The rule of passports is if you get it, trips will come. And if you've seen our  travel testimonials and photos, then you know at Urban Navigator, we're all about the trips!  If the only thing standing between you and a trip abroad is getting a passport, keep reading -you're halfway there. We've decided to walk you through the steps! 

Step 1 - Have your birth certificate and a valid state I.D.

If you have your birth certificate, keep reading. If not, that's where we'll begin. You can get a certified copy of your birth certificate online. You may be able to walk in and get a certified birth certificate from a local Bureau of Vital Statistics. For example, in Houston there's a same-day walk-in service for birth certificates on select days for $23.

Once you get  your certified birth certificate, you'll take that, and a your valid State I.D. with you when you submit the passport application. 

Step 2 -  Take your passport photo.  

The requirements for passport photos are pretty specific. The short version -you'll need two prints of a 2-inch x 2-inch photo taken within the last six months. The good news is you don't have to do this on your own.

You can get a proper passport photo at  Walgreens (two for $9), CVS stores (two for $8 with this coupon), and at some U.S. Post offices ($15). 

Step 3 - Fill out the passport application (Form DS-11)

You can fill out Form DS-11 online or you can visit the government site for passport information and print the form. Either way, if you've never ever had a passport, you'll need to print the form and take it with you to a passport acceptance facility, or a U.S. post office that offers passport services...which takes us to Step 4.

Step 4 - Take everything to a U.S. post office or a passport acceptance facility.

Select U.S. post offices offer passport services. This link takes you to the section of the USPS website where you enter your zip code to find a  post office near you-http://usps.whitepages.com/passport.

And here's a link to the government site that let's you find a passport acceptance facility near you- http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/.

The cost for your passport book and card will be about $165. Here's what that looks like:

Once you've submitted your application you can check the status online to see how long before you get it and get to traveling.

Where will you go first?

Now that we've walked you through getting your passport, where will you go first? Check out the latest travel testimonials from places around the world where friends of Urban Navigator have gone. If you like the testimonials, you'll love the photos!