Passport Needed for 4 Year Old?

[lauracruises]

20 hours ago, esm54687 said:

As Cole mentioned..... a passport card has zero juice to get you home via air travel from a foreign location.

 

It really is only good for land crossings between US and Canada / Mexico as well as domestic US air travel and being able to enter a Federal Builinding (the last two in lieu of a Real ID)

 

Also, just a reminder that a minor's passport book is only good for 5 years and not the normal 10. 

 

 

2 hours ago, esm54687 said:

I was actually clarifying your advice that a passport card would provide the same benefits as a passport book (as the thread was evolving into air travel home) 

 

Also, I referenced the Enhanced Driver's License  (5 states issue them including NY) which is completely different than the REAL ID (just a note that it isn't a REAL driver's license..... it's a driver's license or state issued ID that is REAL compliant) 

That is true, however you must physically go to DMV to obtain upon license renewal. You cannot obtain through mail renewal. A visit to a NYC dmv is usually not a pleasant or quick experience .

[esm54687]

6 minutes ago, lauracruises said:

 

That is true, however you must physically go to DMV to obtain upon license renewal. You cannot obtain through mail renewal. A visit to a NYC dmv is usually not a pleasant or quick experience .

A pleasant or quick dmv experience should not dictate the type of travel document you use 

[njhorseman]

34 minutes ago, esm54687 said:

A pleasant or quick dmv experience

The words "pleasant or quick" should never be used in the same sentence as "dmv experience" . 

[Barb Nahoumi]

42 minutes ago, njhorseman said:

The words "pleasant or quick" should never be used in the same sentence as "dmv experience" . 

In Massachusetts, one can renew a driver's license at participating AAA offices.  I did that yesterday, and was there for roughly one half hour.  

 

To answer the OP's question, yes, she should get a passport for her grandchild.  For $60.00 extra, it can be expedited.   Just go to your local post office to start the process.

 

 

[RolandofGilead]

I believe child passports (under 16) must be applied for in person.  You can search for acceptance facilities here https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/where-to-apply.html

 

Also, both parents must be present when submitting the application unless you have a notarized statement of consent or legal proof of sole guardianship.  more info here:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html

 

[ray98]

Passport not required.  At worst case there will be a slight delay if you are forced to fly home but the real world chances of that is extremely rare for the average cruiser.

[ColeThornton]

2 hours ago, ray98 said:

Passport not required.  At worst case there will be a slight delay if you are forced to fly home but the real world chances of that is extremely rare for the average cruiser.

 

True, it's a rare occasion when you would need it.  But, just like with travel insurance, that one time when you do need it you are really happy that you prepared, especially for the small cost. Also, it can be a lot longer than a "slight delay" to get processed and if you need to get home in a hurry why take that chance?

 

To each their own but to me it just doesn't make sense to not have the security of a passport.

Edited October 19, 2019 by ColeThornton