Time to Get Your Passport Ready!

You could travel to Europe without new clothes, guidebooks, or even a toothbrush, but there is no way you can even get on the plane without a passport! It is THE one essential that everyone must have.

If you already have a passport, then check the expiration date. It must be good for at least 6 months after our return. Some countries will not allow you to enter if you do not have six months left on your passport.

In other words, your expiration date must be AFTER December 2015.  If not you will need to renew before departure. Adult passports are good for 10 years.

If you do not have a passport at all, then you need to start the process now to obtain one. Whether you are getting a new one or renewing an old one…do not procrastinate, start now. Currently it takes at least 6 weeks to process a passport application.

NEW PASSPORT
Passports are obtained from the U.S. Department of State, but must be applied for locally in person at the district clerk’s office or post office. You will need a certified (stamped with a seal) copy of your birth certificate from the county where you were born. This can be obtained from the county clerk's office where you were born or the Vital Statistics Office in the state where you were born.

As of 1 April 2011, the U.S. Department of State requires the full names of the applicant’s parent(s)to be listed on all certified birth certificates to be considered as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship for all passport applicants, regardless of age. Certified birth certificates missing this information will not be acceptable as evidence of citizenship.

In addition to this requirement, certified copies of birth certificates must also include the following information to be considered acceptable primary evidence of U.S. citizenship:

·         Full name of the applicant

·         Date of birth

·         Place of birth

·         Raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal of issuing authority

·         Registrar’s signature

·         The date the certificate was filed with the registrar’s office (must be within one year)

If you cannot obtain a birth certificate that meets these requirements, please see Secondary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship.

You will need to do the following:

1.  Fill Out Form DS-11: Application For a U.S. Passport
2.  Submit Completed Form DS-11 In Person
3.  Submit Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
4.  Present Identification
5.  Submit a Photocopy of the Identification Document(s) Presented
6.  Pay the Applicable Fee
7.  Provide One Passport Photo

If you are a first time applicant then you must apply for your passport in person at the district clerk's office or post office. Go here to find the closest office. Check with your local offices for complete instructions. Here is a link to the district clerk’s office here in Ellis County, Texas to give you an idea.

Here we must provide a completed passport application which is available online, 2 passport quality photos (from CVS, Walgreens, etc.), certified copy of your birth certificate, your social security card or number, your driver's license or another state issued photo ID, and the fees ($110 cash or money order for the application and $25 cash for local processing fees). You can pay an extra fee to expedite the process, but save the money by starting early.

RENEW PASSPORT
If your passport is already out of date or if it will not be valid through December 2015 then you must renew your passport.  Passports may be renewed by mail by sending your old passport, application, and fees following the directions provided by the State Dept. 

You must complete Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail.  Send the completed and signed form, your most recent passport, one passport photo stapled in the space provided on the application, and current fees ($110 for adult passport book).  You will also need to send a marriage certificate or court order if your current name does not match your passport name.

Again, don’t procrastinate!  Make getting your passport in proper order your trip priority now.