Applying For a Passport Can Be an Easy Process

When making plans to visit a foreign country you will need to get a passport. Passports are legal documents that are provided by the government as proof of residency for that country. Passports typically contain a photograph and vital information. They will also have several blank pages that are intended for the stamps of foreign countries. Applying for a passport is a process that involves several essential steps to get the document issued.

Applying for a passport requires having your personal proof of identification on hand. This proof can be a state issued driver's license or a state issued photo ID. You will also need to have a copy of your birth certificate. With these documents you can begin the process.

In the case that you cannot locate a copy of your birth certificate, you will need to obtain one before applying for a passport. Obtaining your birth certificate can be done in person, requested over the phone, or via the Internet. You may also mail a request to Office of Vital Records in the county in which you were born.

When have obtained your birth certificate, you can then continue with the process. If you have applied before, you can renew on line. However, if this is your first time applying for a passport, you will need to do it in person.

When applying online you simply need to access the website for the U. S. State Department. When applying online it is a good idea to refrain from signing the application until it has been approved. Doing otherwise could result in someone else accessing your passport.

When applying for a passport you will need to go to your local post office, or circuit clerk's office. Remember to bring your birth certificate, your ID and a 2 inch x 2 inch recent photo. To obtain the photo you can have it taken in most places that develop film, such as a local pharmacy.

Once you have arrived at the post office or court clerk's office, you need to present your identification and photos to an agent. This agent will examine the material to make sure it is authentic and that it is indeed you and then based on this information they may approve the application. You can then sign the application at this time. Now you simply need to wait for the passport to arrive at your home via the postal service.

This process may take up to six months, from applying to receiving it in the mail. Considering how long this process can be, you should start the procedure well in advance of your planned trip. If for some reason you need to have this returned quickly, you can pay an expediting fee, which should reduce the waiting time considerably.

You may also contact your Congressman's office if you need to have the process expedited. Your passport will be good for 15 years before it needs to be renewed. When renewing a passport you do not need to go through the process of applying for a passport, but simply need to request an updated passport via the mail.

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Basic Passport Information For International Travelers

The time has passed when citizens could cross many international borders without the need of a passport. Once, a quick trip to Mexico or Aruba required nothing more than a valid driver's license and sometimes your birth certificate. They still are not needed for travel to a U.S. Territory, but they are required for almost every other nation. Changes in the law means that there is now much more passport information travelers should know.

One new offering is a passport card. These will fit in your wallet, and cost less than a full passport, or passport book. They are valid only for travel to select nations within the western hemisphere, if said travel is by land or sea and not air. They are useful for cruises to the Caribbean or cross border trips to Canada and Mexico. However, it is best to review the entry laws for the specific nation to which you plan to travel, since some will require further documentation.

A traditional passport is still required for most international destinations and for all international flights. It may be possible to renew your passport via mail, if you meet the requirements. If you have never had a passport, or it has been longer than 15 years since it was issued, you must apply in person. There are several regional passport agencies, but most post offices and some country clerks also process passport applications.

Regardless of where or how you apply, you will need to provide proof of citizenship and identity. You must also provide two quality photographs in full color, and there are size and background requirements that apply. Vending machine photo booths cannot provide pictures that will meet the restrictions. Many post offices can provide the service, and so can a number of business stores that offer printing and shipping services.

You should plan your trip well in advance to allow time to receive a passport. When the passport office is at its busiest, the lead time can be 10 to 12 weeks. At minimum, they need 4 to 6 weeks when things are slow. If you wish, you can pay a fee to have your passport application expedited, which can cut wait time in half.

Once you are on your trip, be sure and protect your passport. Should it be stolen or lost while in a foreign country, contact the American consul or embassy at once. They can provide a temporary passport or documentation to leave the nation and return to the U.S. This can be a time consuming and frustrating process, so it is naturally best to avoid it.

Anyone who is behind with payments for child support can have a passport application rejected. Children involved in custody disputes may not be permitted to leave the country. In most cases, each parent must approve the application for the child's passport. This can sometimes be waived if a parent can provide a court decree granting full custody of the child. Everyone must have his or her own passport, from infancy on. The proofs required for a child are the same as for an adult when it comes to establishing citizenship. In addition, the adult must offer proof of his or her relationship.

Emergency passports can be obtained from regional passport agencies. Applications are only accepted in person. The situation must be a genuine emergency that requires you to travel immediately. You will have to provide the normal documentation, but will also have to provide proof of the emergency. An official death certificate or other acceptable notice may be needed which states what the emergency is and how it relates to you.

In the last few years, much passport information has become outdated. It always pays to be sure you have the most current facts. You should review the travel restrictions for your destination, since they can change quickly. Plan to receive your passport in plenty of time for your departure date. And if you are mailing in a renewal request, be sure that you have included all the documentation requested. All of this will help make your passport application process, and your whole trip, a much more pleasant experience.

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Insurance for A Lost Passport?

One of the most common international travel disasters is a lost passport. Whether you lose it at home before you even leave the country or lose it while you are traveling, it's a major hassle. Lost and stolen passports are expensive to replace, with application fees starting at $135 for adults. Beyond that, there are often additional costs involved if you need to expedite replacing your passport, such as fees paid to expediting companies or travel expenses to get to a regional passport agency office if you don't have one close by.

Should you be unable to get your passport replaced in time, you'll also face additional fees for having to cancel or reschedule your flight. If you lose your passport while you are overseas, you may also have to pay for additional nights' lodging while you get a new one.

Is there any way to protect yourself from the problems a lost passport can cause? You may be able to get some peace of mind by purchasing a travel insurance policy from a reputable insurer, but make sure to read the fine print before you do.

Passport Insurance

 

The truth is, many travel insurance companies do offer some coverage for a lost or stolen passport. In the industry, this is referred to as Passport and Credit Card Services coverage. Here's what it does:

• Operators from the travel insurance company walk you through the procedure for reporting your lost passport to the authorities and applying for a replacement passport. This assistance should actually be available with any travel insurance policy, whether it includes the additional benefits provided by Passport and Credit Card Services coverage or not.
  


• As part of the Passport and Credit Card Services coverage, the travel insurance company may reimburse you for the cost of replacing your passport.
  
  
• Additionally, if you've lost the credit cards in your wallet along with your passport, the travel insurance company will generally cover any unauthorized charges and help your family or friends send you money overseas so you can get back home.

However, it's important to read your policy carefully to see what circumstances are covered. Some policies may only cover the costs of replacing a passport that has been stolen as opposed to merely misplaced. Passports left in your checked baggage and lost in the airport are also often excluded from coverage. There's also no guarantee that a lost or stolen passport will be considered a "covered reason" to reimburse you for charges related to rescheduling flights or rebooking hotels. Again, read your policy carefully and shop around before you buy one to ensure you get the best deal.

 

As with so many other things, when it comes to a lost passport, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

About the Author

Alison Kroulek is a freelance writer and blogger with a focus on the travel industry.