Getting a Passport is Easy

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Getting a passport can be one of the most intimidating aspects of leaving the country. And if you research this subject online, the services that offer to assist you in obtaining a passport will encourage that fear. I am here to tell you right now, as long as you are not behind on child support payments and you aren't a terrorist threat, it is extremely easy. By the end of this page you will know exactly what you need to do to get a passport.

Using a Service | Using a Government Agency | Applying in Person 
Getting a Passport Quickly | How Long does it Take



Who Needs a Passport? Whenever you leave the country, you will need a passport to enter the other country and more importantly, to return to the US. This includes Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, which were not required prior to 9/11. If you are leaving the country, in any manner, (yes, that includes cruises), then you will need a passport to return to the US.  

Because you will hear different versions of this law, I want to let you know the specific rule for cruises.  If you are departing on a cruise and returning on that cruise to the same US port, you can use your driver's license and birth certificate.  Here is the catch though, if you have to return to the US in any other way, for any other reason, you can not get back into the US until you obtain a new passport which could take weeks.  If you have a medical emergency or get drunk in a bar in Cabo and miss the ship and don't have a passport, make yourself at home because you could be there for a while.  Also, even though you may not need it to get back in, you may need it to get into a country at one of your stops. Although at most ports in the Caribbean and Mexico only require your onboard card to leave the ship, some places such as Canada require you to have your passport. Bottom line, even though technically you can go on some cruises without a passport, it's a big risk.  Just get one.  

How do I get one? There are a few ways to get a passport depending on how much time you have, how much you are willing to spend, and how much leg work you want to do. We are going to discuss the three most common methods and one of them should work for you.

Regardless of how you obtain a passport, you will need an original, notarized copy of your birth certificate. If you don't have one, click here for links and information on getting a new one.

Using a Service: There are quite a few of these services, many of which are on the internet, that you can hire to obtain a passport for you. Cruise Planners works with CIBTVisas that will do some of the legwork for you, but I will tell you, don't hire one of these services because you think it's complicated or will take too long. 

Using a Government Agency: Places such as the US Post Office, as well as some police departments, courts and libraries offer the one-stop service. A complete list of locations near you can be found on the US State Department Website. These places charge minimal fees and often have the ability to do it all in one spot, including the pictures. This is a good option if going to the State Department office for your area is not convenient, or if you want to have the pictures taken at the same time, or if you just want someone to review all of your documents before you send them off. Most post offices provide a passport service during certain hours or with an appointment. They also make it extremely easy. You simply download the application, fill it out on your computer and print it out, or complete the on line form, and print it out. Go to the post office with the application, an original, certified copy of your birth certificate, one other form of ID, such as a drivers license, and two checks. They will take the needed pictures, review the forms to ensure they are completed correctly, and submit them for you. It's pretty easy and only took approximately 20 minutes. To find out if your post office has this service, if they require an appointment, and if they take the pictures at your location, click here.

Do it Yourself: The other option is to go straight to the State Department if you live in a city that has a passport office. All of them require you to make an appointment. All you have to do is fill out this on line form. It will then generate a form for you to print out and take with you. Or you can print out the form and fill it out manually. If one is near your house, you could take this option and save the fees the Post Office or other agency charges for this service. You can follow the same procedures as above by downloading the application, filling it out on your computer and printing it. You will then take it and two passport pictures, (you can get them instantly at Walgreens or CVS) along with a certified copy of your birth certificate, another form of identification, such as a driver's license, and one check.  This is the best option if you need a passport very quick.  They can usually get it to you within a week.  

Although you can do it by mail, it is best to use a government agency if you can't physically go to the State Department. If anything is wrong with the application, pictures, or proof of citizenship, they will send it back to you, delaying the process. If you do decide to do it this way, read the State Departments site on Obtaining a Passport carefully to ensure that everything is perfect before you send it in.

Getting a Passport Quickly: To expedite your application, it's all about the money. Just pay the extra fee, (including the overnight postage charge), and you will have it in less than two weeks.

How Long Does it Take? For general submissions, it will typically take 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited service will typically be within two weeks from the time you mail it till the time you receive it back. If you need it sooner than that you will need to apply in person at one of the regional offices or use one of the available services.