Application for renewal of your passport is essential and going
on holiday can only be a distant dream without a passport. Here are some
things to take care when applying or renewing your passport.
Renew
or apply: If you are applying for a passport for the first time or
younger than 16, then an application must be made in person at a
passport agency or acceptance facility. If not, a renewal application
can be made online and through the mail. To do so, simply complete the
application form off the website and send the recent passport, together
with 2 passport photos and a $75 check, to the address at the top of the
form in a padded envelope. It might be a good idea to track the
document to ensure security.
Apply early: The standard processing
time would be about 4-6 weeks, and half that time if you choose
expedited service, but keep in mind the possibility of delays. A safe
bet would be to apply 8-10 weeks before you fly.
Get your documents in order: Download the application form off the internet at http://www.travel.state.gov,
or obtain one for your nearest passport agency. Two necessary document
photocopies need to be submitted with the application form.
*
Evidence of your US citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a
Naturalized Certificate * An identification, such as a driver's license
or military ID
Bring everything you need: Ensure that you bring
along $100 application fees for an adult or $85 for a minor under 16
years of age. Bring along the same identification as the photocopy, as
well as two passport photos. These photos must be 2x2 inches against a
white background, showing your full face without obscurities and taken
within the recent 6 months.
Check your application status: Be sure
to check the status of your application about a week after you lodge
it. This can be done by sending a query online.
Run a quick check:
Flip through your passport upon receipt to make sure that nothing has
been torn or damaged in the handling process.
Note that any damaged, stolen or lost passports must be reported before a new application can be lodged!
And you're done! It's time to start planning for that dream holiday!
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.
