Honeymoon Trauma

I know of a couple that had recently bought their tickets to go to the beautiful Jamaica for their honeymoon. The woman called just 48 hours before to cancel the trip because her husband's passport was DENIED! Luckily, we made sure that they had travel insurance and so they will be able to reschedule a trip for a later time.

Although the reason for the denial wasn't said, there are a few common reasons passport applications are denied:

1. All of the required materials weren't submitted.

- A Completed Application

You can complete it online through the State Department's web site, or print and complete it by hand.

- Two Types of Identification, with Copies of Each

One proving U.S. citizenship

-Previously issued U.S. Passport, Certified birth certificate, Naturalization certificate, or Certificate of citizenship.

And one current I.D.

-Previously issued U.S. passport, Naturalization certificate, Valid driver's license, Current Government ID, or Current Military ID.

- One Passport Photo

Your photos should be in color, identical, and taken within the past 6 months. They should be 2" x 2" with a full-face, front view (head should measure between 1" and 1 3/8"), and a plain white or off-white background.

*Most Post Offices can take these for you for an additional fee.

- Payment for Applicable Fees

Adult first time - $110 with an acceptance fee of $25

Minor (under 16) - $80 with an acceptance fee of $25

Passport card - add $15 for minors, $30 for adults

Adult renewal - $110

2. You have outstanding child support.

-More than $5,000 in payments

3. You have an outstanding felony or criminal warrant

(not including parking tickets or civil infractions).

-Not all convictions prohibit international travel - contact your probation officer first.

That being said, if you are good to go, know that routine passport processing takes at least 4-6 weeks from the time you submit your application. [If you have to renew your passport, do it far in advance of the expiration date.]

Now that you know all this, you can avoid honeymoon trauma and can go on your luxurious get-away without any passport problems.

*Even considering the possibility of an international honeymoon, it does not hurt to send your application 6 months ahead. Remember that passports are good for 10 years and we should all be ready at any time to escape to the Carribbean.