Traveling abroad can be an exciting adventure, but there are administrative obligations to fulfill before you can take off. Applying for or renewing a passport can be a bit of a hassle because you need to ensure you have all the right documents and forms, and the smallest error can result in a denied application.
Luckily, AAA has several passport services to help make the application process much smoother.
Read the full article or skip to a specific section:
- Passport Services Offered by AAA
- Passport Photos at AAA
- Getting Your Passport for the First Time
- Renewing Your Passport
- Online Passport Procedures
- Additional Information for Travelers From AAA Insurance
- Book Your Next Trip With AAA Travel
Passport Services Offered by AAA
While AAA cannot issue passports, we have specific services to assist members — and even non-members — with passport applications and renewals. AAA passport services provided include:
- Applications for new passports or passport renewals
- Passport photos
Application forms for passport books and passport cards are available at many AAA locations, so you can pick one up to fill out ahead of time. AAA passport renewal services also include specific renewal forms you can fill out and mail in with the required supplementary material.
Many AAA locations also provide discounted or free passport photos, depending on your membership tier. These photos are the required 2 inches square, and you can use them when applying for or renewing both your passport book and passport card.
Passport Photos at AAA
AAA offers passport photos for members and non-members! All pictures taken by our team follow the U.S. Passport and Immigration Services requirements — meaning they are the correct size and come in sets of two. The cost for these photos depends on your membership. Premiere photos are alway free.
Pricing tiers are:
- Plus members: You can receive one set of passport pictures per year at no additional cost. The second set is $8.45* and the third is $10.45*. (Digital copies are $2.00*)
- Classic members: If you have a Classic membership, you pay $8.45* for one set, $10.45* for two or $12.45* for three. (Digital copies are $5.00*)
- Non-members: AAA offers passport photos even if you don't have a membership. For non-members, the price is $15* for one set, $17* for two sets and $19* for three sets.
Regardless of your membership, all additional sets after what is included in your tier are $2*. These extra pictures can only be of the same person as the original, and members must show proof of their plan.
Getting Your Passport for the First Time
If you've never applied for a U.S. passport or if your previously issued one has expired, you will need to get a brand-new one. You'll need to apply for a passport in person if:
- You're under 16 years old
- You received your previous passport when you were under 16 years old
- Your previous passport was lost, stolen or damaged
- You got your previous password more than 15 years ago
To apply, you must fill out Form DS-11 and bring it to a passport acceptance facility, along with the following documentation.
- Proof of citizenship: This proof can include a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization or a certificate of citizenship.
- Present identification: Any piece of ID that proves that you are a citizen currently residing in the U.S. can include a driver's license, a green card, your previous undamaged passport or a government employee identification.
- Passport photos: AAA locations that offer passport services can provide you with the appropriate picture to include in your application.
- Photocopies: Include a one-sided photocopy of each page of your proof of citizenship, as well as your present identification, in your application package.
Once you have submitted your application, it can take up to six weeks to process it. However, you can follow the application's status online.
Renewing Your Passport
If your previous passport is about to expire but is still valid, you can apply for a simple renewal. While you're more than welcome to renew your passport in person, you can also pick up a passport renewal form — Form DS-82 — at a AAA location to fill out and mail in with the supplementary documents.
When you mail your application, remember to include the following items.
- Your old passport: You'll need to submit your old passport along with the form as long as your old passport is not damaged and you received it within the previous 15 years.
- Passport photos: Take advantage of the ease and convenience of AAA's passport services by getting passport photos while picking up your renewal form to speed up the process.
When applying for a passport renewal, make sure that your current legal name matches the one on your old passport. If it doesn't, you'll need to provide documents proving that you have changed your name. Contact us to learn more about AAA Passport renewal and how we can help you today.
Online Passport Procedures
In the age of modern technology, you now also have the option to submit your applications using online services. Passport application and renewal forms are all available online, and you can fill them out on your computer, then print them and submit them.
The forms are available as PDFs for you to complete using the handy Form Filler tool. This tool creates a barcode unique to your application, which will make it easier and quicker to process. After you've filled out the form, print it, sign your name and submit it with the required documents.
If you're applying for your first passport, you'll need to take the form to a passport acceptance facility, but if you're renewing your passport, you can mail everything in.
Additional Information for Travelers From AAA Insurance
Securing passports is just one part of planning a trip abroad. Here are four travel tips to keep in mind when you're planning your next vacation.
- Get a driving permit: If you're traveling to a different country and plan on doing some driving there, you may need a special permit to do so. AAA can help you get an international driving permit, so you can have peace of mind and even be a little spontaneous on your trip.
- Avoid currency exchanges: Often, currency exchanges, especially at airports, charge too high a fee for them to be worthwhile. Instead, AAA members have the advantage of ordering foreign currency at some locations, so you can take what you need before you go.
- Notify your bank: There's nothing worse than enjoying a delightful meal in a foreign country, only to have your credit card declined when you need to pay. Banks will block cards if they suspect suspicious activity, like purchases in different countries, so make sure to let your bank know where you're going and for how long.
- Get travel insurance: Travel insurance helps ensure you have the best experience while exploring the world. AAA offers Allianz Travel Insurance with many benefits, including a 24-hour emergency hotline. We have three insurance policy options — TripAssist Choice, TripAssist Family Care Plan with Cancel Anytime and the standard TripAssist Family Care Plan.
Remember, it's better to handle each of these to-do items before you get on the plane so you don't have to deal with them when you arrive. With all of these logistics taken care of, you are ready to go on your next trip!
Book Your Next Trip With AAA Travel
Being a AAA member has its perks, and one of those is access to experienced travel agents and travel deals to make your next trip more memorable. Our travel services team can advise you when booking a flight or hotel, provide pre-planned travel packages, set you up with tools and more.
With additional benefits, such as free passport photos for members and exclusive discounts to sought-after attractions, AAA travel can help plan your next trip with ease. Visit AAA.com to book your next vacation today.
*The prices stated in this post are current as of the time of publication.
