First things first – determine if you need a brand new passport or just a renewal. For first-timers, you’ll want to gather every scrap of identification like you’re preparing for a big fishing tournament. Birth certificate, social security card, and two reliable forms of photo ID are your key players.

Time to channel your inner investigator. Collect all required paperwork with the same meticulousness you’d use studying a lake fishing map. Double-check every detail, ensuring names match precisely across all documents. Pro tip: mistakes here can delay your travel plans faster than a summer thunderstorm rolls in.

Passport photos aren’t just bureaucratic necessity – they’re your travel introduction! Head to the local CVS on Booker T Washington Highway. These pros know exactly how to capture that perfect shot that says ‘traveler’ without looking like a deer in headlights. Neutral background, no hats, natural expression – think professional, not passport-prison.

DS-11 for new passports, DS-82 for renewals – these forms are your golden ticket. Fill them out with the same careful attention you’d use rigging a fishing line. Every box matters. Ballpoint pen, clear handwriting, no erasures. This isn’t a rough draft; this is your international travel permission slip.

Your local post office or county clerk’s office near the Franklin County Courthouse are your submission sanctuaries. Bring original documents, don’t make copies. Cash or check accepted – no credit cards here. Processing times vary, but Union Hall’s efficiency means you’ll be lake-hopping internationally before you know it.

Passport fees aren’t just numbers – they’re your investment in adventure. Adult passports run around $130-$165 depending on book or card. Bring exact payment, preferably cashier’s check or money order. No negotiating here – think of it like a fishing permit, but for global exploration.