Passports

Posted: Mon, Jun 11 2007, 2:26 pm Post subject: Passports

So we have an invitation for Succos IY"H to go to Mexico. We haven't made a final decision yet as to whether or not we're gonna go, it depends on DH's job. However, I need to get passports for my kids. Does anybody know how long it takes to get a new passport nowadays? I just read an article in Friday's paper that there's a 4 month backlog on processing passport applications!!! Is that true? If it is, would I get faster results from one of those Fastport Passport places and is it very expensive to go to them?

Did anyone apply through the conventional way, like the post office , and get a passport in less than 4 months??

Gold Member Joined: Apr 26 2007 Posts: 1223

Hmm, I think I applied for ds's passport in early Feb and got it around April 15. I know I applied for it after Jan 15 ...so that is still less than 4 months, although not much. For an extra $60, however, you can pay to have it expedited, which is gauranteed in 6 weeks.
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Posted: Mon, Jun 11 2007, 2:59 pm Post subject: re: Passports

Thanks, except it's $60 x 3 . $180 to expedite is pretty steep. I guess I 'll have to get on it ASAP if I want to have them by September 25th.

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18276

Expedited is about 8 weeks now...that's about $90 IIRC. I just did for the kids for August. Expedited can be done at the post office.
ALso, you can do regular, and them expedite it later if it's getting too close.
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Senior Member Joined: Feb 27 2007 Posts: 192

I just read a few days ago that the passport requirement for Mexico and Canada has been suspended because of the backlog. I will try to find a source for where I read that, but if I remember correctly, you just have to have proof that you submitted the passport application.

Edit to add link from the State Department. However, its probably not much help to you because this suspension only lasts until September 30 and Sukkot ends on October 5. But if you apply this week, there is still chance that you'd get the passports on time.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Platinum Member Joined: Jan 01 2006 Posts: 48139

you have to go with both parents to apply also.

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18276

Posted: Mon, Jun 11 2007, 3:55 pm Post subject: re: Passports

Yes momto3, I read that , too, but then I realized that we would be returning on the 7th of October, so I wonder if travel has to be completed by sept 30th or you can leave up until the 30th. I guess I will try to apply within the next 7 days, as I know that both parents and kids have to be there, which means missed work, missed hours from school, trying to juggle everybody's schedule...

Executive Member Joined: Mar 28 2007 Posts: 410

Anyone know if it's possible to renew an Israeli passport in one day in America?