How Long Will It Take To Get A Passport To Go On Vacation
Because laws have changed recently in regards to passports, people are now getting them for the first time. The question most asked now is of course, "How long will it take to get a passport?" This is a very important question to have answered because if there is an upcoming trip that will not require a passport, things could get a little dicey.
First, it is important to note that passport applications have skyrocketed in recent years. This is not due to a spike in international travel, but is instead due to a new law that requires passports for land travel to border countries. The law, which went into effect on June 1st, 2009, made passports mandatory for travel between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada. Word of this law caused a spike in passport applications as early as 2006.
Before the process even starts, the applicant needs to make sure that they have what they can in order to expedite the process. A current passport photo is a must as well as a valid, government issued ID and proof of citizenship. If all of these items are together, it can make the early part of the process that much quicker.
As soon as everything has been gathered, the actual application for the passport can begin. Finding a local passport office is as easy as going on the Internet and most local post office can do passport processing. To avoid getting caught in a crowd, try and go at hours when the post office will not see a lot steady walk-in traffic.
Once the application has been approved by the application center, it is sent off for processing. This is the longest part of the application process. This is also the part of the application that worries most new applicants, as this part of the application has been known to take a great deal of time.
Today, the whole process is more efficient and worry free. Anyone that wants to go through normal channels can expect to get their passport in about two months. If that seems excessive, compare it to waiting over six months before these new laws went into effect. The entire process is much more efficient now.
If that time frame still does not work, there is actually an expedited service that is offered for $60. Anyone using this service will have their passport back to them in about two or three weeks. If this is still not quick enough, there are other services that cost a bit more, but the passport application literally gets pushed to the front of the pile.
