My Passport

On October 4, 2006, the U.S. Government extended the deadline for Guests to obtain passports for Sea Travel to the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and Mexico. The deadline is now expected to be January 1, 2008. Please note, however, that recent legislative changes may permit an even later deadline depending on whether certain requirements are in place by January 1, 2008.

For Air Travel, however, the deadline is now January 23, 2007. This means that all travelers, including U.S. Citizens and all foreign nationals, traveling to the United States by air on or after January 23, 2007, such as Guests flying to Orlando, Florida from Canada, are still required to carry a valid passport after the effective date.

Despite these new requirements, we encourage you to obtain your passport as soon as possible. Having a passport allows you to always be prepared to travel wherever you wish, and offers an added measure of security when you're traveling.

When's the best time to get started? Right now!

When To Start
In general, the passport application process can take up to eight weeks to complete, so it's best to get started as soon as possible — even if your sailing is months away.

What You Need
You must appear in person at the passport location when you are applying for a passport for the first time. This includes minors

Here are the documents you will need in most cases:

1. The U.S. Government's DS-11 Application – Download the application from the government site to be certain you have the latest form.

Tip: You will need to complete this form, but do NOT sign it until you are at the passport location where the Passport Acceptance Agent will instruct you. If you sign the application form before you get there, it will not be accepted and you will be asked to fill out a new form!

Tip: Don't use white-out or correction tape on the application; you will be asked to fill out a new form.

2. Proof of Citizenship – Visit the US Government website for a list of acceptable proof of citizenship, including the particulars of what is considered a certified birth certificate.

Tip: Your certified birth certificate will be submitted with the passport application. That means you will not have it for approximately eight weeks. If you will need the certificate during that time — for example, to register your child to attend kindergarten or to play soccer — be sure to make a copy.

3. Current valid identification with a signature, photo and physical description (your height, weight, etc.) – Visit the government site for examples of valid identification.

Tip: A social security card is not considered valid identification.

4. Two current color photos – Visit the government site for the particulars of a passport photo, including size and acceptable attire.

Tip: Some passport locations offer photos at an additional charge. Call your location to find out.

5. Methods of Payment – Visit the US Government site for the methods of payment. Different locations accept different forms of payment. Be sure to check with your individual passport location to verify its acceptable methods of payment. You can request Expedited Service to obtain your passport faster than the normal processing time.

Where To Go
There are 14 Passport Agencies and over 7,000 public places that accept passport applications. To find the locations nearest to you, including locations that offer handicap access and photos on-site or nearby, enter your zip code in the form at the US Government site.

Tip: Be sure to contact your location to verify acceptable forms of payment, hours of operation, and need for an appointment.

Passports for Children under the Age of 14
To submit an application for a child under the age of 14, the child must appear in person. Visit the U.S. Government's information on passports for children and the U.S. Government's issue of Consent for an Application of a Minor for information on obtaining passports for children under the age of 14.

If your child is adopted abroad, we recommend you visit Child Citizenship for information on appropriate documentation requirements.

Tip: You must use a birth certificate that includes parents' names. The credit card-sized birth certificate you may have for your children may not include your names. You will need a certified birth certificate.

Renewing a Passport
You can renew your passport by mail or in person. Download U.S. Government's Renewal Form DS-82 and review the U.S. Government's information on renewing passports.