s important to remember that glasses can not be worn unless for medical reasons. Also, uniforms aren’t allowed, and head coverings can be worn for religious purposes only.
You can come dressed in casual clothing and don’t forget to smile for the camera. Taking your pictures will take about 10 minutes. Once complete it will take another 10 minutes for the photos to develop and print. In total, it’ll cost you between $15 – $16 to receive two 2×2 inch travel compliant photos. This step of the process will be the fastest and easiest part of your application.
The United States Postal Office
The Post Office is the most economical way to get your passport. I obtained my passport through the postal service when I studied abroad in Italy for a semester. These steps will make it easy to fill out your application. First, select a time and date using the USPS Online Scheduler tool. If this is your first time applying for a passport then you must go in person for your appointment. You must also be in person if the first passport you had was as a minor and now you’re getting a new one as an adult.
Application Form and Fees
Secondly, you need to fill out the DS-11 Passport Application form and take it in unsigned. It’s important to leave this form unsigned because a Postal employee must witness you sign this application. This form is very thorough and lists out all the documents you need like a driver’s license, birth certificate, and photos. Also, on page 4 of the application, you will see a section for passport photos, staple all 4 corners of your photo to the form.
Finally, let’s talk about fees. The United States Postal Service will charge you a $35 acceptance fee for sending off your application. Then the Department of State will charge you $130 for a passport book (valid for international travel via land, air, and sea). You can also purchase a passport card for $30 (valid for travel by land or sea to Mexico, Bermuda, Canada, and the Caribbean). In total, you will pay $165 for the passport book and acceptance fee. These fees can be paid via money order, cashier’s check, traveler’s check, or personal check. All these fees are sent directly to the Post Office and Department of State when you turn in the application.
It will take about 4 to 10 weeks to process your forms. You can track the status of this by using USPS Tracking and by checking The Department of State. After your forms are processed and accepted the Post Office will send a new passport book to your mailing address.
FedEx
FedEx will be the most costly option but will get your passport to you in a hurry. They have partnered with RushMyPassport to help you with your application, and shipping needs. FedEx will also take and provide the photos needed for the passport application. It will cost you $14.95 to receive two passport photos. Next, fill out their forms online. You can get a new passport if you’re 16 years or older and never had one or have an expired passport of 5 years or more.
Shipping and Costs
A nice perk to using FedEx is that you can reach out to a passport advisor about any questions you have. There are two options to choose from when you start the application. For Expedited service with FedEx, it will cost you $189 and take up to 5 weeks to process and get your passport book. For Smart service, it will cost $109 and take up to 8 weeks to receive your book. Then create your GovWorks account and fill out all the required information. This will take about 20 minutes to complete. Then, go to FedEx to print out your forms and have them ship it off. The shipping will cost $19 each way and will be added to your total amount. The express services with shipping fees tacked on will cost you between $147- $230.
Once FedEx is paid you will have to send another money order or check to the Department of State in the amount of $208. The $208 fee covers the passport book ($130) and the expedited fee ($60) plus taxes. What you pay FedEx and the Department of State are two separate fees and in total can cost you between $360 – $435. This option is costlier because essentially you pay the same fees to two different entities. This method would be good for someone who already does business with FedEx and has an account with them. Otherwise, see about the Passport Agency and only pay the fees once.
Passport Agency
Traveling in the next two weeks? Then the Passport Agency is for you. The United States Passport Agency offers two types of appointments Life or Death Travel service and Urgent Travel service. There are 26 passport agencies located in several major U.S. cities. Over the last few years, some rules have been implemented. Pre-COVID-19 travelers were able to book appointments online for last-minute travel within 14 days. Now, you must call the agency to set up an appointment. This was implemented to help combat third-party bots taking appointments and selling them to travelers. When you call in, the agency representative will give you unique information over the phone that will be used to verify your appointment by the staff.
Getting Your Passport The Same Day
You will need to have the appointment confirmation number, one passport photo, the passport application with supporting documents, and proof of 14-day travel with a plane ticket or hotel reservation. It’s crucial to arrive early to your appointment as it takes 10-15 minutes to get you checked in. Lastly, be prepared to pay $190 ($130 for passport + $60 expedited fee) via debit, credit, money order, or exact cash. The agency is fairly quick and will have your passport ready that same day as the appointment. This method will be the quickest way to get your passport. This helps alleviate the stress of losing out on money for prepaid travel plans because a passport is needed to get to your destination.
Passport Tips & Renewals
These are some of the best ways you can obtain a passport if this is your first time or it’s been a while. If you’re looking to renew your passport next check out my guide on “The Best Ways To Renew Your U.S. Passport”.
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