Traveling Abroad for Spring Break? Tips and Common Mistakes for Getting Passports - Blog
If you are planning on traveling internationally including Mexico or Canada, now is the time to get or renew your children's passports. Even though it seems like the holidays have just ended and spring is several months away, passport processing can take up to 12 weeks and some countries require your passport be valid for at least six months from the date of your departure. So in other words, make sure your child's passport is not set to expire within six months of leaving on your planned vacation. Mexico is one of these countries that adheres to the six month rule. In addition, you can request an expedited passport, but it will cost you an additional $60 dollars. Also, a child's passport is only valid for five years so make sure to check the expiration date on the inside photo page of the passport.
So what do you need to know before applying or reapplying to make the process seamless? See below for common mistakes and tips to ensure an easy process and the start of a fun spring break:
Can I apply by mail? If your child is under the age of 16, whether he/she has held a passport in the past, you will need to apply in person at a passport agency or authorized facility like a post office or township office.
How soon should I go? Really the sooner the better. Currently the passport processing times are four to six weeks according to the U.S. Passport & International Travel site, but these could change due to more people renewing and the recent news that driver's licenses from some states, including Illinois, may not be accepted at airports for domestic travel. On a side note: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states Real ID-compliant identification, such as a passport or a driver's license from a Real ID-compliant state, will not be required to fly domestically until 2018. So don't panic domestic travelers. You will not need a passport to travel until 2018 if you live in one of these states. Nonetheless, call ahead to make sure the facility you choose issues passports, try to go at off-peak hours or when they first open. Also note that both parents or guardians must be present for processing a passport. If this is not possible, you will need additional documents. Trust me, waiting in line for a passport with a toddler is no fun!
How do passport photos work and are there requirements? There are several places that will print passport photos around town. Try Walgreens, CVS, FedEx or UPS. Call ahead to make sure, but this will often save you a step when you submit the application. Also, make sure whomever takes the photo is following the guidelines for passport photos of minors. They need to be facing front, no one can hold them in the photo, no pacifiers present, a white background, not too far from the camera and can not be blurred due to an antsy baby. For a complete list of photo dos and don'ts, click here.
What paperwork do I need to apply? Filled out DS-11 Form. Again, to save time, you can print the form off at home and fill out the required information before processing. Just remember not to sign the form or write in any section that is not highlighted until you are at the processing office and are told to do so. Use only a black pen. You will also need evidence of U.S. citizenship, evidence of parental relationship and photo identification. Bringing a certified birth certificate and your driver's license will satisfy these. Or find other forms that will suffice here.
What fees are required and can I pay the whole fee by credit card? There are two sets of fees for minors whether you are applying for the first time or renewing. For a passport book, it is $80 dollars for the application fee and $25 for the execution fee. Please note if you are applying at a Passport Acceptance Facility like a post office, you must pay the application fee and optional services fee (like getting photos taken onsite) with a personal check, money order or bank draft. You can not use a credit card for the application fee.
Now that you have passports in hand, let the countdown to spring break begin!
