Apply Early. Processing can take as long as five months. If you are considering travel to Europe, start the process now.
Obtain a Passport Application.Forms are available at your local post office or may be printed from the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov. You can also call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (toll free), or contact them by e-mail at npic@state.gov.
Complete the Passport Application. Information must be typed or written in BLACK ink. IMPORTANT: Do NOT sign form until you return to the post office and are instructed to sign at your passport acceptance facility.
Obtain Proof of Citizenship. Valid proof includes a previous passport, naturalization papers, or certified copy of birth certificate available from the registrar's office of the county in which you were born. If no birth certificate is on file, check with the sources in #2 above as to what other proof will be required.
Obtain Photographs. You must have two IDENTICAL 2" x 2" photos of yourself, taken within the last 6 months and showing current appearance. The photos must be in color, showing a front view of your face and with a white or off-white background. You can check passport listings in the Yellow Pages for passport photo providers.
Obtain Personal Identification. Valid ID includes a previous U.S. passport, a CURRENT (not expired) driver's license, naturalization certificate, state ID card, military ID, or FAA pilot's license. Your ID must have an expiration date and photograph. Name changes must be reflected on your picture ID. A parent must accompany a child who does not have a picture ID and submit documentation of parental relationship and consent.
Bring Application Form in Person. Do NOT sign the form. Bring the form, proof of citizenship, photographs, and identification IN PERSON to your passport acceptance facility. Consult sources in #2 for a list of locations.
Pay Fee. Fee is $100 for those 16 years of age and over (valid for 10 years) and $85 for those under 16 (valid for 5 years). Applications can be expedited for an additional fee of $60 (recommended within 4 months of departure). Before going to the passport acceptance facility, verify what forms of payment you may use, as this varies for each location.
How to Renew a Passport
At this writing, your passport must be valid for more than 6 months after your scheduled return date. If your expiration date falls within 3 to 6 months of your return date, call the airlines to verify the current regulations.
Renewing a passport costs $75. You will need to have two new passport photos taken. Send those along with your check, the old passport (undamaged), and a completed renewal form. You can obtain a Passport Renewal Form through the sources noted in #2 above.
Other Information Regarding Passports
For air travel, you must carry a Passport BOOK (Passport Cards are not valid for air travel).
If you are traveling within 10 days and have not yet received your passport, contact both the National Passport Information Center and your congressperson.
Minors under 18 years of age who apply must submit written parental consent to leave the country.
All applicants must know their social security number. If you do not provide a social security number, the IRS may impose a $500 penalty.
Information about visa requirements is available from the consulate of the countries to which you are traveling, and usually can be found on their website.
When you receive your passport, sign it, fill out the emergency information page, and carry it with you at all times while traveling abroad.
This information is only a condensed guidline and is subject to change. Image Tours accepts no responsibility or liability for any incomplete or incorrect information. For verification of the most current and complete information, consult one of the following sources:
