Jet-Setting with Kids: The Dos and Don'ts of Passport Applications

Are you dreaming of taking your little ones on an international adventure? I know I sure am! But before we can jet off to some far-off land, we need to make sure everyone's passports are up-to-date. Coming at you with the pro-tips for how to get through this process as painlessly as possible.

You may have seen the recent news, passport processing times are experiencing some major delays, with a huge surge in people looking to get out of town this year after being cooped up for the last few years. The State Department is currently estimating 6 to 8 weeks for routine service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited (check current processing times for U.S. Passports). And that's not even including mailing time! So, if you're planning on taking an international trip this year, officials and travel experts recommend getting your application in sooner rather than later.

What do I need to apply for my child's passport?

First things first, let's talk about applying for a passport for the first time. If you're applying for a child under the age of 16, both parents (or guardians) need to be present during the application process (if that really isn't possible, the parent or guardian who cannot be present can submit this notarized consent).

• Fill out a DS-11 form
• Provide proof of your child's citizenship (such as a birth certificate), and bring along a photo ID for both parents. Bring the originals and photocopies of front and back of these official documents.
• Provide passport photo
• Bring the right form of payment for the fees - check or money order. No credit or debit cards are accepted for the application and special fees! Passport fees

Did you know that passports for kiddos under 16 are only valid for five years? And boy, does that time fly. Here's the catch - you have to "renew" in person until they're old enough to apply for an adult passport that's valid for 10 years. There's no shortcut, you basically are applying for a new passport for them each time.

When do I need to renew my passport?

Are you ready for a not-so-fun fact? If you thought you still had plenty of time before renewing your passport, maybe you do, or maybe you don't! It's recommended that you renew your passport approximately nine months before it expires.

Certain countries require passports to remain valid for up to six months after travel. And some airlines won't let you board if you don't meet this requirement. So, to avoid any last-minute stress, make sure you check the expiration date on your passport and renew it in a timely manner. Your future jet-setting self will thank you for it!

For adults, if your passport has expired within the last 5 years, you can renew by mail.

• Fill out the DS-82 form
• Submit your most recent passport
• Include name change documents (if needed)
• Include passport photo
• Get that check or money order
• Mail it in

But if it's been longer than 5 years, you'll need to apply in person using the guidelines for new passport applications above.

Pro Tips for Applying for Passports With Kids

We're all busy, right? So, what can we do to make the process a little smoother?

Make an appointment: If you're applying for a child's passport, I highly recommend making an appointment instead of just walking in. It'll save you time and headaches, trust me. We waited in line at the post office for hours with our newborn and saw people get turned away once they reached capacity. Don't make that mistake!

Print your passport photo at home: Forget about those stuffy photo studios - we've got an app for that! This passport photo app will have you looking picture-perfect in no time. And the best part? You can print it right from the comfort of your own home or send it along to your same day print shop like CVS.

You might be thinking, "But what about the perfect lighting and backdrop?" Fear not, all you need is a flat white surface or a blank wall for your little ones to stand in front of. Just make sure they're about four feet away from the camera and facing it straight on. And don't worry, smiles are allowed, but keep the pose neutral. And just like that, you'll have a passport photo ready to go! So, grab your phone and start snapping those perfect shots!

Better yet, have the post office take your photos: When you're scheduling your appointment, some locations will indicate that they can take photos for you and print them on the spot. Can't beat that for convenience.

Make sure you have all your documents in order: This probably goes without saying, but it really slows you down if you come unprepared so triple check before heading to the post office or passport acceptance facility.

Final tip, pay the extra fee for expedited service: It may seem like a lot of money, but it could be the difference between making your dream trip or having to cancel. If you're really in a bind, you can try contacting your local representative's office to see if they can help expedite the process.

So, there you have it! Applying for and renewing passports may not be the most glamorous part of travel, but it's a necessary one. And with a little bit of planning and patience, we can make sure our families are ready to jet off on our next adventure. Happy travels!