Since I've never been anywhere out of the country, that necessitated that I procure a passport. I had heard from several people it could take months for one to come back, so I went immediately to the county clerk's office and asked for the requisite form. Once I had that, I saw I also needed my birth certificate. There was a pause on the phone from my dad when I called my parents and then he said, "Don't you have it?" Well, no! Like I would be calling if I did! And the hunt was on. They searched, I searched, we searched together, but no birth certificate.
Next stop was the health department to get a copy. More forms to fill out. The health department could give me a short form, but since I was using it to acquire a passport, I had to have the long form. Filled that out and sent it to the state, along with fifteen dollars, and waited a couple of weeks for it to arrive in the mail. After it arrived I was back in business. The form said that I needed to provide a photo. No big deal there, I went to a local pharmacy, where I stood in front of a white screen, smiled and an hour and twelve dollars later they gave me two small photos.
I gathered up my form, the pictures, and the birth certificate and away I went back to the clerk's office. They took the papers, made a copy of my driver's licence, and asked for $135 ($25 for them and $110 for the state department). Fortunately, they said that now getting a passport back only takes 3-4 weeks and I began the waiting game again. Four weeks on the dot my passport arrived in the mail. It was so exciting to open the envelope and see the slim blue book that proclaimed to the world that I was now officially ready to travel.
I read all of the accompanying literature and took the time to sign up for STEP-Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, just in case I got lost or stolen, and put the London embassy information in my phone. Last of all, I signed my passport, filled out the emergency contact information, and made copies. The state department recommends that you put the copies in a safe place separate from your passport when you travel.That way if your passport is stolen or lost you can present the copy to the embassy to help expedite the process.
Have Passport, will travel!!!
Here are a couple of helpful links:
U.S. Department of State Travel
U.S. Embassies
