how to get a passport?

[hyunelan2]

I need to start looking into getting my passport for my trip to St. Lucia in December. I have no idea where to start... the internet just seems to be full of scams, no useful info. Help.

[JacksonJ]

Try Sears. I know they'll do the picture

[2GTS]

Are you sure you need a passport? When I went to the Bahamas all I needed was a copy of my birth certificate. If you do need one all the info you need should be found here http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html

[ButterBean]

You'll have to go to the county to get your passport. You need to make sure that you have a CERTIFIED birth certificate. The web site that 2GTS gave you should tell you exactly where to go. You'll want to call them and check out times and such. A lot of the facilities even have their own cameras so that you can get your picture done there. Also, it'll probably cost about $85 to get.

You can also go to some of the Post Offices and get a passport.

[BlackElantraGT]

I was going to mention the Post Office like ButterBean also. I'm pretty sure they'll tell you all that you'll need in order to obtain a passport. With recent security concerns, I would recommend traveling with a passport even if you're only going into Canada or Mexico. I did not have a birth certificate or a passport with me when I went to Canada this year and getting in was no problem, but coming back U.S. customs are asses. They detained me and questioned me for over an hour just because I didn't have my documents on me (besides my California State driver's license.) It's sad that our own government cannot check the status of one's citizenship with their SSN. In the end, they let me through because they know their computer systems and database are not the most accurate. Plus, I do not fit the typical "terrorist" profile.

[2GTS]

I was going to mention the Post Office like ButterBean also. I'm pretty sure they'll tell you all that you'll need in order to obtain a passport. With recent security concerns, I would recommend traveling with a passport even if you're only going into Canada or Mexico. I did not have a birth certificate or a passport with me when I went to Canada this year and getting in was no problem, but coming back U.S. customs are asses. They detained me and questioned me for over an hour just because I didn't have my documents on me (besides my California State driver's license.) It's sad that our own government cannot check the status of one's citizenship with their SSN. In the end, they let me through because they know their computer systems and database are not the most accurate. Plus, I do not fit the typical "terrorist" profile.
Sorry to hear of your hard time reentering but I'm glad they are stoping people. It's damn easy to get a fake social or steal someones. If I tried hard enough I could probably be you by the end of the weekend, not that I would.

[BlackElantraGT]

I was pissed that I was detained and questioned for over an hour and a half, but in the end I wasn't really mad at them because they are only doing their job. What didn't make sense to me was why they picked me and my gf to stop and check. The first time I went into Canada it was through Niagara Falls and the U.S. customs agent was curious about us also, with her being white and I'm Asian. He questioned where I was born and that's where the interrogation started since I didn't have my birth certificate nor a passport on me. But after asking some questions, he let us through.

The 2nd time I entered Canada was through Gananoque/Thousand Islands. Again, entering Canada was EASY, but returning back U.S. customs asked the same questions but this time went through our car and belongings and detained us. I guess it was a learning experience for me. Next time I'll just bring a passport.