Any citizens travelling outside of the United States needs a passport, regardless of their age, and that includes newborns and infants. Getting one is a rather simple process as long as you know what you need beforehand. There are certain rules that need to be followed as well as an assortment of different documents that you will need when applying for passports.
You will need to get an application and these can be found at the local post office, courthouse, and at passport agencies. However, if you have a computer and printer, you can print out the application available on the State Department's site. You must not sign the application until instructed to and you must provide all information requested by an expedited pasport services, including your social security number. If you fail to do so, there can be a delay or denial of your application.
There are several ways to apply, either in person or through mail. However, you must apply in person if it is your first time, you are under age 16, or your previous one was issued when you were under age 16. For those who have had a lost, stolen, or damaged one, they will also need to apply in person as well as those who have not had one issued in more than 15 years.
Certain documents will be required when you turn your application in. You will need two photographs that follow the guidelines. You will also be required to prove you are a citizen. A certified birth certificate from the state, city, or county of birth is acceptable. Naturalization certificates and certificate of citizenship are also accepted. For those renewing their passports, their previous, undamaged one will serve as proof.
Along with your proof of citizenship, you will need a photo ID. As with the citizenship proof, several different forms of identification are acceptable. You can use a valid driver's license, current government ID, as well as a current military ID. An undamaged previously issued passport and naturalization certificates are also accepted.
Passports are not free so be prepared for a processing fee and other charges, depending on where you apply. It is strongly recommended that you apply no later than two months before you plan to travel outside of the country because passports can take up to six to eight weeks for approval. If you feel you cannot wait that long, expedited processing may be possible but it comes with an additional fee.
In situations where you already have a passport, you can apply through the mail. In these cases, it is usually to renew yours or to legally change your name. You must include the undamaged passport you want to exchange or renew with your application through the mail. However, it must have been issued within the last 15 years and you had to be at least 16 years old when you received it. Fees are still applied and are paid along with your application.
You will need to get an application and these can be found at the local post office, courthouse, and at passport agencies. However, if you have a computer and printer, you can print out the application available on the State Department's site. You must not sign the application until instructed to and you must provide all information requested by an expedited pasport services, including your social security number. If you fail to do so, there can be a delay or denial of your application.
There are several ways to apply, either in person or through mail. However, you must apply in person if it is your first time, you are under age 16, or your previous one was issued when you were under age 16. For those who have had a lost, stolen, or damaged one, they will also need to apply in person as well as those who have not had one issued in more than 15 years.
Certain documents will be required when you turn your application in. You will need two photographs that follow the guidelines. You will also be required to prove you are a citizen. A certified birth certificate from the state, city, or county of birth is acceptable. Naturalization certificates and certificate of citizenship are also accepted. For those renewing their passports, their previous, undamaged one will serve as proof.
Along with your proof of citizenship, you will need a photo ID. As with the citizenship proof, several different forms of identification are acceptable. You can use a valid driver's license, current government ID, as well as a current military ID. An undamaged previously issued passport and naturalization certificates are also accepted.
Passports are not free so be prepared for a processing fee and other charges, depending on where you apply. It is strongly recommended that you apply no later than two months before you plan to travel outside of the country because passports can take up to six to eight weeks for approval. If you feel you cannot wait that long, expedited processing may be possible but it comes with an additional fee.
In situations where you already have a passport, you can apply through the mail. In these cases, it is usually to renew yours or to legally change your name. You must include the undamaged passport you want to exchange or renew with your application through the mail. However, it must have been issued within the last 15 years and you had to be at least 16 years old when you received it. Fees are still applied and are paid along with your application.
About the Author:
It is always a good idea when applying for a U S passport to check with an agency or look online for anything new added to the procedures. This simple process can turn into a lot of red tape and frustration if you do not follow the rules and provide all the information and documents necessary through an expedited United States passport services.
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