If you're getting a passport for the first time, you might
confused regarding all these pieces of information you need and the
forms you need to fill. Don't let that dampen your spirits. In this
article, we'll show you in simple terms how you can get your first
passport.
Primarily, you'll need to fill out the DS-11 form. It's the form you need to complete when applying for a passport. Aside from first time passport applicants, you'll also need to fill out form if you are under 16 years old, if your passport was reported stolen or lost, or when your name has changed since your last passport was issued. Another requirement for first time applicants is the personal appearance at the passport agency's office when filing the application.
Aside from the DS-11 form, there are special requirements for applying for a passport if you are a minor. If you are under 16 years old, some of these requirements include your submission of proof of your US citizenship, as well as a proof of your relationship with your parents or guardians. Also, you would need to be accompanied by your parents if you are a minor applying for a passport.
In the case of passport applicants aged 16 -17, there are also special requirements, although much fewer than those required of applicants under 16. For one, you will be required to supply a photocopy of the ID you will present when you're applying for a passport. You will also need a copy of the parental consent, written of course by your parents. To save time, make sure you already have these requirements ready even before you go out of the house to apply for a passport.
For applicants who are of legal age, you will only be asked for the completed DS-11, plus other documents that are normally required of all passport applicants. These are documents that aim to establish your identity as well as your citizenship. Only sign the DS-11 form once you are instructed to do so.
You may wondering where to get a copy of the Form DS-11. You can download it from the US Department of States' website. The choice is yours whether fill it up online and submit it, or print out the form and fill it in by hand.
Processing your passport application takes a little bit of time. Currently, we're talking about a four to six week processing period. What if you need to travel in less than four weeks? You have the option of having your passport application expedited. Expedited passport applications enable you to get your passport in less than two weeks if you need to travel to another country or in four weeks if you need the passport to obtain a foreign visa.
Primarily, you'll need to fill out the DS-11 form. It's the form you need to complete when applying for a passport. Aside from first time passport applicants, you'll also need to fill out form if you are under 16 years old, if your passport was reported stolen or lost, or when your name has changed since your last passport was issued. Another requirement for first time applicants is the personal appearance at the passport agency's office when filing the application.
Aside from the DS-11 form, there are special requirements for applying for a passport if you are a minor. If you are under 16 years old, some of these requirements include your submission of proof of your US citizenship, as well as a proof of your relationship with your parents or guardians. Also, you would need to be accompanied by your parents if you are a minor applying for a passport.
In the case of passport applicants aged 16 -17, there are also special requirements, although much fewer than those required of applicants under 16. For one, you will be required to supply a photocopy of the ID you will present when you're applying for a passport. You will also need a copy of the parental consent, written of course by your parents. To save time, make sure you already have these requirements ready even before you go out of the house to apply for a passport.
For applicants who are of legal age, you will only be asked for the completed DS-11, plus other documents that are normally required of all passport applicants. These are documents that aim to establish your identity as well as your citizenship. Only sign the DS-11 form once you are instructed to do so.
You may wondering where to get a copy of the Form DS-11. You can download it from the US Department of States' website. The choice is yours whether fill it up online and submit it, or print out the form and fill it in by hand.
Processing your passport application takes a little bit of time. Currently, we're talking about a four to six week processing period. What if you need to travel in less than four weeks? You have the option of having your passport application expedited. Expedited passport applications enable you to get your passport in less than two weeks if you need to travel to another country or in four weeks if you need the passport to obtain a foreign visa.
Now you see that getting a passport
for the first time isn't that difficult. The waiting period is simply a
passport fact, but it's always worth the wait if you're a real travel
bug. Having a US passport is your first step to going out of the country and seeing the world.
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