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Kids and Passports
Don't Leave Home Without Them
By Donna Smith
"It was a pain in the butt trying to get photos of the kids for their passport applications," says Scott Tunney, a father of three from Fort Collins, Colo. "Everyone can photograph adults, but most places have fixed-focus Polaroid cameras and they can't get close enough to the little ones to get their heads big enough, yet still in focus. It wasn't until our fourth stop that we found a camera shop with a digital camera that could zoom in on the kids. If you have children, call around first until you find a place with an adjustable-focus camera."
"Passport agencies around the country tend to have extremely long lines during the busiest months of the year [January to July]," Boughman says. "So it's best for most people to apply through a court or post office at least three months prior to their intended departure."
Citizens can apply for passports in person at over 4,500 locations nationwide, including many courts, post offices, libraries and municipal offices.
The 13 official passport agencies, which are located in Boston; New York; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Miami; Chicago; San Francisco; Los Angeles; Seattle; New Orleans; Houston; Honolulu; and Charleston, primarily serve only those who are departing urgently (in less than 21 days) and appointments are required. Those leaving on an emergency trip should apply in person at the narest agency, and present tickets or an airline-generated itinerary, in addition to the other required items. There is an added fee per application fee for expedited service.
Want to see more?
- Passport, Please: Everything You Need to Know About Passports
- Immunizing Children for International Travel: Exploring the World Safely with Your Children
- A Baby Abroad: International Travel with Infants
- Globe Trotting: Gaining a Deeper Sense of Family Through Travel
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