A passport is one of the most important documents any U.S.
citizen should have, although many people have yet to take the time to
apply. With the change in security awareness throughout the world, and
especially in the U.S., the need for a verified means of identification
has become more and more evident. Also, it's very possible that a U.S.
passport may one day be the document which replaces all current forms of
picture verified identification.
There are some basic steps for applying for a passport for the first time. They can be a bit time consuming, but once you've gathered all the required documentation and submitted the forms, an adult passport is good for a full 10 years. Renewal is much easier and you'll find that having a passport for your travels will smooth your way through security lines.
The application form for a U.S. passport is called a DS-11 - "Application for a U.S. Passport." It's available either via the internet from the web site of the U.S. Department of State, or can be picked up at any authorized passport office. Post offices frequently have the form available as do city libraries, government or township offices.
You'll need an original, certified copy of your birth certificate to prove citizenship. Naturalization papers are also acceptable. All documents which verify citizenship must be sent in with your application, so you may wish to contact the county registrar's office in which you were born for two certified copies, so you'll have a spare to keep for yourself.
All passports require that two photographs be included with your application. These must be 2x2 inches in size and the layout is very specific. Your first time application for a U.S. passport must be presented in person, so select a passport office which also takes passport photos.
Passport application fee are currently $75.00 with an additional $25.00 execution fee. Also passport offices will charge between $10.00 and $20.00 to take your photograph. Expedited processing requests can also run another $60.00. Fees may change in the future so always check with the passport personnel to verify current charges.
Once you have your passport, you'll find that this important document will come in handy for any situation which requires a secure and verified proof of your citizenship and identity. You'll be glad that you took the time to apply for a U.S. passport and may just find yourself encouraging others to do so too!
There are some basic steps for applying for a passport for the first time. They can be a bit time consuming, but once you've gathered all the required documentation and submitted the forms, an adult passport is good for a full 10 years. Renewal is much easier and you'll find that having a passport for your travels will smooth your way through security lines.
The application form for a U.S. passport is called a DS-11 - "Application for a U.S. Passport." It's available either via the internet from the web site of the U.S. Department of State, or can be picked up at any authorized passport office. Post offices frequently have the form available as do city libraries, government or township offices.
You'll need an original, certified copy of your birth certificate to prove citizenship. Naturalization papers are also acceptable. All documents which verify citizenship must be sent in with your application, so you may wish to contact the county registrar's office in which you were born for two certified copies, so you'll have a spare to keep for yourself.
All passports require that two photographs be included with your application. These must be 2x2 inches in size and the layout is very specific. Your first time application for a U.S. passport must be presented in person, so select a passport office which also takes passport photos.
Passport application fee are currently $75.00 with an additional $25.00 execution fee. Also passport offices will charge between $10.00 and $20.00 to take your photograph. Expedited processing requests can also run another $60.00. Fees may change in the future so always check with the passport personnel to verify current charges.
Once you have your passport, you'll find that this important document will come in handy for any situation which requires a secure and verified proof of your citizenship and identity. You'll be glad that you took the time to apply for a U.S. passport and may just find yourself encouraging others to do so too!
C.L. Hendricks has been a Jill-of-all-trades and become an expert
in some. She has also traveled extensively and now writes about travel
destinations around the world for How to Get a Passport
[http://www.how-to-get-a-passport.com] and other travel sites as Web Content Provider.
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