Having never been out of the country before, I had to start my planning with the passport. Luckily, the State Department provides information online and downloadable forms to apply for your passport. You'll still have to venture out to get photos and submit your application, but they also helpfully provide a search page to help you find the closest place to do both.
To apply for your passport, you'll need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license and an official copy of your birth certificate. They'll take your birth certificate, but it will be mailed back to you with your passport. A new passport will cost $85. When I applied for mine at the Post Office, they wouldn't accept payment by credit card. I had to use a debit card, and purchase a postal money order, which was then used to pay for the passport.
They say it takes about 6 weeks, so plan ahead. I applied for mine on February 17, so it's been about 3 weeks so far. I'll report back when it actually arrives.
Posted by Gene at March 10, 2004 01:06 PMCraig and I applied for ours literally a week after September 11. Even with all the extra scrutiny, I don't think it took the full six weeks.
BTW, have I given you my full list of things to do in London yet?
Posted by: Mac on March 10, 2004 02:32 PM