How to Renew or Get Your Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide (From Booked and Beyond)
- beyondtravelwellne
- Oct 1, 2024
- 3 min read
Is your passport ready for your next adventure? If not, don’t worry! Last week, my friend Tasha and I held each other accountable to renew our passports, and the process was easier than we thought! So, whether you're applying for your first passport or renewing an expired one, here’s how you can do it—stress-free! 💼✈️
Why You Should Get or Renew Your Passport Now
Having a valid passport opens up a world of travel opportunities, and it's essential for international trips. Whether you're planning a relaxing vacation or a business trip abroad, renewing or getting your passport now ensures you’re travel-ready. With wait times sometimes taking weeks, it’s best to plan ahead, especially if you're looking to expedite the process like we did.
Our Passport Renewal Journey 🛂
Here’s how we tackled the process in a few simple steps. Trust me, it wasn’t as overwhelming as it sounds!
Start with the Application The first step is filling out your passport application. Whether you’re renewing or applying for the first time, you can fill out the form online and print it or fill it out by hand. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html
Get a Passport Photo Next, head to our nearest photo service to get passport photos. It cost $18.18, but prices can vary depending on where you go. Pro tip: Make sure your photo meets all the specific guidelines, like the size, background, and no glasses! It’s a small detail but crucial to getting your application approved.
Money Orders for Passport Fees When renewing your passport, you’ll need to pay the fees, typically via money order or a personal check. I decided to go all out and get both the passport book and card. Fees for these vary, but it’s a worthy investment for all your future travels.
If you're interested in both, the passport book allows international travel by air, and the card is useful for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Submitting Your Application I opted for expedited service (because who likes waiting?!), and that was an additional fee of $60.00. Once everything was in order, I sent my application via priority mail, making sure it was tracked. You want to know where that crucial document is at all times! 📦
You can mail your application or submit it at a passport acceptance facility, such as your local post office.
Track the Progress After sending the application, we kept an eye on the status. You can track your application on the U.S. Department of State website. For us, it wasn’t too bad of a wait considering we expedited the service.
Tips for a Smooth Passport Process
Double-check everything: Any mistakes can delay your application.
Choose expedited service if you’re in a rush (or have upcoming travel plans).
Keep track of your documents: Especially when sending your application by mail, make sure to use priority or certified mail so you can track it.
Ready to Renew or Get Your Passport?
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or preparing for your first trip, getting your passport ready is the first step to ensuring a smooth journey. If you’re looking for more tips, or need assistance with any step in the process, feel free to reach out to us at Booked and Beyond! We’re here to help you make your travel dreams a reality. 🌍✈️
Stay Travel Ready with Booked and Beyond
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