So I want my blog to really focus on the pre-travel. A few travel blogs that I’ve found talk about the packing list, but I think it’ll be a lot of fun to make everyone who reads this just as excited as I will be! In the future I’d like to share information on places I’ll be staying, visiting, eating, etc.
For this post, I want to talk about applying for my passport. It was a scary thing even if it doesn’t seem like it! Obviously, it’s the first major thing you have to do for a trip abroad (besides applying for a program in my case).
The first thing I had to do was fill out the online form. (Available on the U.S. Department of Travel website: https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/212239.pdf) Double check all information you need, and make sure it is correct prior to submission/printing. Applicants may have to know parents’ information (maiden names, birth places, etc.) as well as their own.
After I had printed out the online form, I had to take it to the local courthouse. I chose to go to the courthouse because they take the required photo, accept payments and send the forms out for you. One stop shop so to speak. However, one thing I wish I had known prior was that they charge a handling fee (even for a simple photo!). While it was annoying, having it all taken care of was really nice. Now, I just have to wait! When you turn in your application, the courthouse gives you a website so you can track your passport: extra bonus!
So, after this adult move, there are some things I wish I had done different or knew about:
-They do NOT accept cards. Not credit cards, not debit cards. So either have a checkbook or lots of cash. I had my checkbook thankfully, but it would not have been fun to have to go withdraw cash somewhere.
-There are processing fees. One was $12 for the photo. I have heard Walgreens also takes the photo, but I figured the courthouse would be the safest route. Another fee was $30, I believe. That was for the application and mailing the forms, then mailing them to you.
-DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ADDRESS. That sounds so stupid, but I managed to forget a number on my online application and almost didn’t catch it when I handed it in. They don’t forward passports, so make sure to track it!
-They keep your birth certificate (and mail it back). You need to bring your original birth certificate with you, but it also gets mailed out with your application. It gets sent back sooner than your passport, but it’s always nice to know.
Hope this information helps someone out there! Until next time….
-Make it Count