how to get a passport?
 

Well at the ripe young age of 50 I have decided to get a passport. I have to go to Mexico 2-3 times a year for work and useing a birth certificate to cross the border is coming to an end. Plus I'm planning a trip to Germany in the future. Anyway doing a limited internet search it appears all the processing can be done at the post office? Looks like there is a form/forms to fill out, present a few pieces of I.D.,get a picture and give them some cash:D Then 4-8 weeks later you get the passport? Is that about it? Or a better place to go to get one? No hidden skeletons in my closet so I assume there will be no problems:p

That's about it, you can usually get it in 4 weeks.

There is an option to pay a higher fee for expediting the processing but if you don't need that it will most likely be back to you in 4 - 6 weeks at the most, at least that's the way it was before the new requirements.

Expect a longer wait. I follow a travel forum & some people had to cancel trips or involve a Congressman etc to expedite since a lot of people are applying.

I never understood the driver's license being acceptable. The rest of the world wants to see a passport.

Ian

I think you can to to the embassy and get it done that day, the Post Office usually takes a few weeks. I would send it in with a return FedEx paid envelope back to you. I went to the embassy in Los Angeles and got it done that day but that was a few years ago. OK, a long time ago. Call and ask.

I went to the post office, did the application on a Thursday, had it back the following Friday. no extra charges, no nothing, just standard filing.

Have you seen the new wallet size passports? Pretty cool for people who travel to Canada, Mexico or take alot of cruises.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

The passport card facilitates entry and expedites document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and is adjudicated to the exact same standards.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1217475976.jpg

If you are going to the trouble, why not get the real one?

Because it fits in your wallet like a DL - carrying a big ol passport sucks!

so it is only good if you drive into Canada, Mexico, or take a cruise into the Carabien, you can't really go someplace.

Dude that’s what it says, I'm just showing the guy his options. It would be perfect for someone who travels to those places frequently. I know people who cruise 3-4 times a year. When you get off a ship, typically your going to a beach or an excursion and its not fun having to keep up with the big passport. It s what it is.

Ok

That's a really good idea. I like it.

Why'd they put a picture of a mexican on it?

the dude's name is Mr. Happy Traveler...that doesnt sound mexican.

besides they used up all the white dude = american photos at the last klan rally. hahaha. :D

just messing with you...i am ornery from work.

I agree. I assume you can get that as well as a passport? It's not clear if you can have both at once or not.
I knew people in AZ that would cross the border everyday sometimes, having that these days would be really nice.

:D
SmileWavy