Your Passport to the World

Before we get you all excited about traveling, you need one key document: a passport! It can take a few weeks to get one, so keep that in mind when planning a trip. If you're under age 18, there are a few extras step you need to take.

FIRST TIME APPLICANTS:If you will be getting a passport for the first time, you will need to visit one of over 9,000 Passport Acceptance Facilities. When you have your appointment, you will need to bring:

• Application for Passport, Form DS-11
• Proof of US Citizenship (original birth certificate works great)
• Proof of Identity (ex. driver's license)
• Application fees (note what type of payment the office you are going to accepts beforehand--some only take check or money order, some take credit card too)
• Two 2" x 2" photos (get this done at a place that specializes in passport photos)
• You will also need to have your social security number handy for the application.

Please reference the US Department of State website for detailed information and a further explanation of the items mentioned above. The website can also answer questions about current processing time.

Once you have your passport, it will be valid for ten years. And trust me, the renewal process is much easier!!

Worldly Wegscheider's Tip: If you're like me, you're going to run out of pages in just a few years. To get pages added (it's free except for postage each way), you need to complete the DS-4085 form.