When travelling outside of the United States, you need to present a
valid US passport. It is necessary to have a US passport even if you are
traveling to bordering countries such as Canada and Mexico. The process
involved in assembling and submitting a US passport application can be
daunting, but with attention to detail it is simple enough.
The first thing to do when you want to get your US passport is to visit a post office for the application form or download it online. If you choose to print the form you must use black ink on white matte paper. The dimensions of the paper must be 8 1/2 X 11 inches.
In order to have your passport application approved, you will need to be able to provide proof of US citizenship. Documents that are approved for this purpose are a certified US birth certificate (not a copy), a US citizenship certificate or a naturalization certificate. Other forms of ID may also be requested such as an old US passport, driver's license or other forms of state or federal ID.
An important part of the application are the passport photos. These are one of the main reasons that passport applications are rejected, so be sure to have yours done correctly. The regulations regarding passport photos state that no headwear or eyewear can be worn in the photo, civilian clothes must be worn (no uniforms), you must be looking straight at the camera and there are specifications about the lighting and sizing of the photos. It is best to have the photos done at a store that specializes in this sort of thing
The passport issuing office in the United States works under a heavy load of applications and while they endeavor to have the passports issued quickly, there can be delays. For this reason it is best to apply for your passport with anticipation and the office suggests that you apply around 12 weeks prior to your travel arrangements. For an extra fee you can arrange to have your passport application assessed more quickly.
After you have sent your application to the US passport office, you can keep an eye on its progress through the Internet at the state department's website. It is very important that you fill in the application forms carefully and thoroughly. If information is missed, not filled out correctly or false, then the application will be rejected or delayed. Your passport is current for 10 years upon issue.
Costs involved in getting your passport are as follows: adults $100, children $85 and the fee for an expedited passport is an extra $60. If you are applying for your first US passport, then you cannot mail the forms but need to present them in person as well as filling out form DS-11.
The first thing to do when you want to get your US passport is to visit a post office for the application form or download it online. If you choose to print the form you must use black ink on white matte paper. The dimensions of the paper must be 8 1/2 X 11 inches.
In order to have your passport application approved, you will need to be able to provide proof of US citizenship. Documents that are approved for this purpose are a certified US birth certificate (not a copy), a US citizenship certificate or a naturalization certificate. Other forms of ID may also be requested such as an old US passport, driver's license or other forms of state or federal ID.
An important part of the application are the passport photos. These are one of the main reasons that passport applications are rejected, so be sure to have yours done correctly. The regulations regarding passport photos state that no headwear or eyewear can be worn in the photo, civilian clothes must be worn (no uniforms), you must be looking straight at the camera and there are specifications about the lighting and sizing of the photos. It is best to have the photos done at a store that specializes in this sort of thing
The passport issuing office in the United States works under a heavy load of applications and while they endeavor to have the passports issued quickly, there can be delays. For this reason it is best to apply for your passport with anticipation and the office suggests that you apply around 12 weeks prior to your travel arrangements. For an extra fee you can arrange to have your passport application assessed more quickly.
After you have sent your application to the US passport office, you can keep an eye on its progress through the Internet at the state department's website. It is very important that you fill in the application forms carefully and thoroughly. If information is missed, not filled out correctly or false, then the application will be rejected or delayed. Your passport is current for 10 years upon issue.
Costs involved in getting your passport are as follows: adults $100, children $85 and the fee for an expedited passport is an extra $60. If you are applying for your first US passport, then you cannot mail the forms but need to present them in person as well as filling out form DS-11.
When filling in the
passport application form, be sure to include all the required
information, adequate photos and the right fee. If you do this, then you
will not have a problem in having your application approved for a
US passport. Around 10 percent of applicants experience problems
because they have not included all the right details.
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