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Figuring Out What Passport Application Will Suit Your Needs

When it comes to international travel, the passport is the first item that should be on the to-do list. However, many travelers do not realize that there are actually a variety of forms to choose from that depend on the situation that the applicant is trying to address. Special circumstances require that different passport application forms are filled out. It is important to make sure that you indeed have the right ones.

Many of the people that use their passports on a regular basis are business travelers. While there are pleasure travelers that will need them occasionally, they may put their passport to use once a year versus every week for the business traveler. For people that are not familiar with how the process of getting a passport works, it can be a little intimidating.

Anyone that is looking for a passport application can either head to their local passport office or just download it off of the Internet. While there are other sites that provide this source, it is generally best to stick to the state websites to make sure that there are no issues with a form being downloaded improperly. There should also be a FAQ that will go over in detail how to fill out the form.

When the documents are filled out, it is important to note that there is always some type of supporting documentation that will be needed to have the application accepted. This is usually some form of current government issued ID and proof of citizenship. Most people will use their social security card, drivers license and birth certificate for this.

The website should have complete instructions for every form that is needed and what form applies to what situation. It is at this point that a private agency may come into play, especially if there are expedited services that are needed. Many of these agencies can handle filling out and submitting the paperwork for the applicant, depending upon their overall category.

In most cases, it will take a little under two months for the passport application to be processed and for the passport to be issued and mailed out. For many people, this is simply not quick enough. The government does offer some expediting services, but they are still restrictive in time. If people need their passports really quick, they are encouraged to use the private agencies that can make this happen in record time.

When all of the correct forms have been filled out, the last item that will be needed is the passport photo. It is very important that the photo meet the size requirements (2"x2") and that it is of a high quality. In other words, you are going to have to spring for something a little better than the sit in photo booth. Many passport offices will actually provide this service for an extra fee.

The last and final step in the process of getting a passport is to ship everything off. First time applicants will have to do everything in person, but many of the other situations can be handled via the mail. The only extra that we suggest here would be to make sure that a reputable overnight service is used to ensure safe delivery of your passport application and corresponding documentation. Basically, your entire life is in that package and trusting it to the regular mail would just not be an intelligent thing to do.

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