Passport tips?

[Martinjmpr]

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]

[Hummer]

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.

[Delfuego]

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

[ray1970]

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.

[newracer]

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]

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

[MrPrena]

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]

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]

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]

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.