how do I get a passport

[rickyracer]

Might sound like a stupid Question. I never needed one before . how do I go about getting a passport.


Thanks Ricky

[darrylri]

You can get a passport at your nearby Post Office.

Where ya goin'?

[PAULBACH]

If you need photos the least expensive way to them is at AAA especially if you are a plus member - no charge.

If you are getting one to visit Canada the good news is you don't need a passposrt IF you are a US citizen. You will however need picture identification at the borders.

Canadian Border Crossing Requirements

[rickyracer]

I am going to vermont via canada. I still think I am going to get one just so I dont have any hassles



Thanks Ricky

[PeoriaMac]

They're right, it's easy. Walgreens or a number of places--if you're not a AAA member-- will take the photo. A birth certificate is a must these days, so plan accordingly. I'm not sure what the time delay between applying and getting one. It used to be six weeks....but for an extra fee it could be put on the "expedited list". Then again, I got mine pre-9/11.

Mac

[REBECCAV]

I still think I am going to get one just so I dont have any hassles

It is good to be prepared. I carry my passport and when I cross I ask the official which ID they would prefer. Sometimes they specify, sometimes they say "It doesn't matter"

I have been fortunate to have had VERY easy border crossings. I have never had a problem.

[RandallIsland]

It used to be six weeks....but for an extra fee it could be put on the "expedited list".

Still the same.

[BOKRIJDER]

A few years (11+-) ago while attempting to acquire a passport for my son, I discovered this, "Gotcha". Upon submitting the document package, I was informed that the "Birth Registration" document issued by the state at the time of my son's birth was not a "Birth Certificate" as required by the passport department. WTF ?? Anyway, lots of extra time and leg work. Passport dept. said that the problem was not uncommon.

Motard

[JOSH]

I applied for my first passport about 3 weeks ago. Only four post offices in my general area handle passports. The hardest part, other than paying all that money, was standing in the long post office line with only two PO workers. And one of them was doing only passports, with a family of 4 (2 children) in front of me. It took 50 minutes to process the family of 4. The post office was set up for taking your phot for a small fee. Getting copies of my birth certificate from NYC Department of Health was previuosly taken care of entirely over the internet, and took about 10 days. Soon I will be able to travel to either Mongolia, Zambia, or Canada

josh

[RINTY]

Ricky:

When you get to the Canadian border, just say to the officer: "I brought my passport, eh." You'll have no problems crossing.

Rinty

[Slablog]

YEP! A birth certificate and picture ID (license) works fine these days. Just be prepared to answer truthfully the questions about having alcohol or firearms with you. If they search your bags and DO find a gun, your in deep doo-doo.

[goferu]

Assult weapons are frowned upon..LMAO...But just be honest...lol....and look contrite...Of course have your birth certificate with you...at least it will show that what is standing before them is legitimate....

[Fritzc]

I live in Michigan and go to Canada often. I have never been asked to see a birth certificate. Actually I've never been asked to see anything. Who lugs around a birth certificate? This topic comes up every year and I think it is a moot point. However, It could be extremely inconvenient to not have one with you if needed. Years ago I used to carry around spare clutch cables, spare brake cables, spare tire tubes, headlight & taillight bulbs, first aid kits, cooking supplies, tool kits etc. etc. until I had hardly any room for my clothes, camping gear, camera gear, shaving supplies, cell phone and other stuff that I really DID need and used all the time. I quit carrying all that emergency equipment around and bought the Platinum membership in in the MOA. Anything happens I'll just dial up the nearest dealer and Motel 6!

[montauk]

Ricky, I'd say you can't go wrong with having a passport. It's more like carrying a Visa credit card. I travel to Canada, and always carry one.

BTW, you got an idea when you'd be going. I actually am now looking at going through WI and staying in Sudbury for a night then visit a friend in Ottawa.

I'm sure when the time comes close, we'll have quite a few people going through WI and Sault. Ste. Marie. I've got my route kinda layed out.

What are you riding... RT/GS/K ... or a cruiser?

[cjack]

A few years (11+-) ago while attempting to acquire a passport for my son, I discovered this, "Gotcha". Upon submitting the document package, I was informed that the "Birth Registration" document issued by the state at the time of my son's birth was not a "Birth Certificate" as required by the passport department. WTF ?? Anyway, lots of extra time and leg work. Passport dept. said that the problem was not uncommon.

Motard

I found that out about the birth certificate. They sent me a passport good for only one year until I sent them the right form of birth proof. It has to be a filed and certified copy from a government office. I got mine over the internet from the City of Chicago...I forget which agency...division of something.
Anyway, it's worth having a passport besides Canada. You might want to fly to Tuscany or somewhere...or ride in the Alps.