Baby Passport turn around time?

[Anonymous]

Hi, My dd is 8 weeks old. We had an error on her birth certificate that we are getting fixed with the state of VA. My MIL is getting nervous because we have to get her a passport to go on a trip in May. I think there should be plenty of time to get the passport before then, considering they don't even want you to get infant photos 6 month prior to the trip because they look so different by then.

Anyone recently applied for a passport for their baby? How long did it take and should we expedite? Was it easy to go in to do?

We're in NoVa, if that makes a difference. I'm thinking we can all go downtown together to the passport office on 19th street to get our passports (mine has to be changed to my married name, baby needs one, dad's needs to be renewed).

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I applied for a passport for my 6 month old in August. When we applied, we were told that the 'official' turn around time was 4-6 weeks, but with babies it usually happens faster because there's nothing to investigate regarding criminal background checks, etc. so they told us to expect it in 2-3 weeks. Passport arrived in 10 days. We went to a passport center at a post office where they took the pics right there, which made the process so simple.

[Anonymous]

We just got my DD's passport in September, and it took about 2.5 weeks for it to arrive to us. We also applied in the post office. I was quite impressed.

[Anonymous]

We applied in June at a post office and we had it back in exactly one week - no expediting.

[Anonymous]

WOW. I'm shocked it was so quick! I'll look into the post office idea in NoVa.

Maybe I can even wait until Jan or Feb, when she'll look more like she will in May.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Where did you get the info that they "don't want infant photos 6 months prior to the trip"? Remember that your daughter's passport is good for five years -- so no matter when you take the picture, sooner or later she's going to look superficially different from her papers.

Many countries won't accept a passport that expires within 6 months of your entry date. But that's the only time-related factor I'm aware of. You may want to double-check on this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where did you get the info that they "don't want infant photos 6 months prior to the trip"? Remember that your daughter's passport is good for five years -- so no matter when you take the picture, sooner or later she's going to look superficially different from her papers.

Many countries won't accept a passport that expires within 6 months of your entry date. But that's the only time-related factor I'm aware of. You may want to double-check on this.

I got the 6 months info from the passport website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html. However, I'm not sure how accurate this website is! I was told you don't need a SS# for the passport and this page says you do. Confusing.

Special Requirements for Children Under Age 16 Minor Children must Apply in Person

Your photographs must be :

* 2x2 inches in size
* Identical
* Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
* Color
* Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
* Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
* Taken in normal street attire
* Uniforms should not be worn in photographs.
* Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline unless worn daily for religious purposes.
* If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
* Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.

[Anonymous]

We just received our daughter's in less than two weeks !
We are from Springfield.

[Anonymous]

If you come close to your trip dates, you can always do a walk in at the passport office. They turn it around within one day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where did you get the info that they "don't want infant photos 6 months prior to the trip"? Remember that your daughter's passport is good for five years -- so no matter when you take the picture, sooner or later she's going to look superficially different from her papers.

Many countries won't accept a passport that expires within 6 months of your entry date. But that's the only time-related factor I'm aware of. You may want to double-check on this.

I got the 6 months info from the passport website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html. However, I'm not sure how accurate this website is! I was told you don't need a SS# for the passport and this page says you do. Confusing.

Special Requirements for Children Under Age 16 Minor Children must Apply in Person

Your photographs must be :

* 2x2 inches in size
* Identical
* Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
* Color
* Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
* Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
* Taken in normal street attire
* Uniforms should not be worn in photographs.
* Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline unless worn daily for religious purposes.
* If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
* Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.

This means the photo must be taken within 6 months from the date you apply for the passport, not from the date you travel. Basing the requirement on the travel date would make no sense.

[Anonymous]

I applied for a passport for my infant and toddler this spring and paid to have it expediated (extra $60 a person) and did not receive it for 5 weeks (after I called the agency once a day for a week!!). They say the turn around time for expediated passports is supposed to be 2 -3 weeks - but don't trust it!

[Anonymous]

Out of curiosity....I'm going to be traveling with my 4 month old son..... is there any problem getting a passport quickly when they're so young?

[Anonymous]

We applied for a passport three weeks ago for our 2 year old. We got it last week. We did not expedite it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We applied for a passport three weeks ago for our 2 year old. We got it last week. We did not expedite it.

Same here.