A person can easily become overwhelmed at discovering all the
details involved in becoming a United States naturalized citizen. When
this status has finally been attained, the new citizen might think it's
all over but there is something that would benefit you if you go a step
further. It would be wise to apply for a United States passport. One of
the best forms of identification you can have is a passport and it is,
of course, necessary when traveling out of the country. You may think
this process takes a long time but with an expedited passport service,
it can be done quickly and easily.
There are several reasons it is
a good idea for a newly naturalized citizen to purchase a passport.
Your citizenship certificate is good for a lifetime but you don't want
to risk losing the only document proving your citizenship. With a
passport in hand, you don't have to carry your citizenship document with
you and can, therefore, keep it in a safe place. Also, if you do plan
to travel outside the United States, this document will not grant you
reentry into the United States. A passport is a must.
A passport
is also a wonderful form of identification when filling out job
applications, questioned by law enforcement or at any other time proof
of identification is required. We don't want to forget that a passport
is also needed for international travel. Having a passport enables you
to visit places worldwide and never worry about getting back into the
United States. Having one in hand also makes it one thing you don't have
to worry about when you find yourself making last minute travel plans.
As
a naturalized citizen, you need to personally appear and present your
naturalization certificate when you apply for a passport. The United
States Department of State will process your application in one of their
two locations. You will need to include the certificate of
naturalization, two standard passport photos and, of course, your
completed application. You will need to maintain a copy of your
citizenship papers as the original will be sent off with your passport
request and it will take approximately eight weeks to complete the
process.
There are two locations available for your passport
application. With this being your first passport, a personal application
is required. You can go to the State Department Passport Agency or to a
passport acceptance facility. It is recommended that unless you require
an expedited passport service, a passport agency would be more
convenient.
As a newly naturalized United States citizen, please accept our
congratulations. We would recommend that you don't stop there. It is
always a good idea to acquire another quality proof of identification
and citizenship and nothing is better than a United States passport.
Remember, keep you original naturalization document in a safe place and
provide yourself another quality form of identification. If you are
planning international travel, an expedited passport service will help you to quickly and efficiently get your passport in hand.
