The renewal of my passport took 10 weeks.

My brother and his wife got first time, expediated passports in two weeks for a trip to Aruba.

I'm finally getting my kids and myself passports for id purposes and incase of travel for a job. My question is do they have to be present for me to get them? I know my hubby has to be because he needs to sign the application too, but what about the kids?

We just got passports for our kids..yes, all first time applicants must apply in person, including children.

Here's the link to the US Dept of State Website where you can find all of the info:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html

It states:
For All Minors Under Age 14 :
Each minor child shall appear in person.
All applications for children under 14 require both parents' or legal guardians' consent.
( See Special Requirements for Children Under Age 14 )

Thanks Kipmil.

I went to the post office yesterday to pick up the applications...

Thanks guys!

Reminder bump. Also, check out the info on the new passport card for U.S. land and sea travel. http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

Thanks for posting. This is great information! And a great reminder, too, since I haven't gotten my daughter's Passport yet.

We were planning on taking a trip to Canada to see the Falls so we can use these cards in the meantime until I get our Passports.

Thanks, again!

quote:

Originally posted by stephon:
The renewal of my passport took 10 weeks.

My brother and his wife got first time, expediated passports in two weeks for a trip to Aruba.

My friends applied for passports (not "rush" or expedited) and they had theirs in less than 2 weeks. I found that to be interesting since they were first-time applicants and even more interesting since I've read it can take up to 4 months to get a passport.

We got ours in about 2 weeks also. It depends on the time of year. During the summer more people apply to go away so it takes longer.

I just filled out the application for the Passport Card --- you can fill it out online, print it, and bring it to a Passport Acceptance facility.

I'm soooo glad you posted about these cards, MIB, I had no idea they even existed! Thank you!

I have a question...on the passport application,
question #19 asks about travel plans, dates, length of trip and where I plan to travel.
Do you know if it is ok to leave this blank?
We are basically just wanting to have one on hand, incase we need it.
TIA,
Jo

We got ours with no travel plans, also. I believe we just left it blank, but you can ask when you apply in person.

Also, a reminder for everyone who has one, check your expiration date and be sure to renew your passport at least 6 months before it expires.

This is such an important thread. A couple of weeks ago my daughter had to pass up a TV audition b/c the shoot is in Canada. She did not need a passport if I had one and accompanied her, but I had let mine expire. We learned our lesson the hard way.

Another benefit of having a passport for your child is that a passport can be used as a single document that establishes both your identity and your employment eligibility for I-9 documenation (Employment Eligibility Verification) when your child works. Otherwise, you'll need two other documents. One that establishes your identity such as a school report card or doctor record and another that establishes your employment eligibility such as a Social Security Card or a birth certificate.

They are very relaxed about needing I-9 documentation in Chicago but in L.A. they are very strict.

Time for another reminder!

And thanks ShowbizkidParent, for bringing up the I-9 information. Actors who have their passport info do save some time and hassle when filling out their I-9s.

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