Applying for Passport - Questions

[Susi100 0]

Hi, I am not sure how the passport procedure works. I just know some facts. I hope somebody can help me with my Questions.

1) Can I apply for it at the oath or will they just give me the application for it and that's it?

2) I can apply at the post office I heard!? Do they help you with that there (how to fill it out, how to mail it, etc.) or are you on your own and just mail your application with the certificate to who knows?

3) If I choose the faster method for $60 to receive the passport, when will I get it. I am planning to travel 3 weeks afterwards, so would 3 weeks be realistic to receive it on time??

4) How does it work if you want your passport the same day? I live in Florida, is the only option to do it in Miami? So could I go there and get it the same day or next day or how does all that work?

Any help is appreciated !! Thanks so much, Susi

[Inky 1,110]

2) I can apply at the post office I heard!? Do they help you with that there (how to fill it out, how to mail it, etc.) or are you on your own and just mail your application with the certificate to who knows?

Any help is appreciated !! Thanks so much, Susi

Our post office has very specific rules - they do not help you fill anything out, you MUST have everything completed before you come even the photos must be already taken. You have to have the payment and all documents ready and they will check it and mail it.

Check your local post office and see what their rules are they might be different or more willing to help. Usually they have a printed notice about passport stuff.

[warlord 73]

Depends on the Oath, mine they had an area where they would also take your photo, you would fill out the information and they would submit it. This however, probably would take a longer time as a lot of people from the oath immediately went to do this, so imagine a longer line. Be faster just to get your photos done early and get the app from the post office before too and just mail it in when you have your certificate.

You can get an expediated passport if you have travel arrangements. The fast one should only take a few days, if you want to pay a lot more you can get it by the next day with proof of your trip, but 3 weeks you should be fine with $60 one. But just double check on those times...

[NickD 202]

Everything you need to know for applying for a first time passport is all here.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

9,000 local agents, and I believe its 15 service centers now for same day, but need to bring in plane ticket within two weeks of your travel and make an appointment first. Need to bring in your original certificate of naturalization, two passport photos, filled out application, can do that with that online form and fill and print that out, and your checkbook.

If traveling within three weeks, that is cutting it darn close. Would make that appointment with one of the service centers.

Our closest service center is in no-parking zone downtown Chicago. Why can't they have that office at O'Hare, there is no airplanes in downtown Chicago. But I guess they don't know that, even shut down Meigs field, so can't fly a plane down there. Since we knew the dates of the oath ceremony, already had those forms field out, our clerk of court was doing that for over twenty years, post office guy didn't know anything. So we planned ahead for this valuable piece of paper. Paid the expedient fee and they both received their passports within two weeks. But you don't know that, DOS also misplaces applications. They misplaced mine when I had to renew it.

[Susi100 0]

Thank you all very much !!!

Hey NickD, if I want it the same day and go to that office (I guess in my case Miami) does it cost more and how much more?? I found pages from agency that charge 100's of $$ to get it same day, or withinn 2-4 days etc....will I have to pay that fee when I make an appointment with that office in Miami as well or just the regular 110 + 25 + 60 ? (expedited fee) ??? I live far away from miami but could fly out there for my trip, so could I go to the office there in the morning and fly out in the evening or next day, or is that not enough time??? THANKS so much for your help, I really appreciate it !

[NickD 202]

Bunch of those on the net, wouldn't trust any of those, don't know who you are dealing with, deal only directly with the DOS, call them and make an appointment, can also ask your questions. But I believe the same day rates are on their website as are the other rates.

Do know any of those 9,000 agents charge an extra 25 bucks for their work, and you pay postage both ways.