Passport Tips

Follow These Steps

by Nancy Parode

The busy summer travel season is here, and the U.S. Department of State encourages travelers to apply for or renew their passports as soon as possible. Our tips will help you prepare for that process.

Do I Need a Passport?

In general, if you are planning to travel to another country, you will need a passport. Exceptions are rare, particularly for adults. You may renew your passport by mail if your previous, undamaged passport was a 10-year (full validity) passport issued within the last 15 years, was not reported lost or stolen, and you have it available to submit with your renewal application. Otherwise, you must apply for or renew your passport in person.

Passport Book or Passport Card?

Passport cards can't be used for international air travel. U.S. citizens may use passport cards for land or sea travel back to the U.S. from Caribbean nations, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda. For most international travelers, a passport book is the better choice.

Find a Passport Acceptance Facility

Travelers applying for a new passport or renewing a passport in person must go to a passport acceptance facility. The State Department offers a search tool to help you find acceptance facilities. Some acceptance facilities accept walk-in applicants, but most require appointments. If you need to have a passport photo taken, consider choosing an acceptance facility that offers photo services.

In Maryland, most passport acceptance facilities are located in post offices, but some are located in courthouses, public libraries, and city halls. You can select any acceptance facility that offers the hours and services you need.

How Much Will My Passport Cost?

There are two components to passport fees, the application fee and the execution fee (first-time applicants and minors only). Additional charges apply for expedited processing ($60) and Priority Mail Express Delivery ($19.53, U.S. addresses only).

The execution fee, currently $35, is paid to the acceptance facility. All other fees are paid to the State Department. Currently, a 10-year adult passport book costs $130 plus the execution fee and any additional charges, while a minor (child under 16) 5-year passport book is $100 plus the execution fee and additional charges. Passport cards are cheaper. The State Department's Passport Fees Chart shows the details. Passport Processing and Mailing Times

Current passport processing times are 10-13 weeks for regular processing and 7-9 weeks for expedited processing. Note that these times do not include mailing times to/from the State Department. Allow four weeks for mailing. Paying for Priority Mail Express Delivery (1-2 days) will reduce your passport mailing time by almost two weeks.

Can I Renew My Passport Online?

No. The State Department created a pilot program for online passport renewal, but that program is on hold.

Applying For Your Passport

Adult first-time applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, an approved identification document, photocopies of the ID and citizenship document, a completed, unsigned form DS-11, a passport photo, a check or money order for application and special services fees, and a check, money order, or facility-approved means of payment for the execution fee.

Adults renewing their passports by mail must provide their most recent, fully valid, undamaged passport (issued within the last 15 years), certified documentation of name change (if applicable), a passport photo, a completed, unsigned form DS-82, and a check or money order for application and special services fees.

A child aged 16 or 17 typically must apply in person. The applicant must provide all documents mentioned in "Adult first-time applicants," above. The applicant must also show that at least one legal parent or legal guardian knows about the passport application by bringing that parent to the application appointment or providing a signed note from a legal parent or legal guardian.

The applicant must also provide a photocopy of the parent or guardian's ID. In some cases, the letter from a parent or guardian must be notarized.

If a legal parent or legal guardian is paying the application fee by check or money order, that payment is proof of parental awareness.

A child under 16 must bring all documents outlined in "Adult first-time applicants," above. A document showing the child's parental relationship must be provided (original or certified copy of a birth certificate, adoption decree, or divorce/ custody decree). Both parents must consent to the child's passport application, typically by accompanying the child to the application appointment. If one parent cannot attend, the applicant must provide a notarized Form DS-3053 and a photocopy.

For special circumstances, such as a parent/guardian with sole legal authority or a parent who cannot be located, see "Children Under 16" for documentation information.

Passport Photos

You must submit one 2-by-2-inch color photograph. The photo must be less than six months old. Do not wear glasses, a uniform, or camouflage. Keep your facial expression neutral. Hat-wearers must provide a letter explaining that the hat is worn for religious or medical reasons.

Special Circumstances

If you need a passport for urgent or life-or-death emergency travel, call the State Department to see if you qualify for an appointment at a passport agency or center (most likely the Washington Passport Agency). For life-or-death emergency travel, you must obtain appropriate documentation before calling for an appointment.

Persons owing $2,500 or more in child support must pay support owed before applying for a passport.

Applicants who cannot provide primary evidence of U.S. citizenship must provide secondary evidence of citizenship. The requirements are specific and complex; contact the State Department's U.S. Passports contact center for assistance.

Important Tips and Reminders

• If you are renewing your passport by mail, send your application package by U. S. Mail only.

• You will need two forms of ID and photocopies of both if you apply for your passport in person at an out-of-state location.

• Photocopies must be one-sided black and white copies on 8.5-by-11-inch white paper.

• You may pay for your passport application by check or money order ONLY. Your passport acceptance facility may accept other forms of payment for the execution fee.

By Air, By Train, or on a Boat

Unleashing Maryland Adventures Beyond the Family Car

By Rebecca Kieran

This summer, let's take your kids on an unforgettable journey, exploring unique modes of transportation that will broaden their horizons and offer them a fresh perspective on the world beyond the confines of a car. Get ready for a fun and exciting exploration of Maryland's diverse transportation options!