Visiting the US government passport office is the first step you
need to take in order to get a passport. It is important to have a
passport in case you need to leave the country for any reason. Contrary
to popular belief, going to the passport office can be easy and hassle
free as long as you are prepared.
Finding a passport processing
office: The first thing you need to do is go to the US Department of
State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website. The Bureau of Consular
Affairs is the main government office and has everything you need
regarding passports. The site has an option where you can enter your
location and it lists nearby passport offices. These offices are usually
housed in government buildings, such as post offices, clerks of court,
or public libraries.
Who should go to a passport office: Minors,
people who do not already have passports, or people who have lost or
damaged their passports a required to visit the passport office to get a
passport. When you get there, you need to show identifying documents
and fill out all the necessary forms. With minors, both parents need to
be at the office with the child.
Who does not need to go to the
passport office: If you are over the age of eighteen and already have a
passport, you may not need to go to the passport office. You may be able
to renew by mail. As long as your passport was issued less than fifteen
years ago, you are eligible to do this.
What to bring to the
passport application office: You are required to bring two color
photographs of yourself, money for fees, proof of identity, and proof of
citizenship to the office so you can get your passport. In the event of
a name change, you will need to bring documentation of that as well.
Photographs:
The requirements for the two color photographs that must be sent are
very strict. Most passport offices can take your picture for a nominal
fee of $15. This is usually good because it ensures that your picture
meets the qualifications.
Hours: The hours for passport processing
offices vary. It's generally a good idea to check when your local
office hours are so that you don't go when the office is closed. Most
passport offices are open sometime during business hours, but rarely
after then.
How long it takes: If you are leaving the country,
plan ahead and visit the passport office at least a couple months before
your trip. This process takes a while and you will most likely wait
between four and six weeks to get your passport. If you need it before
then, you can ask the employees at the office about expediting the
passport. With this process, you can pay a $60 fee to get your passport
in about two or three weeks.
The US government passport office is
not as much of a hassle as most people think. A passport is often
necessary, but as long as you plan ahead and get together all of the
necessary documents, you will have no problems getting your passport.
After the paper work is submitted, the hard part is over and you just
have to wait for your passport to come in the mail.
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.
