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Passports
Before your soldier gets deployed, it is a good idea to get passports for the entire family. Since it can take up to 5 days to get home from some areas, you may have more time with your loved ones if you could meet part way. You could all agree to meet in Germany, for example.
Applying for a Passport
The United States has many regulations covering passport applications. For more information, call 1-877-487-2778, click on the links below, or visit the U.S. Department of State. You may need to scroll all the way to the bottom to find information on the passport web site.
When filling out Passport applications, follow all directions carefully.
In general, both parents must be present to obtain a passport for a child. Having the power of attorney from the deployed soldier is not enough. If both parents can not be present, the absent parent must complete a statement of consent that gives the remaining parent permission to obtain a passport for their child.
The statement of consent is a legal document and requires a notarized signature.
There are special requirements for children under 14 years old.
The Judge Advocate General (JAG) Office can assist you with the required documents and help a deployed soldier complete the Statement of Consent. Here is a list of Armed Forces Legal Assistance Offices . As always, any JAG office (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.) can help you.
Finding the Nearest Passport Office
The Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page will allow you to find the nearest location to apply for a passport. It is provided by the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services/Customer Service. Many post offices, clerks of court, public libraries and other state, county, township, and municipal government offices accept passport applications. This link allows you to search by Zip Code, State, or State/City. Once you enter your criteria, click on the “Search” button to view a list of your nearest passport application facilities.
Emergency Situations
If a soldier is injured overseas, and the doctors decide that the next of kin MUST be present, the Army will issue an Invitational Travel Order (ITO) and can then expedite, or speed up, the passport application for the required next of kin. Other family members, including children, will have to apply at their local passport office.
About Foreign Travel and Embassies
Before you travel overseas, locate the nearest U.S Embassy to your destination. The U.S. Embassy is an excellent resource for citizens travelling abroad. Travel to some countries requires a passport and a visa. The passport establishes your identity. The visa grants you permission to enter the country. For more information on visas visit the Government Visa site .