Auto Club Offers Free Member Passport Photos

The passport photos normally cost $8 for members. Non-members can continue to obtain passport photos at the Santa Barbara branch for $15.

“Travelers may not realize that even a three-day cruise to Ensenada or an Alaska cruise with a stop in Vancouver will require them to have a passport because of requirements that have taken effect in recent years,” said Stephen Sefton, the Auto Club’s Santa Barbara branch manager. “They also may not be aware that even if their passport has not yet expired, many countries require a traveler’s passport to be valid up to six months after the passport holder’s planned return date from the country visited.”

In addition to passport photos, the Auto Club has passport applications and renewal forms available. While most passports can be renewed by mail, new or replacement passports must be obtained at an authorized passport processing facility. To find the nearest passport processing facility, click here.

“Europe is a favorite destination of American travelers and now is the time to purchase airline tickets, to ensure the best price,” said Sefton. “Decreases in seat capacity are expected to continue into 2013, making it more difficult and potentially more costly to obtain the most desirable flight schedules. A stronger U.S. dollar and pent-up demand for international travel is also expected to drive up demand.”

The Santa Barbara Auto Club branch is located at 3712 State Street and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The branch will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 23 for the Thanksgiving holiday.