How in the heck do you get a Passport??

[Graybeard]

Eminent brothers,
You know what they say about paybacks.....well the payback for my insolence has been quantified. It seems I have to take Bludworm & SWMBO on a cruise this summer. We will visit my folks in Daytone Beach and then drive to Port Canavaral for a 7 day cruise. I made the downpayment and then I was told we need passports. Anyone got any advise they can spare on getting a passoprt. The cruise starts July 25, 2009 and from the sounds of it, I need to act fast.

[27 sailfish]

Go to your local post office - they will handle it for you. Takes about 1/2 hour.

You might have to pay extra to get it expedited.

Since 9/11 - it has taken longer to get them.

[AquaholicFishing]

Just go to a Post Office, here is a link to the Passport page: USPS - Passport Application Information

Might want to get there ASAP as they usually take some time to get processed.

[webnstuff]

yup,
we did this 2 years ago. Went to the local wallyworld and got our mugshots, took that with birth cert /old passport to the post office. We completed all the paperwork right there, and it took almost 6 weeks for them to show up.
Hope that helps.

[Shortylong01]

GB...Good advice on paying the expedite fee. Things have really picked up since the US has required citizens to have Passports for Mexico and Canada... The process has been slowed too because of the Passport processors having to process applications for the Passport Card, sort of a Speed Pass Passport that will be used by people who go back and forth over the borders frequently...(Truckers etc.)

Good Luck... You will have the Passports back in time for the trip if you apply now.

[27 sailfish]

Greybeard - we had to go to DC to get them. Luckily we had an appointment or the wait would have been hours.

Be sure to ask how long the back up is and explain you need them by a certain date.

You should be OK with 90 days.

[Shortylong01]

Skip is right... no reason for the DC trip yet... But I'd apply soon so you will have em in plenty of time... OH And make a couple of copies of the Passports, give one copy to someone you trust. MUCH easier to replace if they are lost or stolen while you are on the trip. There is a market for stolen Passports...

[27 sailfish]

Man , I was asleep at the wheel. You are going on a 7 day boatride and not catching any fish ...... nothing new , huh .


Serious advice about the passport copies. Keep your's locked in the cabin safe. Ask a crew member if you'll need it ashore - 90% of the time - you will not. A copy is fine most times or your photo ID.

No fun losing a passport in a foreign country.

[Capt Mike]

Get the forms from State Dept web site, fill them out and print them, went to Waldorf Post Office took less than 15 minutes to do photos and pay the bill, check 75.00 to Dept of State for passport - $15 for photos and $20 for process to PO. It has been five wks and I still do not have the actual passport - they say six wks it the normal time. Go Luck.

[Capt. Jim Brincefield]

Will you be taking Chumbucket along with you?