ninasdream

I I have been vascillating on whether to take a Caribbean cruise in the second week of December, due to tentative plans & invitations. Think I have arranged my schedule so I can go 12/9 - 12/17. I just realized that when I didn't take one last year, I also didn't renew my passport. Of course, I have to renew it anyway. But now I would really have to run get a photo done tomorrow, print the ap and get it sent on Sat. if I expect to go anywhere in 2012.

How long do you think it will take to get a renewal for my passport in November? The passport website says 4-6 weeks, people on Fodors reported getting it in 2 weeks in mid-October via regular ground mail. I will be paying for a trackable 8 x 10 envelope anyway. Should I send it 2 day/overnight,? pay the passport ap $60 expedite fee, and/or $12 Overnight return? Do I need the expedited services? Did I cut it too close?

Also does anybody get the Passport Card?

Thanks as always for your feedback.

RoamsAround

No one can give you any guarantees but lately the renewal has been pretty quick with an average turnaround time of 2 to 3 weeks. At this late date (you have less than a month) I'd pay extra for expedited service and get your passport back in a much shorter time - why take the risk and have to cancel your vacation because you didn't get your passport back "in time"? You know what they say about Murphy's Law - if something can go wrong, it will.

ninasdream

thanks Roams.

schmerl

I agree. I got mine back in two weeks but there are no guarantees.
I wouldn't waste money on the passport card unless you are never going to fly out of the US again.

JeanH

I got the passport card, and, carry it as ID when I'm outside the US.

Dayenu

Passport card doesn't work for all countried, double-check if it's OK for Caribbean, also you cannot fly with it, it's only for land crossing.