Speed Your Visit to the Passport Acceptance Agent

We don't know anyone who likes standing in line. Whether you're waiting in line for Hamilton tickets, or for pastriesat the trendiest new bakery, or trying to get a new passport, you'll want to get what you came for in as little time as possible! Arecord number of passport applications are expected this summer, and that means that the lines at Passport Acceptance Facilities are long and getting longer. Today, we'll bring out our best tips to make your visit to the Passport Acceptance Agent a quick and successful one. Everyone behind you in line will thank you, too!

Tip 1: Make an Appointment

There are two types of Passport Acceptance Facilities: those that require appointments, and those that take applications on a walk-in basis.

With so many people now applying for passports, you may think it would be easier to go to a walk-in facility. However, you might face a long line of other applicants! It's worth it to call around first to see if you can get a slot at an appointment-only facility. Having a reserved time to see a Passport Acceptance Agent will mean you'll be able to get in and out quickly.

If you do need to go to a walk-in facility, try to go early in the morning. You may even want to get there before they open, so you can be at the front of the line! Some facilities will even start turning people away before their closing time if they know they have more people in line than they will be able to service in one day.

Tip 2: Bring the Right People

Applying for a minor passport for your child?Make sure you have the right people with you when you go to the Passport Acceptance Facility!

Many people don't know that the child needs to appear in person in order to submit a passport application. Even if you are applying for a passport for a newborn, the child applicant must be present when the application is reviewed by the Passport Acceptance Agent.

Both parents also should be present when the passport application is submitted. It's mandatory that at least one parent must be there in person. If you aren't able to have both parents go with the child, the parent who isn't there must have signed and notarized Form DS-3053, the statement of consent. (Your family doesn't fit the traditional mold of mother, father, and kids? No problem. Check out our article on parental consent for different family situations.)

You don't want to wait in line to submit your child's passport application only to be turned away, so make sure you havethe right members of your family with you.

Tip 3: Fill Out Forms in Advance

One of the services that Passport Acceptance Facilities offer is that they give out free copies of US passport applications. But don't wait until you get there to fill out your application! You'll save time at the Acceptance Facility if you have already filled out your passport application before you get there. You can either download copies and fill them out by hand or fill them out online and print them.

You'll want to make sure that your passport application is filled out completely and correctly. If you make any mistakes on the application, you will have to fill out another one on the spot, while the line behind you keeps growing.

Justdon't sign your passport application until you are instructed to do so by the Passport Acceptance Agent. The agent needs to witness your signature.

Tip 4: Have Your Photos Ready

Many Passport Acceptance offices offer photo services on-site. This can be a convenient option for people who haven't had time to go and get their photos beforehand. Most facilities that offer this service charge between $10 to $15 for photos.
But if you're trying to get in and out of the passport office as fast as possible, you won't want to wait to get your photos there. Instead, get your passport photos in advance and bring them with you to the passport office. There are many places where you can get passport photos, so you're sure to find an option that works for you and your schedule.

The other advantage to getting your passport photo in advance is that you'll have more control over it. If you get your photo taken at the drugstore and you hate it, you can always go get another photo. But if you wait and have your photo taken at the Passport Acceptance Facility, you're going to be stuck with that photo for the next ten years, good or bad!

Tip 5: Make Your Own Photocopies

You probably already know that you need to bring photo ID with you when you visit the Passport Acceptance Agent. But did you know that you also need to submit a photocopy of your identification?

It makes sense — you can't send your actual driver's license in with your passport application. You are going to need it to drive home! Instead, the Passport Acceptance Agent will review your original ID and will seal a photocopy of it into the envelope with the rest of your passport application materials.

If you didn't bring your own photocopy of your ID, the agent will have to take extra time to photocopy it for you. You'll also likely be charged a few bucks to have photocopies made. It's faster and cheaper to make your own copies before you go to the passport office.

Your photocopy of your driver's license or other ID must show both the front and back of the ID.

Have you been to a Passport Acceptance Facility this spring? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Source: https://passportinfo.com/speed-your-visit-to-the-passport-acceptance-agent/

How to Get a Passport for a Minor?

Wondering where and how to get a passport for your child? Minor passport application process is slightly different from an adult passport application process. Minor passports are issued to US citizens age 15 or younger and required both parents’ presence/consent while applying for the passport.

Here is an infographic that has simplified the complete Minor Passport Application process along with a breakdown of required fees and documents.

Source: https://passportinfo.com/how-to-get-a-minor-passport/

Get Your Family's Passports Ready for Spring Break Travel

Are you taking the family on an international vacation for spring break? Awesome! You’re going to have a great time. You might be busy with planning excursions and figuring out what to pack, but don’t forget to check to make sure everyone in the family has a valid passport before your trip.

It’s especially important to check your children’s passports before your spring break trip. Adult’s passports are valid for 10 years, but passports issued to kids under age 16 are only valid for five years! If it’s been a while since your last big family trip, your children’s passports might be closer to expiring than yours.

Today, we’ll review some of our top tips for passports for family vacation travel.

Tip 1: Check the Passport Validity Requirements for Your Destination

Spring break is the perfect time to pack up the family and head to a sunny destination like Mexico, Jamaica, or the Bahamas! Keep in mind that everyone in the family needs to have a valid passport book any time you are flying out of the United States. But just how much validity does your passport need to have? Some countries require you to have a minimum of six months validity left on your passport in order to enter, but other countries will let you enter even if your passport is closer to the expiration date. Not sure of the passport requirements for your destination? Check out PassportInfo.com’s page on popular destinations, or review the State Department’s Country Information.

Here are the passport validity requirements for some of the most popular destinations for spring break travel:

• Bahamas: passports must be valid at the time of entry.
• Bermuda: passports must be valid at the time of entry.
• Costa Rica: passports must be valid for the full duration of your stay.
• Jamaica: passports must be valid at the time of entry.
• Mexico: passports must be valid for six months past the end of your stay.