EXPEDITE PASSPORT
 

I booked a trip for myself and my 17yo son to visit Costa Rica for his spring break. I am not a savy traveler (only been out of the country twice) and I recall being told some time ago that a minor traveling with a parent only needed ID and a birth certificate...I've since found out that is very wrong! I was able to contact the Dept. of State, here in Chicago and secure an appointment for Monday, 4/13. I was briefed on the necessary documentaton & proof of travel required to expedite my request. The only problem is that the non-refundable flight departs 4/15. Do I stand a chance of getting it the same day through the Dept of State? Are there any other options?

There is nothing on the Department of State website that indicates you would be able to get a passport that quickly, even with expedited service. It is worth a call to the passport info number (on Dept of State website) to check - you may be making the trip to passport office for nothing.

As a minor your son will also need notarized documentation from his mother to travel abroad. This is true even if you have full legal custody or even if you and his mother are married - the key is that she is not with him when he leaves the country. They may or may not ask for this, but people have been turned away for not having this. If by some chance his mother is deceased, you should bring proof of that as well.

But the passport is your biggest problem. Will not beat you up about not planning ahead - I am sure you have done that enough to yourself.

Also wondering another thing - I am hoping you are not a troll - as I just checked and this is your first and only post. Wondering how a not savy traveler found this site?

Gail,

Not sure I understand...a troll? Should I be insulted?

I got so distracted by your last post, I didn't thank you for your advice. I am the mother and according to the rep on the dept of state cust service line I won't need his dad's approval, but I will take it just in case. I would much rather have it and not need it.

BTW... I've never been referred to as a troll, as a matter of fact I'm considered pretty cute in most circles. LOL

OP (that stands for original poster) - I was not trying to offend. And I have no idea why I thought you were Dad and not Mom - that is my mistake.

First, it is not the passport people who will need Dad's approval - once a child is over 13 one does not need to present proof of other parent's approval for a passport. The parental approval refers to permission to leave the country with a minor. That would happen at the airport. This is all in an attempt to prevent international parental abductions. I have traveled several times internationally with my dtr - and while never asked for a letter from my husband/her father, they have twice grilled my daughter (in a pleasant conversational style) about nature and purpose of our trip and where Dad was. (Did Dad have to work? Why doesn't he get to go to Bermuda with you?) My mother went to Bahamas with our dtr and WAS asked for paperwork proof to leave the country with her.

A troll is a poster/person who starts a thread that might incite some controversy - and on this board that could be whether ornot the sky is blue. Most often a troll does this on their first posting here. Not sure of origin of term - I have always thought it was like "trolling for fish". Those of us who spend way too much time on this board have self-appointed ourselves as troll and advertiser police - and we are often too vigilant in that task and really should get off the computer and go to work!

Sorry if I offended - and I sincerely hope that you and your son get to go on this trip. My 2 kids are a little older but it is a wonderful thing when they still want to travel and be seen with us at that age.

No problem. I wasn't offended. Again, I thank you for the insight. I will be sure to post and let you know how things turn out so that others can benefit from my experience.

The secretary at our school went to Chicago to get her passport. She had already applied for it but it had not come and her departure date was extremely close.

She was able to get it that same day, but she had already applied, I don't know if that made a difference or not. Good luck and I hope your son is able to get his passport.

windy - a couple of things.

The issue of the passport is totally separate from the authorization letter/separate ID. Anyone traveling outside the country needs a passport - even a minor (there may be exceptions to this, but I'm not aware of any). As much as anything, you need it to get back in.

The authorization letter from the other parent (whether current or ex) is to avoid the situation where a government official (in US or elsewhere) suspects a child is being taken out of the country involuntarily/"kidnapped". Few people end up needing such a letter, but it's strongly advised to have it.

As for the passport, I do know of situations where people have been able to get them the same day. It can be a real hassle and can costs extra, but it can be done in some circumstances. Often it depends on where you live, but Chicago should be doable. I agree with the comment that I'd call the passport office in Chicago TODAY and ask about the process.

Good luck.

Yes, if you already have an appointment, you should be able to get the passport on the same day. Arrive as early as you can and expect to stand in line.

Your son must appear with you in person, of course. You'll have to pay extra expediting fees, and don't forget to some with passport photos in hand as well as the documentation.

Yes, you will need a notarized letter from your son's father giving him permission to travel to Costa Rica. You will need this document in order to board the plane, both coming and going. It's very likely that you will be asked to produce it, but there's a chance you will not. Definitely have it on hand and be ready to produce it.

Windy - forgot to mention. Take documents proving you have an "emergency", such as your airline tickets, copies of itinerary, hotel reservations, etc. Some agents/reps will want to verify that you have a real reason to expedite the process.

You already have your appointment, but there's a new passport office in Detroit that is empty because no one knows about it yet. A good alternative for people in western Michigan or Indiana who can't get an appointment in Chicago. The <i>Detroit Free Press</i> article is here- http://tinyurl.com/dlw9nn

If you have an appointment at the passport office (not sure what you mean by the Dept of State) for an emergency passport you can get it the same day. But it must be booked as a "same day" appointment. Make sure that it is. (If this is not booked as a "same day" appointment there is no chance of your getting it in time. And be prepared to wait there for most of the day while it is processed.

Also, he must be with you. Be sure you have pictures of the appropriate size, his original (not copy but original with state seal) birth certificate and picture ID.

Agree you also need a notarized letter from his other parent giving permission for him to leave the country.

There is no need for the other parent's permission for a 17-year old -- For 16- and 17- year olds applying for passports, see:
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport...nors_4313.html

As everyone said, the need for the other parent's permission does not pertain to getting the passport, it pertains to traveling with a minor outside the country.

Great News! I was able to get everything taken care of today. I don't have it in hand, bu it will be ready anytime after 10AM. The reason for this is because our flight isn't for a few days and they had people waiting with more dire situations than ours.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, but according to the young lady processing our paper-work if a person has proof of emergency travel (same day or next day before noon)they should show up as early as possible,but no later than noon, with or without a booked appointment and the passport can be issued on the same day.

Clarification- The same day issuance cut-off time is noon and the travel documentation has to reflect a flight leaving on that day or prior to noon the following day.

Glad it turned out OK - hope this serves as a warning to everyone to just deal with the cost and get a passport now. Maybe your anxiety and aggravation will have saved a few others from the same.

Now, you must post a trip report - but somehow reference it here - maybe as a response to this email - since many of us would not regularly check the appropriate board.

Thanks Citylights for the Detroit passport info! I've always had the fear of having to hightail it to Chicago for the day if my passport was eaten by a racoon or something. (Yes, I actually have such irrational fears) It is comforting to know that now an emergency passport is just a short drive away!

Windycity - I hope you did write a letter from your spouse and have it notarized before your travel!!! Both me and my parents were asked for one when taking my children to Canada. Luckily we had one. Just write up a little note saying you have permission to travel internationally alone with your child and have your spouse sign it in front of a notary.