Need Advice Getting passports-need any and all advice!

I need to get my children passports and have read that both parents are required to attend and you must actually bring the children when you apply. Is my understanding correct?

Where is the best place to get this done? Are there options besides the post office?

Also... while I'm here... my passport is under my maiden name and expired 10 years ago. Will mine be a new application, like my kids, or will it be a renewal?

Thank you for any info or tips you can provide. I've been trying to read everything I can, but I'm quite sure a bunch of you have been through this and could coach me. Thanks!

 

All the information you need should be found here:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Also, some of the rules have changed so verify the answers provided/given with the website listed above.

Enjoy your trip!

 

ok... read through the State Department's web site. These questions are answered there for sure but let me help. I have been through this for kids and done renewals too.

Both parents are required to physically be present at the submission of the child's passport application. However, there are exceptions to this but require legal documents... a notarized consent form. Maybe that can work for you if needed. It is just easier for both of you to be there to give consent.

Post Office is your only choice for submission... except DC. Two main differences with the Post Office is that in Ashburn, you need to arrange for an appointment. In Sterling, you can just show up during Passport hours, but take the chance that several people could be ahead of you in line. Each application could take 20-30 minutes to review, complete and accept. And yes, when I was there, the family in front of me showed up with nothing complete.

And with your renewal as long as it not 15 years old you can renew. And maiden name is ok as long as you can legally document the name change with a marriage license.

If you go in person for the children, you can submit your renewal at the same time and ask any last minute questions before the envelop is sealed (you actually still have to mail it). You will have to pay to mail your renewal and get it registered mail.

Bring your checkbook... and be prepared to write 2 checks for each child. You will need originals for all documents. And any originals will be sent back to you when you get your passport in the mail.

I went to Sterling to the Post Office, around 2:00 on a Friday afternoon and it was busy but not bad. But you might want to just schedule a time and go to Ashburn.

Good luck.

 

we recently did this via the Sterling post office and it could not have been easier. They process all paperwork and take the pictures there. Yes both parents need to be present and bring checks like Zeratul said (they do not take credit cards but may take debit IIRC). I suggest you go mid morning after the AM rush and before the end of business rush -- don't won't to wait and then have the office close.

 

Thanks all. You have pretty much verified what I read and wanted to be sure. I appreciate it!

 

sharse - the Merrifield post office is MUCH faster than the Loudoun County Post Offices. Last year they turned around my passport in 1 week, while my hubby used the Ashburn PO and it took 5+ weeks.

The only "exceptions" for both parents that I am aware of are; 1) if your spouse is on TDY 2) Extended International Travel.

Depending on where/how you are going, such as a cruise (open or closed loop) you and your kids may not need a passport. That's what we did when our little guy was waiting on his USCIS paperwork.

 

Turks & Caicos for a week, so we will need one. The hubby is local, not traveling, and will probably be happy for the excuse not to have to go into the Pentagon for a while so he can get this done!

 

Just one thing to keep in mind regarding your maiden name...all airline tickets must match the name exactly on the passport and the airline ticket must match your photo ID for TSA. I'm sure you could still get processed, but the delay might be a pain. If you have to renew anyway, might as well ahve everything match up. Safe Travels!

 

Thanks... we've been married 10 years so everything else is correct. Just never updated the passport because last time I travelled to the Caribbean I didn't need one!

 

The post office is not in control of time frames. Those times vary greatly based on when during the year you apply. Once you apply at the P.O. and it is sent to the processing center (Charleston, SC). The work load in that center determines processing times. The weeks approaching summer are the busiest so you should plan ahead, or be willing to pay extra to expedite. We have applied at Ashburn twice - once we got it in 10 days, the other time it took 4 weeks.

If you do call Ashburn, make sure you get an appointment. Once we were told that we could walk up - and when we did show up, we were asked to first call and make an appointment!!

 

we had to renew my and get my son his first passport, made an appt in the Ashburn post office, were in and out in less than 15 minutes, and had our passports in around 2 weeks. we were amazed that they came in so fast!

we were seen right away for our appt- it was no hassle whatsoever.

 

The AAA office in Lansdowne can take the photos for you if you are a member.

 

I think Costco also does the pics.

 

Fedex Kinkos too.

 

The mailbox place next to Safeway does too.

 

I had my children's passport photos taken at the Walgreens here in Broadlands. One things to keep in mind for the Sterling Post Office, is that we showed up during their open hours, but because there were already several families in line (that each take approx. 30 mins) they weren't taking any more applicants (so a little misleading - just because you show up during their hours doesn't mean you'll still be seen

 

if you have time during day, then get an appointment at Ashburn post office. Then things will move pretty quickly. Whereas Sterling post office, we need to stand in a big line, that could take an hour or more depending on the line.

If possible, get the passport application form online (PDF) and fill it up online, take print outs. Recently this form was modified by Dept of State, so make sure you go to the Dept of State's website and fill up online, take print outs.

Both parents need to be there. If you need it right away, you may try in Passport application center in DC, take an appointment and you may get the passport same day or next day. This applies only when you have an emergency and have your tickets booked. I haven't tried this option, so not sure how this works.

 

one more thing is, CVS passport photo deal is better than Walgreens. In case if you want additional copies, CVS charges only 25 cents or so per copy. I think you get 2 copies for $9.99 (walgreens & CVS). Walgreens charges another $9.99 for 2 extra copies. But CVS charges only 25 cents per copy.

Not many people would need extra copies.

 

We got my daughters passport done in Feb. Photos at CVS then had an appt at Ashburn post office and it took no more than 10 minutes. Make sure you have the completed forms with you and both parents there to make life easier. You can ask for an expedited service (at a cost of course) but if its within 2 weeks you can just put the date down of travel and they "try" and get it back to you within that time. You also get a reference number that you can use to check up on the progress aswell.

 

I second this.