Operation Stamped Up: Step One
- MoAndra Johnson
- Oct 1, 2017
- 3 min read
The first step to getting Stamped Up is getting a passport then we can start obtaining those stamps!
With a U.S passport you have the privilege of entering 150 countries, how awesome is that!
What is a passport stamp?
A passport stamp is a rubber stamp inked impression received in one's passport upon entering or exiting a country.
Now that you’ve taken the first steps on the road to being Stamped Up, patiently wait for your passport to arrive and stay tuned for more articles.
Step One: Apply in a timely manner
Hopefully you did not procrastinate in receiving your passport, but even if you did the information below will help you obtain it in time for your trip.
The cheapest way to obtain a passport is not procrastinating, you typically need 4-6 weeks prior to your trip to obtain a passport. Keep in mind that your passport must be processed and mailed to you. I would highly recommend applying for your passport at a Department of Passport State Agency, here’s a list of passport agencies by state.
If you’re in the routine time for obtaining a passport (4-6 weeks) you’ll just need to have $135 with your passport application.
Remember what I said about procrastination? Unfortunately, if you need your passport in less than 6 weeks you’ll have to pay an additional $60 expedite fee. Check out this info on expediting your passport.
Step Two: Properly filling out the application
The first part of the application asks you what type of passport do you need…
There are two types 1) Passport book and 2) Passport card.
I recommend you get a passport book. Oversea travel will require you to have a passport book. This costs $135 in total ($110 application fee and $25 execution fee for first-timers) for travelers 16 and older, and $105 ($80 application and $25 execution) for travelers under 16. In the US, passports issued for adults ages 16 and older are valid for 10 years. Children 15 years of age and under receive passports valid for 5 years. There are two primary exceptions to this rule: a second passport is valid for 2 years and an emergency passport is valid for 1 year.
Passport cards can only be used as a means for crossing the border by land or sea, but not by air the cost is $55 ($30 application fee and $25 execution fee) for travelers 16 and older, and $40 ($15 application and $25 execution) for travelers under 16. Any United States citizen over the age of 16 can apply for an adult passport card. Like passport books, adult passport cards remain valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
After deciding which passport option is best for you adventures…you’re ready to fill out the application! You can click the name of the application below to get a copy of the document
DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport (for all first-time applicants, all minors, and applicants who are not eligible to use the DS-82)
DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals (By Mail)
When your filling out the application, take your time in order to prevent errors.
Step Three: Get your documents in order!
This is the most important part of obtaining your passport. Learn from my mistakes because if your documentation is incorrect you can prolong your entire process. Instead of receiving your brand-new passport, you’ll only get mail on how to rectify your error with documentation or the application.
Documents needed are as follow:
Recent photograph: Photograph must meet passport requirements. I suggest you go to a location where they take passport pictures on site, look up sites like CVS or Walgreen's near you.
Proof of U.S citizenship: You’ll need to submit your original U.S. birth certificate (Don’t worry, you’ll get it back with you new passport.)
Proof of identity:
-Driver’s license
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
-Military identification
- Federal, state, or municipal government employee identification card.
By properly following these steps, you’ll be all set and on the way to getting Stamped Up!
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