The information age has brought a wealth of information literally
to people's fingertips. All that is required is a few seconds to type
an Internet search inquiry, a mouse click, and a list of Web sites
meeting the search criteria is returned. People can even purchase an
online passport in a fraction of the time it takes to get a passport
in-person.
The traditional method of obtaining a passport entailed making a visit to a U.S. Post Office or Passport Agency. Today, people have the option to use an online service provider to obtain a passport.
These services also offer quicker processing turnaround than the four to eight weeks required by the government. The ease and speed offered by these service providers make them a very attractive alternative.
The online services provide the passport applicant with the ability to obtain a passport within as little as 24 to 48 hours. They also offer other timeframes from which the applicant may select. There is a processing time to suit any need, whether next day or ten days from now. It is important to note that these services provide this added flexibility at an additional cost over the government passport fees.
The provider will require the applicant to complete the passport application in addition to some additional forms required by the provider. The provider's forms consist of a standard order form and sometimes a confidentiality agreement, due to the personal nature of information provided by the applicant. All forms may be found on the provider's Web site and may then be downloaded and printed.
The applicant will also need to provide copies of identifying documents. The main document required is a birth certificate. The format of the birth certificate must meet certain requirements, so it is important to check the provider's Web site for these details. The applicant should provide the proper format of birth certificate in order to expedite processing time.
Copies of additional forms of identification such as a driver's license or state ID card will also be required. These must have been issued at least six months prior to the passport application date. The additional forms of identification that are required are listed on the provider's Web site.
The applicant will need to supply two identical color photos to the processing company. These photos must meet certain size and format specifications so read the requirements on the provider's Web site prior to having the photos taken. Many pharmacies offer passport photo services so do not spend the extra money on a professional photographer unless necessary.
The traditional method of obtaining a passport entailed making a visit to a U.S. Post Office or Passport Agency. Today, people have the option to use an online service provider to obtain a passport.
These services also offer quicker processing turnaround than the four to eight weeks required by the government. The ease and speed offered by these service providers make them a very attractive alternative.
The online services provide the passport applicant with the ability to obtain a passport within as little as 24 to 48 hours. They also offer other timeframes from which the applicant may select. There is a processing time to suit any need, whether next day or ten days from now. It is important to note that these services provide this added flexibility at an additional cost over the government passport fees.
The provider will require the applicant to complete the passport application in addition to some additional forms required by the provider. The provider's forms consist of a standard order form and sometimes a confidentiality agreement, due to the personal nature of information provided by the applicant. All forms may be found on the provider's Web site and may then be downloaded and printed.
The applicant will also need to provide copies of identifying documents. The main document required is a birth certificate. The format of the birth certificate must meet certain requirements, so it is important to check the provider's Web site for these details. The applicant should provide the proper format of birth certificate in order to expedite processing time.
Copies of additional forms of identification such as a driver's license or state ID card will also be required. These must have been issued at least six months prior to the passport application date. The additional forms of identification that are required are listed on the provider's Web site.
The applicant will need to supply two identical color photos to the processing company. These photos must meet certain size and format specifications so read the requirements on the provider's Web site prior to having the photos taken. Many pharmacies offer passport photo services so do not spend the extra money on a professional photographer unless necessary.
Once the application, documentation, and photos have been
compiled, they should be packaged together and sent to the passport
processing company. The package should be sent via a traceable method so
that the applicant can make sure it arrives safely at the processing
company's location.
Taking all of these steps will make the online passport application process relatively quick and painless. The applicant will have a new passport and be ready to make travel plans, which also can be done from the comfort of home.
Taking all of these steps will make the online passport application process relatively quick and painless. The applicant will have a new passport and be ready to make travel plans, which also can be done from the comfort of home.
