Passport

If you do not have a passport, apply today! It may take 6-8 weeks to obtain one and you need to have it at least 1 month before your travel date. Failure to act promptly on this could prevent you from traveling overseas on your summer mission trip .

To apply for a passport, appear in person at the nearest passport agency, county clerk’s office, or a specially designated post office (see travel.state.gov/passport for information and locations) with the following:

Certified copy of your birth certificate.

1. Two identical color passport photos (2″ x 2″).

2. Fee: $100 to $140 (16 years of age or older). Payment may be made with a personal check, money order, or bank draft.

If you already have a passport, make sure that it is valid at least through March 1st of next year.

Make sure you have signed your passport on the page that is opposite your photo. Please sign the passport exactly as your name appears on the passport.

If you have to renew your old passport, pick up a renewal form at your local post office and follow the instructions.

Get the process started right away! There are things you can do to expedite getting your passport if you need to. Some post offices will allow you to use express mail to send your application as well as receive it back from the passport office. There are also passport services available to help expedite the process for a reasonable fee. One is Visa Advisors: (202) 797-7976. The best advice is not to delay. Do it now!