Passport tips? [Archive] - Colorado AR-15 Shooters Club Discussion Forums

Delfuego

01-14-2019, 07:47

If you need it expedited, let me know I gotta guy, he has been doing passport and visas for 30-40 years. I use him either way, he makes it super easy. Cost more but he knows his stuff.

SouthPaw

01-14-2019, 08:07

Good timing Ray! We ust booked a trip to Spain on Thursday and I don?t have one either.

ray1970

01-14-2019, 08:23

Hummer

01-14-2019, 08:49

We applied for new (renewal) passports last month. It took 29 days from date mailed to date received. Applying for a first passport it will likely take a little longer.

Martinjmpr

01-14-2019, 08:52

Yeah, I?m looking to take a trip later in the year. Maybe Scotland and Ireland or something. Figured if I get the passport thing squared away first before booking something that would be the way to go.

That's the way to go. Get the passport done first, then book the trip. Seems like most people do it the other way around (or they book the trip and then realize their passport is expired or about to expire) and they're running around with their hair on fire trying to get it squared away.

Mine expires next year, good reminder to me to get it renewed. [thumbsup]

Delfuego

01-14-2019, 09:04

Book the trip first, then you have to get the passport!

ray1970

01-14-2019, 09:27

The trip is going to happen. Just not 100% sure where we?re going yet other than some place that I?ll need a passport.

Great-Kazoo

01-14-2019, 09:38

Good timing Ray! We ust booked a trip to Spain on Thursday and I don?t have one either.

They're not going to have it back in 3 days.

On a serious note, better apply sooner than later. Who knows what if any effect the shutdown will have, on turn around time.

newracer

01-14-2019, 09:40

I just got one for the first time a few months ago. It was easiest to just go to the post office and have them handle it all including the photo. It was about three weeks from the time I turned in the application to when I received it in the mail.

beast556

01-14-2019, 09:53

How much $$$ is a passport now a days???

MrPrena

01-14-2019, 10:06

Cheap but good passport photo takers.
Non expediated way ( post office) is least expensive.

Mine expired and I need to renew. I rarely travel now.

Not_A_Llama

01-14-2019, 10:24

Cheapest/easiest passport photos I've found are Costco. Regular process is fine, unless you need it fast.
If you do need it fast, the private expediter services feel like a scam, but actually work - they have standing appointments at the passport agencies, which seems somehow wrong to me.

wctriumph

01-14-2019, 10:25

It is not a hard thing to do, you can get locations online and most post offices can get you an application. I needed one expedited and it took 15 days, my renewal did not need to be expedited and it took 22 days to receive it. I got my photos at a Walgreens and like the DMV they snap the photo when you are not ready so be ready when you step in front of the camera.

A passport also helps when you order a rifle from the CMP!

SouthPaw

01-14-2019, 10:25

I don't need it for seven months but I will be sure to get on it this week so it's one less thing to have to worry about.

rbeau30

01-14-2019, 10:27

We just recently (2 months ago) submitted and received ours. Took only 4 or 5 weeks. We had our stuff already filled out and documentation in hand and went to the post office to submit it on Colfax and Chambers.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/passport-services-government-shutdown.html

Scanker19

01-14-2019, 10:38

Ive found that wearing a "Death to America" shirt in your photo will really, really, really......really delay the process.

XXFattyHunterXX

01-14-2019, 10:39

I went to the Northglenn office, made an appointment for 8:00 am.
Went in, filled out forms, paid $155 ($110 for book, rest for pictures and other fees) first timer is more. Left about 20 minutes after.
They took my citizenship certificate.
Went 12/31, got my citizenship certificate back 1/11, nothing else yet.

Grant H.

01-14-2019, 10:47

They're not going to have it back in 3 days.

On a serious note, better apply sooner than later. Who knows what of ant effect the shutdown will have on turn around time.

Can be done, but it's a PITA.

Bottom line, I would just follow the normal procedure.

Walgreens can do Passport photos, and they are usually a little cheaper.

Scanker19

01-14-2019, 10:48

Some post offices will do the photos too.

rbeau30

01-14-2019, 11:02

Some post offices will do the photos too.

I would go to one that can do photos as well. We went to Walgreens and Walgreens screwed up our pictures, so we had them done on site luckily.

According to the Department of State website, passport apps are business as usual at this time.

feal

01-14-2019, 11:49

DireWolf

01-14-2019, 12:23

They're not going to have it back in 3 days.

On a serious note, better apply sooner than later. Who knows what of ant effect the shutdown will have on turn around time.Definitely apply sooner rather than later.

That said, I was able to obtain a passport inside of 2 days once (may have even been same day, don't recall exactly), so it can be done quickly in some cases.

Also, better off getting the thick version IMO, even if you don't expect to need it.

Irving

01-14-2019, 12:37

it always peeved me that they charge 10+$ for passport photos - the passport website has a tool to help you size your photos, and you can fit six 2x2 photos on a 0.25$ print - use the other 5 for when you apply for your stamps!

The same place that does finger prints and photos can use your same photos for passports.

Excited that you'll be traveling abroad for the first time ever. Can't wait to hear all about it.

SideShow Bob

01-14-2019, 13:45

Also, you cannot wear a full face burka in your passport photo.

ray1970

01-14-2019, 14:32

Thanks for the useful information.

So, I?m currently sporting a beard but chances are I may not when it comes travel time. Hope that doesn?t throw anyone for a loop when my trip comes.

Also, do I put my hair color as brown or gray? I?m kind of in that in between stage at this point in my life.

SideShow Bob

01-14-2019, 14:55

So, I?m currently sporting a beard but chances are I may not when it comes travel time. Hope that doesn?t throw anyone for a loop when my trip comes.

Also, do I put my hair color as brown or gray? I?m kind of in that in between stage at this point in my life.

Those are two good questions, do you put salt & peppa for hair color when you are going grey ? What about women that change their hair color with the seasons ? And beards & facial hair is a good question also ?

Irving

01-14-2019, 14:58

I just do whatever my driver's license says so I'll have consistent documents.

O2HeN2

01-14-2019, 16:02

We just booked a trip to Spain on Thursday...
That's an 11 on the ambiguity meter. :)

O2

SouthPaw

01-14-2019, 16:04

That's an 11 on the ambiguity meter. :)

O2

Ha! Well I meant we booked our trip on last Thursday for the middle of August.

BushMasterBoy

01-14-2019, 16:25

Do not get a photo with a beard, then shave it off to travel. Think of your left nut when they take the passport picture. Do not make jokes when you hand the foreign customs agent your passport. If you drink on the plane, you will have a massive headache when you land. Get a concealable wallet that hangs around your neck to hold your passport and emergency cash. Wear that wallet inside your shirt. I forget all the other shit.

ChickNorris

01-14-2019, 16:36

... Think of your left nut when they take the passport picture. ...I forget all the other shit.

Um, seriously. What does that mean?

Gman

01-14-2019, 17:13

Got mine last year. Can't smile in passport photos anymore. Quick and easy photos at FedEx Office (formerly Kinkos).

Went through USPS. The real freak-out for me was when they took our original documents. We received our passports, but without getting back the originals. We called and found out that the original documents are returned through a different process. Got everything back, so no worries.

Just recently found out that the passport was really handy for I-9 verification for a new job.

Irving

01-14-2019, 17:17

Not being able to smile on document photos is mind boggling to me. If someone looking at you smiling in a photo, can't tell if it's you not smiling in person, then there is no point to the photo in the first place.

BushMasterBoy

01-14-2019, 17:33

Um, seriously. What does that mean?

When you can take the pebble from my hand, you may leave the temple.

ray1970

01-14-2019, 17:45

How can I think about my genitals without smiling?

Irving

01-14-2019, 17:58

You could think about BushMasterBoy's genitals if that will help.

bw88350

01-14-2019, 18:10

Delfuego, can I pm you for info? Oldest daughter went to Ireland for school, and I need a passport just in case I need to head over, i put it off, now it's kinda crunch time

RblDiver

01-14-2019, 18:20

If you have more than 6 weeks, you can do it just via the regular method. I think doing that I even had mine in 3. And if it's closer in time, you can still do it, but it'll cost more (like $50 expedited, but you'll have it in about 2 weeks tops).

O2HeN2

01-14-2019, 18:24

Um, seriously. What does that mean?

As has been alluded to, no smiling while the picture is being taken. This, however, leaves the question as to what you're supposed to do, unanswered. :)

O2

ChickNorris

01-14-2019, 18:25

When you can take the pebble from my hand, you may leave the temple.

Pebble eh?

I figured you'd have stones.

Too easy.... I had to. [Flower]

bw88350

01-14-2019, 18:37

Thank you! I'll go that route!

Bailey Guns

01-14-2019, 18:37

They're going to require you to send in certain documents to prove citizenship (ie: original or certified copy of a birth certificate). I was a little leery about that but I received everything back OK.

I think you can fill out the application online and print it. Pretty easy. Grab a couple of photos at Walgreens, Costco, post office...anywhere works. Send everything in...I tend to use Priority Mail with a tracking number.

They tell you it's gonna take a long time but it doesn't. You'll probably have it back in 4 or 5 weeks. I just renewed and it was 15 days total from the day I mailed the renewal application.

It's really not complicated...just takes a little time to get everything together.

ray1970

01-14-2019, 18:40

My birth certificate should be in the safe. I hope the fact that it?s really old doesn?t throw them into a tizzy.

Irving

01-14-2019, 18:42

I think getting your guns into Ireland will be the bigger challenge for sure.

Circuits

01-14-2019, 20:01

If you're going to need it sometime before the summer, you might want to get started, in case the government shutdown causes big delays.

BushMasterBoy

01-14-2019, 20:10

I hope you guess my name...

theGinsue

01-14-2019, 20:19

Haven't read the while thread. You will have the option to purchase a credit card type of passport in addition to the standard passport. Back around 2015 the cost of this was $25 (as I recall). This can only be used for traveling by driving or walking, not flying; essentially Canada & Mexico. You might not think you need it, but you never know what opportunities will come up and it's a good thing to have just in case.

Great-Kazoo

01-14-2019, 20:20

ray1970

01-14-2019, 20:22

Thanks. I was planning on getting the card as well. We got one for my wife when she got her passport.

Since the only countries I?ve been to outside of the US are Canada and Mexico it could see use sometime.

ray1970

01-14-2019, 20:23

I need a passport to enter Mexico [panic] How's that work?

Lol. Mexico is pretty strict about people crossing their border. At least people heading south.

Great-Kazoo

01-14-2019, 20:26

Lol. Mexico is pretty strict about people crossing their border. At least people heading south.

They're actually real strict on their southern border, too. But that's another thread.

Rucker61

01-14-2019, 20:27

Little Dutch

01-14-2019, 21:59

Reminds me that I think mine expires this year. If not this, then next year.

We got a passport in 2017 for our 5 month old (He's been to Canada twice now). It's not hard. The biggest secret is the Post Office will take the photo for you. It's the same cost as walgreens, but the guy at the post office will make sure you look good in it.

Eric P

01-14-2019, 22:59

I got a new passport and it took 2 weeks. I went to the post office, they took photos and verified I had the paperwork done correctly.

I had a prior passport that expired in the 1980s when I was a juvenile. I still had it, brought it along with a copy birth certificate and drivers license. All document are returned in a separate mailing from the passport.

2 weeks from submittal to delivery. No expediting. But that was before the shutdown.

sportbikeco

01-15-2019, 09:29

You can expedite but not pay for all the overnight shipping and get it faster for a little more, maybe 4 days longer and save $$$.

Gman

01-15-2019, 16:16

My birth certificate should be in the safe. I hope the fact that it?s really old doesn?t throw them into a tizzy.

Chiseled in stone, eh?

Gman

01-15-2019, 16:19

The biggest secret is the Post Office will take the photo for you. It's the same cost as walgreens, but the guy at the post office will make sure you look good in it.
Do they use makeup or 'digital enhancement'?

Little Dutch

01-15-2019, 21:40

Do they use makeup or 'digital enhancement'?

Poor lighting is the real trick. Although I was informed there is no camera setting for “less fat.”

ray1970

01-18-2019, 16:46

Thank you all for the advice and tips.

Got everything taken care of today. Super easy. Now I just have to wait.

Heck, it was so easy it might have motivated me to file a couple of form 1's.

Great-Kazoo

01-18-2019, 17:21

Thank you all for the advice and tips.

Got everything taken care of today. Super easy. Now I just have to wait.

Heck, it was so easy it might have motivated me to file a couple of form 1's.

You Can Do It Charlie Brown !

ray1970

01-31-2019, 19:53

Twelve days from start to finish. I am now going to be a world traveler.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190201/955227c064231415f7dfb72c5ae60462.jpg

theGinsue

01-31-2019, 20:54

Twelve days from start to finish. I am now going to be a world traveler.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190201/955227c064231415f7dfb72c5ae60462.jpg

Oh goodness. Is the world ready for that; I mean really ready?

ray1970

01-31-2019, 20:55

Better yet, is my wife ready for the whole world to see the man she's married to?

Irving

01-31-2019, 20:56

Are you going to Aruba or Qatar?

BushMasterBoy

01-31-2019, 21:03

Cool flag on the bottom.

ray1970

01-31-2019, 21:14

Are you going to Aruba or Qatar?

Do they speak English in those places?

Cool flag on the bottom.

Yeah. What is that supposed to be?

drew890

01-31-2019, 22:14

Yeah. What is that supposed to be?
It’s a microchip.

ray1970

01-31-2019, 23:27

Oh. My government tracking device.

Thanks.

Not_A_Llama

01-31-2019, 23:27

Logo indicates it’s a biometric smart passport with NFC. NFC = radio readable, just because I can’t go to bed without giving some of you night sweats

ray1970

01-31-2019, 23:29

Thanks. Hopefully having the magic electronic cookie thingy makes things easier in some more civilized societies.

BladesNBarrels

02-01-2019, 10:18

Just easier for the bad guys to steal your passport information.
They're the ones with the technology.
Watch out when you go to Russia.

Scanker19

02-01-2019, 10:27

Anyone have a lead on where I can buy a tinfoil hat for my passport?

BladesNBarrels

02-01-2019, 10:33

Great thing about this forum. Ask, and you will receive.
They do exist!
Blocks RFID in passports. It sits closed when inserted in a passport pouch

https://i.imgur.com/G6Jjz7N.jpg

ChickNorris

02-01-2019, 11:31

Copper conductive/ shielding tape... I've bins full.

Not that anyone would be surprised, riiight?

O2HeN2

02-01-2019, 17:11

I've always been told that the front and back cover of the passport are RF shields so the NFC chip can't be read unless the passport is open.

That would make sense. So I just tried reading my passport. Can't read anything from the front side, but I can read it through the back cover (using a Andriod utility on my phone - it knows it's a passport, but I don't see any data).

Typical half-a$$ed government job. Protect the front gate, leave the back door wide open.

O2

kidicarus13

02-01-2019, 19:43

Anyone have a lead on where I can buy a tinfoil hat for my passport?.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190202/9d4bce7cdccaf259d8dca46be79a8b65.jpg

Irving

02-01-2019, 19:46

A real man would carry his passport in a tinfoil fanny pack.

ray1970

02-01-2019, 20:27

My passport card arrived today. Apparently it has the government tracking chip in it too.

OtterbatHellcat

02-01-2019, 22:57

I'm pretty sure I'll never need a passport. Pretty sure I won't regret it either.

O2HeN2

02-02-2019, 00:23

I'm pretty sure I'll never need a passport. Pretty sure I won't regret it either.

One word: Iceland

O2

OtterbatHellcat

02-02-2019, 00:33

What about it?

Scanker19

02-02-2019, 09:58

A real man would carry his passport in a tinfoil fanny pack.

[img]77196[img] edit as screw it just click on the damn photo link stupid forum and it attachment system and rock music.

ray1970

02-02-2019, 10:00

I'm going to keep an eye out for some sort of pink, Hello Kitty thing to carry my passport in.

O2HeN2

02-02-2019, 10:26

What about it?

IMHO a reason to get a passport.

YMMV :)

O2

Scanker19

02-02-2019, 10:37

IMHO a reason to get a passport.

YMMV :)

O2

And here I thought I was the only Bjork super fan on this site!!!! My favorite album is Homogenic, what about you!

BushMasterBoy

02-02-2019, 10:46

A passport is necessary in case Pelosi becomes president.

OtterbatHellcat

02-02-2019, 16:23

And here I thought I was the only Bjork super fan on this site!!!! My favorite album is Homogenic, what about you!

Me? Yeah, some 7'-6" Icelandic gal? That sounds pretty good. They might have some midgets too....I still have some things to cross off my bucket list.

:)

OtterbatHellcat

02-02-2019, 16:25

Bjork wasn't on the list, however that's certainly not to say that itineraries cannot be modified.

Hummer

02-02-2019, 18:34

A real man would carry his passport in a tinfoil fanny pack.

You do know this is a thing don't you, and that most savvy adventurer/travelers use them for keeping passports, credit cards and cash close? There are neck lanyard carriers as well. I use both. Concealed carry for places where you can't carry a gun.

https://www.amazon.com/Money-Travel-Blocking-Sleeves-Daily/dp/B0199S7FRE

Hummer

02-02-2019, 18:39

Oh, and you wear them IWB, not OWB.

MrPrena

02-02-2019, 21:56

I've seen over 100 passports.
Swiss/Switz/Suisse passport has a hard cover.
Australian passport is like a book. It has lots of pages.

Note:it is experience from 2002. It may have changed.

Irving

02-03-2019, 03:05

You do know this is a thing don't you, and that most savvy adventurer/travelers use them for keeping passports, credit cards and cash close? There are neck lanyard carriers as well. I use both. Concealed carry for places where you can't carry a gun.

https://www.amazon.com/Money-Travel-Blocking-Sleeves-Daily/dp/B0199S7FRE

I didn't know that. The price is right though.

def90

02-03-2019, 07:44

One word: Iceland

O2

I’m thinking of heading there this spring.. supposed to be pretty awesome

spqrzilla

02-03-2019, 21:14

Do not go to Iceland without checking out the itinerary of Second Fleet:

https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2018/10/27/icelands-bars-ran-out-of-beer-trying-to-serve-drunk-us-sailors-and-marines/

BladesNBarrels

02-06-2019, 18:30

Was in the 6th Fleet in the Med in the 60's on a Destroyer for a while.
The locals hated us pulling in to port. The prices of drinks and food would more that double while we were there.
To us, the prices were still low.

MrPrena

02-09-2019, 23:19

The best passports to hold at the beginning of 2019 are:
1. Japan (190 countries)
2. Singapore, South Korea (189)
3. France, Germany (188)
4. Denmark, Finland, Italy, Sweden (187)
5. Luxembourg, Spain (186)
6. Austria, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States (185)
7. Belgium, Canada, Greece, Ireland (184)
8. Czech Republic (183)
9. Malta (182)
10. Australia, Iceland, New Zealand (181)

The worst passports to hold
Several countries around the world have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to fewer than 40 countries. These include:

99. Palestinian Territory, Sudan (39 countries)
100. Eritrea (38)
101. Yemen (37)
102. Pakistan (33)
103. Somalia, Syria (32)
104. Afghanistan, Iraq (30)

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/henley-index-world-best-passport-2019-intl/index.html

battlemidget

02-10-2019, 18:36

Pony up the extra dough and get the passport ID card too. Why? Because you can.

Irving

02-13-2019, 21:58

Ray here is more advertising from my Instagram feed that you may be interested in. It's a backpack where the pocket is at your back to prevent pick pocketing.

https://thetravelersroot.com/products/anti-theft-backpack

ray1970

02-13-2019, 22:05

Thanks. I would definitely do a backpack before I?d do some silly fanny pack. I?m hoping maybe I can just cram everything in my pockets including the stupid passport.