08/16/2026
Aug 2026 Quail Call Article - by Fran Grizas
Your travel agent created the perfect itinerary. You have spent endless hours researching every country you will visit in breathless wonder. And your travel wardrobe has been spread across your spare bedroom for weeks just waiting for that moment
when it will all fit neatly into your suitcase.
But that tiny voice in your head keeps insisting you are overlooking something. And just like that…you remember to check the expiration date on your passport! ARGHHH!
How have ten years passed since your last international trip? But before you rush into some cockamamie scheme to secure a renewed passport, let’s examine everything you should and should not do! Did you know there are 2 types of passports? A passport card and a passport book are both valid for travel but serve different purposes and have different restrictions.
A passport book is valid for all international travel, by air, land, or sea. A passport card is only valid for land and sea border crossings into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Gema de las Heras, Consumer Education Specialist for the Federal Trade Commission, (FTC), advises that passport scammers are running amok, “If you search online, the top
results might show official-looking websites that say they can renew or get you a passport.
Some of these websites are private companies that charge you for services that are free on the U.S. Department of State website, while others are scammers trying to take your money and personal information.”
There are 4 types of passport scams, and this is how they work.
1. Passport application document scam - This scam involves fake websites or services offering to help you fill out your passport application for a fee. Often, these are
sophisticated look-alikes of official government sites. Scammers lure you with promises of simplified processes and quick turnaround times.
2. Passport expedited scam - During peak travel seasons, scammers offer to expedite your passport processing for a high fee. Victims pay hefty sums for expedited services
that are either nonexistent or unaffiliated with official passport agencies.
3. Passport fraud - This broad category includes stolen or counterfeit passports sold or used under false pretenses. Scammers might use stolen personal data to apply for a
passport in your name. Be wary of anyone offering to sell you a passport or asking for your personal information over email or phone.
4. Phishing scams - Phishing scams involving passports often come in the form of emails purporting to be from official agencies, asking you to provide personal information or click on malicious links. Emails or messages mimic official sources to
trick you into divulging sensitive information. Look for signs of phishing such as poor grammar, urgent language, and unofficial email addresses.
To avoid passport scams, know this:
The U.S. Department of State is the government agency that handles passport services.
Go directly to Travel.State.Gov to avoid clicking on a scam website. All the forms you will need to apply for or renew a passport can be found on this site.
For your convenience, the Twin Oaks Post Office (located at 420 N Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos, CA) does process passport applications. They offer services for both new passport applications and renewals, including passport photos. You can also find
information about passport processing times and requirements on the USPS website. If you are applying for a passport, gather the required documentation: Form DS-11, completed but not signed - Form DS-64, completed but not signed - Evidence of U.S.
citizenship - Photocopy of evidence of U.S. citizenship - Evidence of parental awareness - Photo ID - Photocopy of photo ID - Passport photo.
To prove U.S. citizenship, you can use a U.S. passport, a U.S. birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. Other acceptable documents include a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) or a foreign birth certificate listing
your parents, along with their marriage certificate if applicable.
To renew a U.S. passport, you& #39;ll need to submit a completed Form DS-82, your most recent passport, and a passport photo. If your name has changed, you& #39;ll also need to
include name change documents. If your name has changed since your last passport was issued, you& #39;ll need to provide a certified copy of your legal name change document,
such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Regardless of whether you are applying as a first time U.S. passport holder or a passport renewal, the fee for a passport book is $130.
If you process your application at the US Post Office, there is an additional $35 Execution/Acceptance Fee. The Post
Office can also take your passport photo for an additional $15. A passport card costs $30 plus $35 Execution/Acceptance Fee, if processing in person at the post office.
Renewing a U.S. passport typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for routine processing. If you need your passport sooner, you can pay an extra $60 for the expedited service, which takes 2 to 3 weeks.
And of course, if you want to apply or renew via US mail or online, go to Travel.State.Gov for step-by-step details.
And now that you have your passport and your suitcase is packed, don’t forget to call LSM Security Patrol and put your home on the Vacation Check list so we can watch over your home while you are away! Bon voyage! Buen viaje! Gute Reise! Buon
viaggio!
Our office is located at 1132 San Marino Dr, Suite 101, Monday thru Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 760-744-0811.
