Getting Your Passport

Hey!

I finally got my passport ya’ll! I know...who has a travel blog and doesn’t have their passport?! Better late than never right? I just wanted to share my experience with you all because it was much easier and way quicker than I anticipated. It seems that many of us have put it off so long because it seems like a hassle.

Here’s what you need to know:

What you’ll need:

• Birth certificate

• You have to submit the original copy of your birth certificate with your application. It will be mailed back to you a few days after you receive your passport.

• Passport photo

• Make sure to get 2 copies

• Government issued ID

Next steps:

1. Get a passport photo taken. Some Walgreens and CVS locations do it for 10 bucks. *Don’t smile!* Many people suggest taking the photo after applying but I like checklists and believe in taking baby steps, having the photo serves as motivation.

1. Complete the application online here and print it.

2. Find an acceptance facility online. Check to see if you have to make an appointment or not.

3. Make time to drop off your application. Whether it be scheduling an appointment or just walking in during your free time. Luckily for me, an office in the same building where I work processes applications and they do not require appointments. I was in and out of there. If an appointment is required, allot 2 hours for cushion. Some places (especially the post office) are really slow and do not see you during your appointment time. Partially due to them having to stop and take passport pictures or the same people at the mail counter at the post office have to provide services to postal patrons first before processing passports regardless of appointments.

4. Wait & shop for a super cute passport cover.

Sign up for application status updates via email. Getting an email telling you your passport is on its way is so effin exciting!

*You’ll need 2 separate money orders. One in the amount of $110.00 is for the “U.S Department of State” and $25.00 goes directly to the acceptance facility for doing the leg work (you know, stamping it and putting in the mail) to get your application processed.

DO NOT pay to have your application expedited unless you have a trip in the IMMEDIATE (like next week) future. I received my passport in 2 weeks after applying. Do you know how mad I would have been had I paid an extra $60?! Granted, I probably wouldn’t have known the difference but knowing what I know now I don’t want you guys to spend money you don’t have to.

Also, don’t pay for a passport card. You only need the book. The book is all of the identification you need. Whereas, if you have the passport card, many countries require that you have another form of ID to accompany it anyway.

So for $135 you have an all-access pass to see the world. Set aside $33 a week, or skip out on buying that handbag you’ve been eyeballing. You can do this! No more excuses.

How was your experience getting your passport? What’s holding you back from getting one if you don’t have one? Let’s talk about it.

Until next time,

Demetria

#passport #travelblog #2gatw #howto #blog #2girlsandtheworld