Anybody recently applied for a passport.

[John Schmidt]

I'd like to go up into Canada next summer after InZane but guess you can no longer just drive across or get back into the U.S. like a few yrs. ago. Wonder why that's ok up north but not at the southern border? So what I'm wondering is what's the procedure to getting a passport, I'm told if a person goes for one you're better off just getting the book rather than a card. I've never had either so flying blind here. Anyone know what's involved and the cost associated?

I goofed in posting this here, meant for it to be on the General Board. Staff...move it if you're so inclined.

[mello dude]

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

OR go to the post office....
https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm

 

[gordonv]

Not too up on what is required from your side, but for me going south this is some thoughts.

Basicely you're apply for pre-screening. $ is what I remember it, but I would confirm before taking it as gospel.

Enhanced driver license. Lasts the 5 yrs of the license, you pay $35

NEXUS, reserved lane (fast 5-15 min, instead of 1 hr [based upon traffic]), $50 for 5 yrs. (usable at some airports)

Passport, 10 yrs, good for world wide travel, $120. Take the regular lanes.

Land travel, I would always do the NEXUS. It's an old enough program that the slowness of its start is gone. Drive up, give it over, couple of ?, verbal declaration, then off you go. Mostly larger crossings have a reserved lane. Well worth the cost not to sit in the regular line waiting, but some have limited hours (7-midnight).

[Hook#3287]

John, I just did a renew recently, not a new, but what I got out of it is the picture has to be just right or they won't accept it.

No glasses and within the required size stated in the instructions.

[larue]

Also plan on over 3 months to receive it if not longer unless you pay $124 I think to expedite it and that’s still 6 to 8 weeks. Still waiting on renewal for me and my two kids and I filed June 4th still in process. Go figure

[JimC]

Also plan on over 3 months to receive it if not longer unless you pay $124 I think to expedite it and that’s still 6 to 8 weeks. Still waiting on renewal for me and my two kids and I filed June 4th still in process. Go figure

It takes forever (probably longer now with china flu) like Larue said. Start now for next summer. Linda and I went to the post office and they took picture and had the paperwork.

Jim

[John Schmidt]

Guess I need to get with the program, probably check into it in the next couple weeks. Thanks for the input.

[Skinhead]

I got mine in Oct 2012.  I have never used it.  It is already time to renew it.  I don't know if I want to.

[Madmike]

Google has some answers, looks like it depends where you intend to travel.  This link offers a comparison between the card and the passport.  If you are staying within the limit of the card it looks like that is the less expensive way to go for sure.  There are several other options you can explore as well.

If you haven't been North before be aware that Canadian Firearms laws are very different from US ones and for most you cannot legally transport or carry a firearm in Canada.  I believe that there are safe storage facilities available near most border crossings if you need that service - google may help you there.  As well Canada has legalized cannabis nationwide but transporting THC or CBD into Canada or south from Canada into even a legalized state may get you a free all-inclusive hotel stay in both countries.

https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/passport-card.html

[Jess from VA]

I got mine in Oct 2012.  I have never used it.  It is already time to renew it.  I don't know if I want to.

My 2d renewal is expired.  It can be renewed easier than starting over, but only if you do so before a certain time limit runs out (which was made a few years longer a while back).  I decided I don't need one.  Don't need a real ID either. 

The older I get, the less I feel like playing along (and obeying laws I don't agree with).  Catch me if you can.

It's better if they think you died (except you may suddenly start voting democratl). 

[..]

Tell them you're from Haiti and you'll walk right back in. 

[CoreyP]

Just used my passport last week. Got my kids passports no long ago.

Get a passport, same hassle to get a card but that isn't as useful. Full passport is $120 Plus a few dollars extra and you will have to show up in person at the post office, you can make an appointment, in fact you have to.


This is where people get messed up.

You need a birth certificate that is embossed. In the old days this wasn't true but it is now and of course all documents have to be the originals.

You will need a SS card that has not been lamented. If it is, they won't take it.

First thing I would do is go to the US passport web site and down load the forms. Check to see if you have the documents you need in the fashion they want them. When you go to the post office they will tell you your documents won't be excepted if there is a problem.

It is going to take you months right now to get a new passport, maybe 4 months, maybe more. My kids took at least 3 months. You have to mail all this stuff so better hope the US postal service doesn't lose it......

[Led]

What is this "Real ID" Drivers license all about?   I know you need that to fly somewhere.  In ADDITION to your passport?  

Beats me. I don't fly.   Is that to get you through the line faster?  NOT sure, if you need that at the Canadian border?

I will just stay home....thank you.....

[Jess from VA]

What is this "Real ID" Drivers license all about?

After it turned out all but one of the 911 hijackers had VA driver's licenses, they started to get a lot more serious about driver's licenses, since they are really the predominant ID in America (beyond just driving).

But Real ID is just a better way for the G to keep track of you.  

I'm done flying too.  I'm not afraid of flying, but Homeland Security and airports, and letting 350lb stinking humans sit next to me in coach.... can all kiss my ass.  

And what do you mean I can't carry my pistol on the plane, the right of the people .... shall not be infringed.

And what do you mean my wife (who is sick with a cold) can't keep your cheapo little baby blanket on her to stay warm.  Are you afraid the blanket will blow over the pilot's eyes, and he'll crash on takeoff?  Give up the baby blanket sir or we throw you off the plane.

Sir, you're not supposed to spend the whole flight in a bathroom.  Then go get the 350lb unbathed stinking person sitting next to me another seat.  All the seats are taken sir.  Then I come out when we land, there's three other bathrooms.  Go back there and sit next to him and tell me he doesn't smell worse than this toilet.

I'd still fly around in C141s, C130s, KC10s and C17s if they'd let me.  

[Ramie]

Minnesota has what they call an Enhanced Drivers license that allows access into Canada while driving but if your flying you still need a passport.

[Kep]

We had passport photos taken at Walgreens , I'm sure there are others that provide this service. And they are exact size and specs that are required.