by Tesla Bethel
Lantern Staff
Since I am planning a trip to Greece this summer, many of you might know that one of the most important steps in international travel is to get a passport. Now some might already have one, but amajority of people probably have no clue of how to get one.
According to the U.S Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, getting a passport takes time and money. Although the more money spent, the less the wait time. In order to apply for a passport, one must apply in person. The form can be printed out online and filled out, but it must be turned in personally. You can do this at local post offices, Wichita State University, and even the Andover public library. If this is one’s first time applying for a passport, then one must use the form D-11. However, if that person is simply needing a renewal, one would fill out the DS-82 form.
Once the form is filled out, make sure not to sign the application. This will need to be signed when the acceptance agent informs one to do so. One must also know their Social Security number and provide proof of citizenship. This includes one of the following: a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship or even consular report of birth abroad.
After proof of citizenship is located, they must be photocopied front and back. If not handed in, the application process will be delayed, and considering standard processing takes approximately six weeks or two months, this can drag out the approval process. Unless they want to pay extra to have it expedited, it is highly recommended one complete this step.
Next the applicant must present a photo I.D., which can be a valid driver’s license, a military I.D, a government I.D or even a foreign passport. Then, like with the proof of citizenship, one must also bring a front and back photo copy of the chosen form of identification. This is only step five, and many probably never imagined it would take so much preparation.
After that is taken care of, one must present a passport photograph. There are strict requirements on the photograph, and considering some passport application locations do not have the ability to take the picture at that location, it may require that they go to the nearest Walgreens. There, one can take a passport picture for around $10. This is the same price it would cost to take the picture at Wichita State University which is also an application office.
Once all that work is done, it’s time to pay. The passport book itself costs $110, if they want a passport card it’s $30, making $140 for both. Add the execution fee of $25 with the photograph fee of $10. The overall cost for a passport with a book and card is around $175.00.
Expensive yes, but it’s worth it. Money spent on travelling is money well spent. That is at least in my book.