Who should get a passport? Well, I believe everyone should have a passport. You just don't know when either business or pleasure will cause you to need to travel overseas. Although it isn't a pleasant thought, an emergency or death involving friends or family outside the U.S. may also result in a need to travel. Even people traveling to Mexico and Canada now need proof of citizenship, and a passport fulfills that requirement.
Obtaining a passport in Phoenix can take more than six weeks from the time you apply, so if there's absolutely any chance that you will leave the U.S., you should get a passport well before any anticipated travel to avoid the stress of a last minute crisis.
You can obtain a passport application at many locations around the greater Phoenix area. Here are some general tips about passports for U.S. citizens. Keep in mind that everyone's situation or circumstance may be unique, and a call to the passport office in that case is your best bet.
Passport Tips
1. Do I have to apply for a passport in person?You must apply for a passport in person if
- This is the first time you are applying for a passport, and you are a US citizen.
- Your passport is lost or stolen.
- Your passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
Passport forms can be obtained from the City Clerk's Office of the city in which you reside, designated Post Office locations, clerks of court, county/municipal offices, or travel agencies. You can see a set of local links for various cities in the Phoenix metro area below. You can also check online at the U.S. Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page.
3. What do I need to get a passport?
For a first time application, you must bring the application, proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity two passport photos, and the fee. You can check here to find out what the acceptable forms of proof and I.D. are. Some places where you apply for the passport might not take credit cards, so bring your checkbook or cash just in case. The fee for a passport is around $100. You must also have a Social Security number.
4. I have a passport that will expire soon. How do I renew it?
If you are just renewing your passport and it was issued less than fifteen years ago, obtain a DS-82 Form. You must complete the form in black ink. The instructions for completion and mailing are located on the back of the form.
5. My name has changed. How do I change it on my passport?
If you already have a passport but your name has been legally changed, you can get a new passport by following these instructions.
6. Can I take the passport photo with my own camera?
It used to be that you had to go to an 'official' passport photo store to get an acceptable passport photo. That's still probably the safest and easiest way to go, but other options are now available. Still, you just can't snap a photo with your disposable camera, or take a digital picture of yourself and print it out, and assume it will be accepted. If you are determined to take these pictures yourself, here are the photography guidelines.
7. Can I download passport forms from my computer?
Passport application forms are available online. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully.
8. I need my passport sooner than 6-10 weeks. Can I get it faster?
If you need a passport within 2 weeks, you must apply at the San Francisco Passport Agency.
To apply at the Agency, you must schedule an appointment by calling toll-free at 1-877-487-2778, 24 hours/day. There will be an extra fee for this service.
9. I have an emergency. Can I get my passport in less than 2 weeks?
If you need a passport in less than two weeks, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Warning: a business meeting is not an emergency--we're talking about life or death emergencies.
10. Should I use a passport service to get my passport?
There are many passport service companies that say they will assist you with obtaining a passport. If they are charging you a fee for the service, make sure it isn't something that you can do without their help. An example of when you might need the help of a service would be for a rush passport, where you can't travel to a regional office.
After you get your passport, make sure you keep it in a safe place where it won't be lost or destroyed. If you don't travel often, your safe deposit box might be a good place for it. Make a few copies of your passport. Keep one in your checked luggage when you travel, and keep one with a friend or relative that can be reached at home in case yours is lost or stolen while you are traveling.
Phoenix Area Passport Offices
ChandlerGlendale
Peoria
Phoenix, Clerk of the Superior Court
Scottsdale
About the photo...did you know that passports now feature images of famous U.S. landmarks and symbols in their pages? Page 4, the very first page after the identification/photo and signature pages, is the Personal Data and Emergency Contact page. On that page you'll see Arizona's mighty saguaros!
