Applying for Passports: A Real-Life Adventure

Today was the day we took a big step toward our elopement dream: applying for our passports! Excitement filled the air as we headed to the post office, but what we thought would be a straightforward process quickly became a comedy of paperwork errors and learning experiences.


First, let’s talk about the form. Despite filling it out ahead of time, we still managed to ruin it three times! Each mistake felt like a rite of passage — a misspelled name here, a forgotten date there — until we finally got it right. And even with a REAL ID in hand, we were surprised by how much additional documentation was needed to prove who we are.


Next came the passport photos. If you’ve ever taken a driver’s license photo and thought it was bad, let us assure you, passport photos are a whole new challenge! But after a few awkward poses, we finally got pictures that met all the strict guidelines.


The last step involved money orders and signing affidavits, adding a final layer of seriousness to the whole process. With everything carefully reviewed and double-checked, our applications were finally submitted.


Now, we wait.


This experience taught us a valuable lesson: the passport process is a test of patience, preparation, and persistence. But for us, it’s also a beautiful reminder that every step we take — even the paperwork — brings us closer to our adventure together. If you’re applying for your passport soon, here are a few tips we wish we had known:
1. Fill Out the Application Online or Use Black Ink – Small errors can delay your application, so print carefully if filling it by hand.
2. Bring More Than You Think You Need – A REAL ID isn’t enough; you’ll also need a certified birth certificate or other proof of citizenship.
3. Smile with Your Eyes, Not Your Teeth – Passport photos are serious business. Follow the guidelines to avoid retakes.
4. Budget for Fees – Don’t forget to account for the application fee, photo fee, and any processing extras you may need.


The passport journey may feel tedious, but it’s a small price to pay for the freedom to explore the world. Now we’ll be counting down the days until those little blue books are in our hands, ready to take us wherever love leads!