New to passports. Question

[jerseygrl]

My family will be taking a cruise in spring 2015. Since H and I never travelled outside of the country we have never had passports. We are in the process to start the paperwork for them but didn't realize how costly they are. For a family of 4 we are looking at at least $500.

I was wondering how long it takes to get one. We were thinking of doing one or two at a time so it doesn't hit our wallet so hard at once. Does it take a long time to get one?

[anasara]

When DH became a US citizen last years he received his passport about 2 weeks after applying.  I assume the turn around time is still pretty quick.  Ditto @mx; save up & do them all @ once.

[jerseygrl]

That's a good point. Thanks.

[mdgirl]

Aug 13, 2013 10:27:24 GMT -5 @mx said:

That method would also be preferable because passports are only valid for so long, so if you get them now and don't travel until 2015 you have wasted 2 years of validity.

@mx is wise. This is especially true for the kids' passports since they expire in 5 years.

[treschic]

My DH applied for one in January of this year and it came within a month.

[jaime183]

yeah, definitely send them all in at once so you only have to keep track of your expiration date and the kids'