Obtaining a Passport Book

For air travel, you must carry a Passport BOOK. (Please note, Passport Cards are not valid for air travel)

First Time Passport Book Applicant

1) Apply Early
Processing can take as long as five months. If you are considering
travel to Europe, start the process now.
2) Obtain a Passport Book Application
Forms are available at your local post office or may be printed
from the www.travel.state.gov web site. You can also call
the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778
3) Complete the Passport Book Application
Your information must be typed or written in BLACK ink.
IMPORTANT: Do not sign the passport application until you are
instructed to sign at your passport acceptance facility.
4) Obtain Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Valid proof includes a previous passport, naturalization
certificate, or certified copy of birth certificate available from
the registrar’s office of the county in which you were born.
Birth certificate must include the full names of the applicant’s
parent(s). If no birth certificate is on file, check with the sources
in #2 above as to what other proof will be required.
5) Obtain Photographs
You must have two IDENTICAL 2″ x 2″ photos taken within the
last 6 months and showing current appearance. Photos must
be in color, showing a front view of your face and with a white
or off-white background. You can check passport listings in the
Yellow Pages for passport photo providers.
6) Obtain Personal Identification
Valid ID includes a previous U.S. passport, a CURRENT
(not expired) driver’s license, naturalization certificate, state
ID card, or military ID. Your ID must have an expiration date
and photograph. Name changes must be reflected on your
picture ID. Both parents must accompany a child who does
not have a picture ID and submit documentation of parental
relationship and consent.
7) Bring Application Form in Person
Do NOT sign the form. Bring the form, proof of citizenship,
photographs, and identification IN PERSON to your passport
acceptance facility. Consult sources in #2 for a list of locations.
8) Pay Fee
Fee is $135 for those 16 years of age and over (valid for
10 years) and $105 for those under 16 (valid for 5 years).
Applications can be expedited for an additional fee of $60
(recommended within 4 months of departure). Before going
to the passport acceptance facility, verify what forms of
payment you may use, as this varies for each location.

How to Renew a Passport Book

• At this writing, your passport must be valid for more than six
(6) months after your scheduled return date. If your expiration
date falls within 3 to 6 months of your return date, call the
airlines to verify the current regulations.
• Renewing a passport costs $110. You will need to have two
new passport photos taken. Send those along with your
check, the old passport (undamaged), and a completed
renewal form. You can obtain a Passport Renewal Form
through the sources listed at the bottom of this column.

Other Important Information

• If you have not received your passport within two months
of applying, we recommend that you contact the National
Passport Information Center to check on the status.
• Minors under 18 years of age who apply must submit written
parental consent to leave the country.
• All applicants must know their social security number.
If you do not provide a social security number, the IRS may
impose a $500 penalty.
• Information about visa requirements is available from the
consulate of the countries to which you are traveling, and
usually can be found on their website.
• When you receive your passport, sign it, fill out the emergency
information page, and carry it with you at all times while
traveling abroad.
• This information is only a condensed guideline and is subject to
change. Image Tours accepts no responsibility or liability for
any incomplete or incorrect information. For the most current
and complete information, consult one of the following sources:
1) U.S. Dept. of State web site at www.travel.state.gov
2) Your local post office
3) National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778
or email at vog.etatsnull@CIPN