Getting Ready: Passports

Preparations for an overseas mission effort can take months of advance planning in some areas, and that can include getting a passport for overseas travel from the United States government.

According to the State Department's website, "A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports."

The easiest way to get your passport is to apply at one of over 9,000 public places that accept passport applications. CLICK HERE to find the location nearest you. There is one each in Midland and Odessa, two in Big spring, and one each in several neighboring West Texas counties. CALL AHEAD ..... not every passport office is open the same days and hours as the courthouse or post office that houses it.

While information about applying for a passport is available online, and you can download an application form, you will - in many cases - need to present your application in person. In addition to that application form, you will need to provide acceptable documentation of your citizenship, and two photos of yourself. The government offers photo guidelines for use in having your own photographs taken ..... which might be a less-expensive alternative to having them done at the application office.

Which brings us to fees ..... the passport website reports that, for "Age 16 and older: The passport application fee is $67. The execution fee is $30. The total is $97" ..... for "Under Age 16: The passport application fee is $52. The execution fee is $30. The total is $82." The cost for renewing an existing passport is less. The cost of application could be more, though, if you ask for expedited processing, which costs $60 for each application.

"At this time," the passport website reports, "we are processing routine applications within four to six weeks of receipt. We are processing requests for expedited service within three weeks." While one hears horror stories in the news about people whose travel plans were postponed or cancelled due to a backlog of passport applications, you can avoid that by PLANNING AHEAD ..... avoid the rush, apply for your passport at the end of peak travel times - the vacation season, or the holiday season - rather than at the beginning. One of our team members applied in September of 2007, after the rush of summer vacation travel was over ..... there was no waiting in line to apply for the passport, and the applications were processed quickly and correctly.