[DaSpence]

Anyone know what the process is like and how long it takes? I need to get one and I found the paperwork on the GOV website but since im in Iraq I cant submit it because I need to go to a passport office back in MA...If I were to fill out the form and give it to my wife could she submit it for me if I gave her the picture and everything?

[97BladeRider]

I hope you're prepared to wait. It took 17 weeks for mine. The huge is backlog is due to everyone who's traveling to Canada, Mexico, and the islands who may need a passport now.

The easiest thing to do is head to a post office, You can do everything there and they send it for you.

Things you'll need:

• The fee ($97, check, money order, or credit card[at some POs])
• A CERTIFIED copy of your birth (N C H S - Where to Write for Vital Records - Massachusette)
• Other ID (driver's license, military, ID, etc...)
• 2 of the required size photo (CVS does them for $8)

The PO has a service charge for doing the app, but it's the best way to ensure that every T is crossed and every I is dotted. 17 weeks is a long time to wait, you wouldn't want to make it longer by forgetting something in your application.

However, you wife won't be able to do this for you since you need to sign the form.

So, do all of the above. Since anyone can obtain a certified copy of anyone else's birth records (tell me this isn't stupid?) your wife can get one for you and send it to you. Then you'll need 2 IDENTICAL photos, as described in the requirements:

* 2x2 inches in size
* Identical
* Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
* Color
* Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
* Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
* Taken in normal street attire
o Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily.
o Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline.
o If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
o Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.

[rjh200]

Originally Posted by DaSpence

Anyone know what the process is like and how long it takes? I need to get one and I found the paperwork on the GOV website but since im in Iraq I cant submit it because I need to go to a passport office back in MA...If I were to fill out the form and give it to my wife could she submit it for me if I gave her the picture and everything?

I don't know if there is some way your wife could submit it, but I do not think so. I would however think that the Military should be able to help you with that. There has to be a way to apply while deployed. Let me look around and see what I come up with.

[capt1014]

It takes about 2 months to get a passport processed.

[DaSpence]

Great thanks...



...Im so fucked

[Jaynnus]

I have heard of people waiting up to 6 months lately.

+1 on the military providing assistance...

[97BladeRider]

Originally Posted by capt1014

It takes about 2 months to get a passport processed.

try 4

[rjh200]

Originally Posted by Jaynnus

I have heard of people waiting up to 6 months lately.

+1 on the military providing assistance...

Alright so according to the kid I just talked to on the phone there is no way you can apply from overseas. Now I just can't accept that as being true so I would say talk to some people over there and see what they can do.

[DaSpence]

When I came back from leave in June I was telling my command that I was planning on going to france with my wife in December for christmas and new years when we were done with this deployment and they said that I could get it done in Bahgdad but the problem is I dont think my unit is going to let me fly to Bahgdad for that sole purpose and leave my team without a gunner for a week(it takes forever to travel here). I'll try and see if any of the higher ranking that I work with has any ideas. Thanks everyone for the quick responses.

[nefarious]

Photoshop?

[Ćheese]

Tell them you want it expedited. They'll charge you extra but you'll get it in time. Oh, if they want a date of travel for the expedite, you may want to pad it by a month so you don't stress out waiting for it to show the week before you leave.

[SEVENSGT]

Originally Posted by 97BladeRider

I hope you're prepared to wait. It took 17 weeks for mine. The huge is backlog is due to everyone who's traveling to Canada, Mexico, and the islands who may need a passport now.

My wife paid the extra fees and got hers in less then 3 weeks, she was sworn in, went to the post office, paid over $150 the 2nd week of june and we had her passport before July 10th

[bbhzx10]

I expedited mine and got it in about 5 business days. Used to be able to get it same day in Boston, but I hear they stopped that due to the new requirments. It was at the Tip Oneil building.

[JohnnyV]

Yea I did expedited when I applied. It cost about $60 extra, but it gets done in 2-3 weeks.

[tonyd]

I was always under the impression that you military types could use your Military Credentials to travel.
Traveling on leave must be different than when you are transfered? No?

[skiierx]

I heard expidited service was taking some as much as 2 months these days. Sevens, your wife was lucky. Spence, since you are military, I would imagine that if you did expedited you would get a little better treatment and get it in time for your trip.

[SEVENSGT]

Originally Posted by skiierx

Sevens, your wife was lucky.

No shit, if I was in charge it woulda taken a legal resident who has been here for 20 some odd years before getting thier citizenship just a bit longer then 3 weeks to get a passport.......