Thursday, December 9, 2010

Traveling to Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort? You May Need a Passport

Important Passport Information

1.Passport processing times have increased drastically, so make sure you and your family apply early. Also, be sure to allow at least 10-12 weeks to receive your passport.

2.There are currently about 70% of Americans who do not have a passport. If this includes your family, or if your family’s passports have expired, here are some helpful tips for getting you ready for your vacation.

Steps for Getting Your First Passport

3.First, visit the website of the Department of State's Passport Services Office.

4.To apply for a new passport, you will need proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified (raised seal) birth certificate), as well as proof of identity (such as a valid driver's license, government or military ID, or naturalization papers). You will also need to complete Form DS-11. But make sure not to sign the Form until you or the applicant is in the presence of a passport official!

5.First-time applicants must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility (post offices, libraries, or federal, state and probate courts, and county/municipal offices).

6.All children under the age of 14 must also apply in person, so plan to bring them with you when you apply. Parents/guardians must show proof of their relationship with the child. In addition, parents must bring proof of their own identities (such as a passport or valid driver’s license). Also, please note that both parents must appear together with the child when the passport application is filed.

7.You must provide two identical color passport photos for each applicant. These photos have to have been taken within six months of applying, and must be against a plain white or off-white background. Applicants should not be wearing hats.

8.First-time passports for people over the age of 16 currently cost $97, including a $67 application fee and a $30 execution fee. Passports for children under 16 cost $82, including a $52 application fee, and a $30 execution fee. If you need your passport quickly, it can be expedited for an additional $60.

9.Passports normally take about six weeks to arrive, but can take up to 10-12 weeks, so plan accordingly.

Steps for Renewing a Passport

10.If your passport was issued less than 15 years ago, if you were over 16 when you got your current passport, if you still have the same name or can legally document your name change, and if the passport has not been damaged, you can renew your passport by mail. If any of those requirements are not in effect however, you will still have to follow the same steps as first-time applicants.

11.To renew your passport, simply fill out the DS-82 Passport Renewal Form and attach to it your most recent passport, along with two passport photos and the $67 fee, payable to the U.S. Department of State.

12.Passport renewals generally take about 6-8 weeks. If you are traveling sooner, you can pay an additional $60 to expedite your passport or use a private passport expediting service.

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