Passports

After January 1, 2008, all U.S. citizens, including children, will need a valid passport for travel to another country.  Make sure your passport will not expire before or during your trip. If you need to apply for a new passport, apply at least 6 weeks before your trip.

Up till then, there are still a few exceptions for travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Panama. You can still enter these countries with just 2 pieces of ID, most commonly a Drivers' License and a certified copy of your Birth Certificate. But, even with those countries, the options are rapidly shrinking. 

After January 1, 2007, the exception will only be valid for travel by car. If you travel by air or sea, you will need a passport even for these countries. A year later, after January 1, 2008, you will need a passport regardless of mode of travel.

It takes about 6 weeks to get a passport. For an additional $60 fee, you can ask for an expedited process (about 2 weeks).

Currently (2006) about 27% of US citizens have passports.

How to get a passport

When you apply for the first time, you will need the following:

- Proof of citizenship (Birth Certificate)

- Proof of ID (Drivers' License)

- Your social security number must be provided (under penalty of law).

- Two passport size photos (2" x 2") of your face (which can probably be obtained at the office where you apply)

- Fees: The passport application fee is $67. The execution fee is $30.
The total is $97.

The best place to start is the US State Department Passport Service web site at:

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

or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center: (877) 4USA-PPT.

For a first-time application, you need to apply in person (not via the internet). But, at least you can get all the information at the web site.

You can usually apply at the Main Post Office in town, or at the County Recorder's Office. A complete list of over 7,000 locations can be found at the US State Department web site above.