Passport Prodigy

Many moons ago I traveled internationally with high school students.  I loved it.  I loved the kids.  The locations.  The activities.  The food.  But....I was also responsible for making sure 40+ teenagers had passports, and got them in enough time to travel.  I also married a man who had a very expired passport and I think EVERY person should have a valid passport.  You never know when Gate1(I've got to tell you more about them in another post) is going to offer an amazing deal to South America that you just can't pass up!!!  So, now it's my duty to share insight into getting and traveling safely with your passport.

Get it!  Start by visiting the official government website.  Fill out the correct form.  You can either print the pdf or do the form filler.  Either way you'll have to print it out.  I'm just a little OCD so I use the form filler to make it more neat.  Then.....get your birth certificate.  This MUST be the original or a state issued copy.  It must be official or it won't be accepted.  My husbands was a state issued copy but didn't have the seal or signature of the registrar.  He got denied, and we had to resubmit(such a pain!).  In addition you'll need a copy of your birth certificate(black & white).  They use it for something.  Who knows what, though.  You'll also need a photo ID, and a copy of the photo id.  The final thing you'll need is one stunningly awkward photo of yourself.  I've seen a lot of passport photos.  I have yet to see a "good one".  There are always so many requirements that I just take myself down to Costco(of course) and they make sure I'm all good.  I've also found that their prices just can't be beat(and I've done my research).  After you have all of your documents you're going to need to get yourself to a passport office (if this is your first passport, or are under the age of 16).  I love that we have one in our own town.  Most "big" towns/cities do.  The kind people at the passport office will take all of your documents, and some of your greenbacks to cover fees.  They will then let you know that you'll receive your passport.....eventually. Anywhere from 4-10 weeks.  It always varies on when you'll get it back.  Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving are when you can expect a 10 week wait.  Otherwise it's pretty standard.  They offer expedited services, but that will of course cost you more. Just go out and get it now.  It will save you such a headache.

Once you have it!!!  These are the best tips I can give you.  Once you have your passport do 2 things.  #1....scan the info page(not the whole book) and email it to yourself.  Create a folder in your email where you keep this.  #2.....make copies of the info page to place in other passports.  Why.....#1.  You have a copy of your passport should anything happen to your passport while you are abroad.  Your consulate or embassy can assist you in getting another without too much trouble.  #2.  Your family has copies of your passport with their passport should anything happen AND you don't have internet access.  I know!!!! Genius move right there.  You're welcome.  Easy right?  Now Make your next Adventure.