Tuesdays are "I Tried It Tuesdays" where I'll tell you about something I recently tried -- an item, a movie, an activity, etc.
Today's topic: A U.S. Passport
What it is: A necessary travel document if you are traveling to another country and wish to return to the United States. Historically, travelers were allowed to move between countries with a birth certificate embossed with a state seal and a government-issued photo I.D. 9/11 changed all that and passports are now required for U.S. Citizens wishing to travel internationally (the current exception being Canada).
What it is II: A little blue booklet with your name, photo, signature, passport number and pages and pages of space for visas (ohhh..a world of travel awaits).
Why I got it: I'm planning to travel to Mexico...or the Caribbean...or whatever tropical locale my friends want to go to in January. A giant group of my running friends (couples) get together and go on some exotic vacation every year. This year, the Cass' are joining them...or, at least, I am. I'm not sure about the husband who STILL has not even made the appointment to get his passport. And...well...no passport, no travel to sunny shores. And, don't think for one minute I won't leave home without him.
What you need:
1. Your birth certificate with the embossed seal (a copy is not acceptable...has to be the real deal...if yours is MIA...go here)
2. A driver's license (or other government-issued photo ID).
3. Your filled-out passport papers (get them online here)
4. A few checks -- if you're going to have your photo taken at the post office (which I highly recommend) -- you need a check for the passport fee that goes with the application and one check for the post office for the photo ($40). If you and your spouse are getting passports at the same time, be aware that you need a separate check for each application fee (you can, however, pay for the photo fees together).
How much does it cost? Passport books are $100 for adults ($85 for kids) and it's $40 per photo if you have them taken right at the post office (we figured it was worth the hassle).
Where to get one: The U.S. Post office -- note that not all branches do passports and ALL require you to have an appointment.
Where I got mine: Griswold Plaza U.S. Post Office which was, frankly, my last choice since the workers there always seem so mean, but...it's also a block from my office, so I made a mid-afternoon appointment. The lobby was dead which was good because...despite having to have an "appointment" you are waited on by the counter staff (which means the people behind you usually sigh loudly and try to bore holes into your head for taking so damn long).
What they did: Carefully read over my application, witnessed as I signed it, took me in a side room to shoot my photo, stuck it on the application and collected my checks.
How long the application process took: Less than a 1/2 hour since I had my forms already filled out (but unsigned..you must sign in their presence).
How long it takes to get the passport: They say 4 to 6 weeks. Mine took less than 2.
What you need to know: Your birth certificate must be mailed with your passport application, so...you may want to make a copy before you go to the post office. They'll return it to you (in a separate mailing from the one containing your passport).
Need more info? Everything you need to know about the U.S. Passport process can be found here.