what is the process for getting a passport or passport card at the post office?

Question

how much is it? do they do the pictures there? what if someone is unsure of their deceased parents info? how long does it take to come back? what is the difference between a passport card and a passport... im never going to fly out of the country so wouldnt it be better to get the card? im unsure about all of this so any of your help would be awesome! thanks.

Answer 1

This web site for the US Passport Office has all of the information you need, including the passport application that you can print and submit. http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html



The process in simple terms:



-Print off the passport application from the web site above.

-Have two passport photos taken; at many travel agencies or an AAA office.

Submit/mail your application to the Passport office along with the required 2 photos and the application fee of $100 for an adult passport, include an original or certified copy of your birth certificate.

Processing takes about 4 weeks. You can request and pay for expedited service of about a week; its explained on the web site.



Differences:



The passport card is $45 vs $100 for a passport book.

The Passport card is good for land border crossing between the US, Canada, and Mexico and sea cruise border crossings in the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport is acceptable everywhere.



Both are good for 10 years; the passport renews for $75, the passport card for $20 : http://travel.state.gov/pdf/ppt_pptCard.pdf



Regardless of which you apply for you will still have to submit the exact same documentation; photos, proof of citizenship and proof of identity. SO the bottom line is which is more convenient and conveniently priced for you.

Answer 2

Use the site below. It tells you everything you need and you can print out the form to use. When you have your documents together and the form ready, and have gotten your photos at Walgreens or a similar place, you take them all to the post office to submit them. See 2nd site to find the nearest place to your home to submit your application. You do NOT go to the U.S. embassy to apply for a passport. A passport card can be used only for land travel in North America and sea travel in the Caribbean region. It can NEVER be used to fly. There is no need at all to get a passport card. You need to get a passport book that you can use to travel anywhere by any means. The cost of a passport book is $135.00. Standard processing rakes 4 to 6 weeks and expedited with express mail service takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Answer 3

I think you are referring to whats called the 'Identity & Passport Service'.



Its governened and controlled by the Home Office itself and yes you can go to a Post Office and fill out forms and have validation checks carried out with authentication procedures in place to make sure you are who you say you are etc.



The Post Office allows you to fill in forms for new Passports, renewal of passwords or in some cases replacement of passport should you happen to lose one.





There is a small fee to pay by the way, about £8-10 depending on your Post office.

Answer 4

Wow what a great question I was thinking about the same thing.

Thanks for asking it save me quite a bit of time.

The THE TINKERTOY 1 and ONLY, answer was outstanding he knows his stuff!

GOD BLESS!!!