So I have been thinking about getting a passport so I will be able to travel and so forth. I was just wondering if it was difficult getting one or a hassle for those in the states, how long does it usually take after submitting all the material. I also wonder if they will take a copy of my birth certificate or does it have to be the original copy?

I went to this website:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html

I filled all the information online then printed off the form(s) so I could go from there. Also I am just curious to see how many TL'ers have a Passport.

Poll: Do you have a Passport?
(Vote): Yes
(Vote): No

ShadowDrgn

United States2497 Posts

February 23 2009 08:11 GMT

It's hassle free, or at least it was back when I first got mine years ago. I actually haven't been able to find mine in awhile and should probably file the paperwork to get another one before I actually need it. It was going to expire soon anyway.

GHOSTCLAW

United States17042 Posts

February 23 2009 08:15 GMT

I actually need to get mine renewed...But I guess that I do have one.

LosingID8

CA10824 Posts

February 23 2009 08:57 GMT

yes but it expired in 2007 LOL

it only takes a few weeks.

krazymunky

United States727 Posts

February 23 2009 09:23 GMT

i have 2 passports muahaha

micronesia

United States24495 Posts

February 23 2009 11:36 GMT

I've had mine most of my life... it's a great source of ID when people are being pains in the asses that you need good ID. I'll also need it for the Bahamas.

Nowdays it doesn't take too long to get it. There was a phase where lots of places tightened up a few years ago, and everyone rushed to get passports at once. This led to long waits of several months... but that's over now.

T.O.P.

Hong Kong4685 Posts

February 23 2009 13:13 GMT

On February 23 2009 18:23 krazymunky wrote:
i have 2 passports muahaha

Same. HK + USA passport. I'm actually surprised that so many Americans don't have a passport. So many Americans have never been outside America.

Itachii

Poland12466 Posts

February 23 2009 13:56 GMT

I do have, since like 10 years.
And it expires in this one ~.~

Nytefish

United Kingdom4282 Posts

February 23 2009 14:14 GMT

Oh I always thought you had to get a passport. I suppose everyone I know has travelled or is from abroad. I think I'm eligible for a HK ID card, since I was born before a certain year and my parents have ID cards.

Ingenol

United States1328 Posts

February 23 2009 15:20 GMT

#10

It is a hassle but basically you just have to get all the things together. Triple check you have absolutely everything you need (right down to the check for however much it is, they normally don't take cash/credit) then check several more times because you'll have to go wait in line for quite a while. After submitting everything you just sit back and it shows up in the mail a few weeks later.

Just don't do what I did and actually throw your passport out. I had to go through the whole process again to get another one

barth

Ireland1272 Posts

February 23 2009 17:33 GMT

#11

No, but I dont need it inside of EU, so w/e.

QuanticHawk

United States32026 Posts

February 23 2009 17:43 GMT

#12

Yes, make sure you do it ahead of time of whereever you go, since it takes a few weeks. My friend almost torpedoed our vacation to Mexico two years ago because he went to get it about a week before. He had to drive into NYC and wait like 3 hours to get it on line.

krazymunky

United States727 Posts

February 23 2009 17:58 GMT

#13

On February 23 2009 22:13 T.O.P. wrote:

Show nested quote +

Same. HK + USA passport. I'm actually surprised that so many Americans don't have a passport. So many Americans have never been outside America.

i have a canadian and american passport.
also have a HKID card but thats not really a passport. Im eligible for a HK passport but i think i would have to drop one of my other citizenships

LuMiX

China5757 Posts

February 23 2009 17:59 GMT

#14

Had one for a long time. Used it recently when I went to Philippines and Hong Kong during winter break.

Mastermind

Canada7096 Posts

February 23 2009 19:09 GMT

#15

I have had one since I as about 7 or 8. Its a hassle to get, and the process takes awhile to go through, but it is nice to have one so you can travel.
I recently go mine renewed.I found the strangest part of the whole process is getting your picture. They dont want you to smile at all. Mine is also quite dark, I almost look middle eastern, but I am actually white. Its a terrible picture, but they will refuse a good picture. I dont get it.

Cambium

United States16368 Posts

February 23 2009 19:29 GMT

#16

Had one since I was 11.

Mine is so colourful atm

Wala.Revolution

7579 Posts

February 23 2009 19:31 GMT

#17

On February 23 2009 22:13 T.O.P. wrote:

Show nested quote +

Same. HK + USA passport. I'm actually surprised that so many Americans don't have a passport. So many Americans have never been outside America.

I understand (somewhat) those who never have been outside US, as it is quite wide.

But, I heard that 50% of Rhode Islanders never have been outside the state...

On topic: I do, since I was 4 or 5.