Applying for a passport may not be on your top-ten list of things
to do, but it is worth your while to take the time to apply for this
important document. Not only will it speed you through travel security
lines, both inside of and outside of the United States, but it will come
in handy for any situation which requires a photo identification that
is accepted around the world.
Passports are a verification of who
you say you are as well as a confirmation of your citizenship. No other
document needs to meet the strict qualifications and supporting evidence
that's required to apply for a passport, which is why it is so widely
accepted. There are several steps when applying for a first time
passport, but since your passport is good for 10 years, and renewal is
much easier, you'll only have to go through this level of work once.
Start
by locating a passport acceptance and processing office close to you. A
United States Post Office meets this requirement and is the most
familiar and convenient for many people. Libraries and local government
buildings also qualify. You can check in the phone book or visit the web
site for the United States Department of State and use their convenient
search link. This link lets you search by zip code and distance as well
as city and state. You can further refine your search if handicapped
access is required and it's worth narrowing the list to those that also
produce passport photographs.
Speaking of passport photos, these
can't just be your favorite shot from your last vacation. As with a
driver's license, the picture must meet certain requirements, such as
size and composition. Local copy centers such as Kinko's also typically
make passport photos, but if you select a processing site that does this
service, you'll be saving yourself an extra trip.
The passport
application itself can be downloaded from the U.S. Department of State
web site, or picked up at the application center. If you download and
print it at home, check it carefully as anything smudged, smeared or
illegible will cause it to be rejected.
Use only black ink to fill
it in and don't sign it before showing up in person at the processing
center. The official will need to witness your signature.
Since
citizenship is verified before a passport is issued, you'll also need a
certified and embossed Birth Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship or
Naturalization Certificate. These must be originals, not copies. If you
need to write away for a replacement certificate, it's a good idea to
order 2 so you'll always have a spare. Photocopies of these important
documents are seldom accepted as proof of citizenship.
As you may
have guessed, passports aren't free, so be prepared to pay. Fees change
over time but the typical cost is around $100.00. Photos are an extra
charge, depending on where you have them taken, but typically that's
between $10.00 and $20.00. If you're rushed and need your passport
expedited, add on more money. Mailing fees can also add up, as sending
by a traceable method is highly recommended.
You'll need to wait
approximately 2 to 3 weeks to receive your passport, but allow a few
more weeks on top of that just to be safe. Starting the application
process at least a month or more before you need your passport will
allow for any unexpected problems. Soon you'll be the proud owner of a
U.S. Passport and will find yourself smiling as you sail though those
long security lines at the airport!
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.
