Passport Services Overseas

The majority of US citizens know that if they need a passport, they can turn in application forms at most post offices. In the US, passport services are also available in some libraries and court clerks' offices. But what do you do if you need passport help while you're overseas? No need to worry about you or a loved one getting stranded €" US embassies and consulates provide a comprehensive range of passport services overseas, including the following:

Passport Renewal

If your passport expires while you are overseas, in many cases you can renew it by mail at the nearest US embassy or consulate. Passport renewal by mail is available as long as all of the following statements are true:

 

• 
  Your current passport has not been lost, stolen or damaged.
  
  


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  Your current passport was issued after you turned 16, and was issued less than 15 years ago.
  
  


• 
  Your current passport was valid for 10 years from the date it was issued (in other words, it was not a limited validity passport).
  
  


• 
  If your name has changed since your current passport was issued, you must be able to back up your name change request with documents issued in the US.
  

 To renew your passport, generally you'll send a copy of the application to the embassy or consulate along with your current passport, passport photos, fees and supporting documents for any name change requests. However, you should definitely check with your embassy for instructions.

New Passports for US Citizens Born Abroad

If you're a US citizen and you have a baby while you're overseas, you'll need to get the little one's birth documented at an American embassy or consulate as soon as possible. The consul will do some research and ask some questions to ensure that the baby qualifies as a US citizen, and then will issue a document called a "Consular Report of Birth Abroad." This is the equivalent of a birth certificate for the purposes of proving your baby's citizenship. Once you have it, you can apply for passport services in person with your child at the embassy.

Lost/Stolen Passport Replacement

If you've lost your passport or had it stolen while overseas, the nearest US embassy can help you replace it. You'll need to visit the embassy in person for these passport services. Most embassies do require an appointment; check with the one nearest you for details. In general, in order for a full-validity passport to be issued, you need to provide proof of identity and proof of US citizenship. However, if you aren't able to get that documentation and you have immediate travel needs, they may be able to issue you an emergency passport so that you can get home.

About the Author

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

US Passport Renewal: Do You Qualify?

When applying for a US passport renewal, the first thing you need to do is to determine whether you are eligible to apply by mail or whether you need to go to the post office and apply for a new passport there.

In general, you qualify to renew your passport by mail as long as all of the statements below apply to you:

• Your passport was issued on or after your 16th birthday.
  
  
• Your passport has not been lost or stolen.
  
  
• Your passport was issued less that 15 years ago.
  
  
• You have the legal documents to substantiate any name change requests that have become necessary since your last passport was issued.
  
  
• Your passport is undamaged.
  

Most of those statements are pretty clear-cut, but what about the requirement that the passport be "undamaged?" After all, if you use your passport frequently to travel, some wear and tear is unavoidable no matter how careful you are.

According to the State Department, the following is considered "normal wear and tear" and does not disqualify you from getting a US passport renewal:

• "Bending" from carrying your passport around in your pocket.
  
  
• "Fanning" of visa pages; in other words, your passport has been gone through so many times that it doesn't want to close properly anymore.
  

The following is considered "significant damage," and you must apply for a new passport in person at a post office :

• Water damage
  
  
• Torn pages
  
  
• Torn out visa pages
  
  
• Writing on the data page that wasn't put there by someone official
  
  
• Holes punched through
  
  
• Other injuries
  

If the wear and tear on your passport is somewhere between "normal" and "significant," applying for a US passport renewal by mail is a crap shoot. If the Department of State determines that your passport is "significantly damaged," you'll have to apply again in person with proof of identity and proof of citizenship. You'll also be out a second set of application fees, so it's best just to apply for a new passport if there's any question about the condition of your old one.

Everything You Need To Know About US Passports

Any plans of traveling beyond the borders of the United States? If you do, then don't forget to procure yourself a valid passport prior to booking that next flight to Rome. Even if Mexico or Canada is just a border away, you still need a passport to cross the other side. Gone were the days when a copy of your original birth certificate will suffice. Americans use the only universally accepted form of identification, especially when travelling abroad - a United States Passport.

Governments have used some form of passports for over a hundred years. A traveler can be recognized as a citizen or a national with a right to protection in foreign lands and a right to go back to his home country through documents like passports, letters of transit and others. Although passports were not adopted as the official form of identification for international travelers before the 19th and 20th centuries, they were utilized since then.

In the United States, US citizens apply a passport from the State Department and its 14 passport agencies in major cities, clerks of federal and certain state courts, certain designated post offices and US consular authorities abroad. The passport is required for both departure and re-entry to the United States. For adults, it is valid for 10 years, while for children under 18, it is only valid for 5 since their appearances change more often.

To prevent counterfeiters and forgers, US passports are periodically upgraded to incorporate new technologies in its production such as advanced printing technology, special inks and security thread in the paper. A new passport was introduced in 2006 known as the e-passport or the RFID (radio frequency identification) passport. It has a computer chip embedded in the back cover that contains your biographical information and a digital copy of your photograph, which is used with facial recognition technology.

Applying for a United States passport for the first time needs a physical appearance. A physical appearance is also required for minor children. There are 2 steps to apply: (1) Complete application Form DS-11, and (2) Present proof of US citizenship (previous US passport, certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship).

First time travellers experience the excitement of going overseas. It may take a little time and money to apply for a passport, but the freedom you'll get to travel abroad is all worth it.

Travel Document Systems, Inc. is the leading travel agency for visas and US passports. For nearly 30 years we have served travel professionals, tour operators, cruise lines, as well as corporate and individual international travelers. TDS specializes in travel that involves visas for more than one country.

Dean N. Orbell 

Travel Document Systems, Inc

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5073553

Top 5 Most Common Errors on a US Passport Application

Making a mistake when completing your passport application can lead to long delays, which can be frustrating if you need your passport in a rush. Here are the five most common errors that are made on passport applications, so take extra care with these to ensure that you don't have to wait longer to receive your new or renewed passport.

1. Signing the Application Form at the Wrong Time

Depending on the type of passport you want to apply for, you will have to sign the application form differently. With the DS-11 form, which is used for a new passport, you are required to sign the form in front of an agent. Whereas with the DS-82 form, which is used for a passport renewal, you should sign the form at the same time that you print it out. Do this wrong or don't sign the application at all and you will face unnecessary holdups.

2. Inadequate Proof of Citizenship

Providing proof of citizenship is an important part of any passport application process, and unfortunately one that many people get wrong. You are required to submit a genuine birth certificate in order to receive your passport. An official birth certificate will usually have a raised or color seal on it from the issuing authority. A photocopy is not good enough: it has to be the actual copy.

If you were born in Texas or California you will need to submit a long-form birth certificate instead, so make sure that you submit the correct information. You will always get your birth certificate returned, so you don't have to worry about losing it.

3. Incorrect Check

It is amazing how many applications are delayed because the applicant failed to fill out the check properly. When you fill out your check for the passport fee, make sure that it is signed in the correct place, and that it is for the right amount. This is a really easy way to prevent delays when applying for your passport.

4. Failure to Check Everything Carefully

With something as important as your passport application, make sure that all the details are accurate before sending it in. It is easy to do and a few minutes of checking can save you so much time, which is important if you need your passport in a hurry.

5. Invalid Photographs

Make sure that your photo is admissible before you send in your application. Don't just send in any photo-make sure that it fits the requirements. There are a number of regulations that you must comply with, including the size, how recently it was taken, and many others. Check the full details on passport photographs on our site to avoid sending in the wrong type of photo.

Don't Suffer Delays- Make sure you check all of these details before sending in your passport application and you can help to save yourself from frustrating and costly delays. Of course, if you'd like to send it to a passport expeditor like us, we can help step you through the process step-by-step.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3913942

Passport Renewal Can Be Completed by Different Methods

A passport renewal may be accomplished by any U.S. citizen by either mail or in person. Renewal by mail is only an option if the passport holder meets all the requirements. By visiting a local passport office, process will still take some time but it can be moved along a bit smoother by being on hand to provide any documentation that may be needed. There are services available online that can help to expedite this or the government offers their own version of expedited service.

There are certain criteria that must be met in order to renew by mail. The old passport must be available to be returned with the application and must be in the holder's original name. The passport cannot be more than 15 years old from date of issue and must have been issued after the holder was older than 16 years of age.

As with anything else when it comes to the government, there are forms that need to be completed. 

The renewal form must be printed out or filled out online and submitted along with the old passport. 

The form is easily located by going on the Internet and simply searching it out. This will need to be accompanied by two new color photos along with any applicable fees and if there is a name change since the issue date, supporting paperwork to that effect.

The passport renewal normally takes four to six weeks when done through the standard channels. The Department of State also offers an expediting service than can shorten the time to two to three weeks. 

If the need should arise that necessitates receiving the passport faster than this, there are private services that can expedite the process in as little as one to two business days. These services are perfect for emergency situations but do come with an additional fee.

Should the passport holder not meet all the requirements to renew by mail, a trip to a local Passport Acceptance Facility or Regional Passport Agency will be necessary. An applicant will then need to present a properly filled out DS-11 form along with proper identification. There will also be the need to have new passport photos on hand when applying for the renewal. The private service providers can still help these applicants but there will still be a necessity to appear at a facility of this type.

The above guidelines are strictly for adults applying for a renewal, minors on the other hand have a few more guidelines that must be followed. They must apply in person no matter what, if they are still under the age of 16 or if the passport was issued while they were under that age. They then must follow the same guidelines as an adult and submit the renewal form along with pictures, ID and the processing fee, if any. The same rules for expediting apply for minors as they do adults in that they may choose either the governments offering or to go with one of the private service providers for a passport renewal.

Any U.S. citizen residing out of the country in Canada can also renew by mail if needed. Those that reside in other countries will however need to visit either the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate office to renew the passport in person. There is a complete listing of these locations that may be found online.

The passport renewal is probably most easily completed by going through the mail. If the proper criteria cannot be met by the holder, then it will be necessary to complete the process in person. It has been shown that the private expediting services can help an applicant receive their USA passport back much quicker than the stander government expediting service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4001757

Get US Passport Fast - Don't Let a Stolen, Lost, Or Missing Passport Delay Your Travel Plans!

What could be worse? You're ready to travel out of the country and you suddenly find that your passport is missing or stolen. Is the trip ruined? Will you have to reschedule your business plans or tell the family that the trip they've been looking forward to for months will now have to be rescheduled?

The resounding answer is "No!" Not if you use an expedited passport processing center. Go online, complete the simple application, follow the instructions, and get U.S. passport fast - in as little as 24 hours!

Can it be that simple? Just a few years ago, there was no way that this could have been accomplished so easily. People were required to appear in person at a Passport Agency or the Post Office. But now, with the Internet, and a specialized third party passport processor, it is like a dream come true. 

Without a third party processor, you'll have to rely on the U.S. Government. It could take three to six months! And during that time, you'll have to worry if it is being done correctly, or will everything just simply become lost.

Get U.S. passport fast by using the powerful and convenient Internet from your home or your office.

 It couldn't be easier. Let the experts of an expedited third party passport agency do all the legwork and deal with all the headaches instead of you. By using this method, you can get that U.S. passport back in your hands in as little as 24 hours. Then, you can be confidently off on your trip with your new credentials.

Save yourself the time and worry of waiting at home for your documents to arrive - worrying if the trust you place in the U.S. Government was warranted. Don't depend on the government to do the job right in the first place. Don't lose sleep over this. Even if you use the US. Government's own expedited service, expect it to take two to three weeks. Instead, use the experts from a third party passport processor to make certain the job is done right in the first place. They're the professionals that you can count on. They've seen the problems that can cause this process to go awry and they know how to avoid them.

Get US Passport fast, in as little as a day. Don't wait. Start this easy process today with a third party passport center.

Why wait 3-6 months for your US passport -- ESPECIALLY if you have an emergency? If you need to get a US passport fast -- even in as little as 24 hours -- Tom Netau is the owner and operator of [http://www.getuspassportfast.com] which connects you with third-party, government authorized expedited passport processors. Whether it is a new passport, passport renewal, replacement of a passport, a child's passport or a name change, you can save yourself a lot of time and money by not waiting in line and putting up with the government red tape involved. Get started today, and get US passport fast [http://www.getuspassportfast.com] -- in 3 weeks or within 24 hours!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4146505

Renewing Your US Passport Quickly

Leaving the country soon? Forgot your passport expired last year? If you have already booked your ticket abroad, all hope is not lost. With the help of a passport expediting service it is often possible to get your passport renewed in as little as 24 hours. Passport renewal is a fairly simple process and is very easy to accomplish by mail though an expediting service. You will need to send your expired passport along with a fully completed Form DS-82. You will also need include two new passport sized photos (2" x 2") and a check to cover the government fee. Currently the government fee for a passport renewal is $135. It is also important to note that if your expired passport was issued while you were under the age of 16, you will need to apply for a new passport, as you are unable to renew a child passport once you are over the age of 16.

The Form DS-82 can also be used to change the name on your passport if your passport was issued less than a year ago. If you have legally changed your name for any reason, you will need to obtain a new passport with the correct name and information. If you plan to do this you will also need to send your valid passport, issued less than a year ago, a completed and signed DS-82, and legal documents showing your name change (i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.).

While passport expediting companies offer fast 24 hour service, please remember that the US Passport Agency has the right to request further documents or information at any time. So it's best to get your passport renewal as soon as you are able to do so!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3658516

Sometimes There is No Other Choice But to Use Expedited Lost Or Stolen Passport Replacement Services

When a trip is coming up or actually happening, there is nothing worse than the realization that your passport has been stolen or is lost. It is bad enough when the trip has not yet started, but is right around the corner. It is even worse when someone is in a foreign country and has no documentation to prove that they are indeed a US citizen. It is times like this that call for expedited lost or stolen passport services.

If a passport is lost or stolen, how the situation is handled depends on where the traveler is. If the person is still on U.S. soil, everything can be handled rather quickly and without great expense. If the traveler has already gone abroad, everything changes, but it can still be taken care of. As long as you know what to do, there is no need to panic.

From the moment the passport is discovered to be missing, it is important that the passport holder jumps right into action. A phone call to the State Department should be the first move to make them aware the passport has indeed been lost or stolen. They can then do what they have to on their end to make sure that it is not used for illegal purposes.

In order to get a hold of the State Department, the passport holder must call their toll free number (877-487-2778) and report what happened. After they have done that, they can go to the website and download the DS-64 form. This is the form that must be filled out in order to get a replacement passport.

The DS-64 form will have to completed and turned in along with a new passport application. The process itself is the same as the process to get a new or replacement passport from this point forward and all fees are also the same. As long all forms are filled out properly, the time frame to get the new passport should be the same as if they were getting one for the first time.

Realizing that a passport can be lost or stolen at an inopportune time, there are passport expediting services that can be used to make everything happen quicker. Just like the expedited services for a new passport, lost or stolen service cost $60 to have it back in about three weeks. If that does not make things better, there are quicker services that are available for a higher fee.

If the person is already abroad, the process changes just a bit. The citizen will have to go the local US Embassy or Consulate and let them know what happened. If they have copies of all of their documents, they should bring them with them. At this point, the representative will let them know what has to happen and guide them through the process.

Nobody wants to ever think of losing their passport at the wrong time, but it is nice to know that you can get an expedited lost passport replacement. Many passport expediting services are available if you need them. This situation can be quite stressful, but as long as the passport owner knows what to do, everything can be taken care of rather quickly. Be prepared and keep copies of everything and know contact numbers before the trip ever happens and everything will be fine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3785069

How to Select the Correct Passport Form

The U.S. government relies on paperwork for everything they do, and this is no different when it comes to getting a passport or maintaining one. The right passport form can help an individual get a new passport or renew an old one, and selecting the correct one can mean the difference between a quick application and a drawn-out one. There are two basic forms when it comes to getting a new passport and they are the DS-11 and DS-82.

The standard passport book is known by its royal blue cover and this is the style that is issued to all applicants upon acceptance. The life expectancy of the standard passport is 10 years for adults over 16 years of age and five years for those holders that are younger than this. Depending on the applicant's age, the correct form will need to be filled out when applying.

When applying for a new passport, the majority of applicants will need to appear in person at a Passport Acceptance facility. They will need to have the proper passport form filled out when they appear along with current identification documents proving their citizenship. The Post Office is one of the most widely used locations for applying for a passport.

A new passport will only be issued to those appearing in person and cannot be obtained by mail. A personal appearance must also be made by anyone 16 years old or younger when applying for a new passport or renewing an old one. There is a wide variety of documentation that the applicant must have on hand when applying for a new passport.

There is also a separate form for replacing a lost or stolen passport and this may also be found online. This will need to be printed out and completed before arriving at the acceptance facility along with having photocopies or proper identification documents. This is yet another application process that must be completed in person.

Once the proper form has been found and completed, there will be accompanying paperwork that the applicant will need to provide. Proof of citizenship is one major form that will need to be produced and this should be in the form of a birth certificate. The birth certificate should be one that is obtained for the city, county or state that the individual was born in and have the issuing agency's seal on it.

It is a good idea to have all the documentation organized and in one place when coming in to apply for a passport. The issuing agency will also require photocopies of identification such as a driver's license or state issued ID card for proof. If these are not available, there are other forms that will be accepted in lieu of these and the list can be found on the government's website.

A US passport is something that is better to have and not need, than need and not have. The right passport form can help in the application process moving along quite smoothly. One thing to keep in mind is to not sign the completed application until in the presence of an agent at the facility, otherwise it will be need to be redone completely.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4001717

USA Passport Application - Fill it Out Correctly Or Get Acquitted Like Goldman Sachs Executives

If you are a US citizen who is looking forward to travel outside the country, you must first acquire a passport for yourself. The US department of State provides a passport after an American citizen has applied for it. Every American citizen has a right to obtain a passport which not only allows him to travel abroad but also works as an identity proof for him that confirms his citizenship. This official document issued by the government is a valid proof that allows you to travel across the world. You can go ahead with a USA passport application by yourself or hire an attorney to do it for you.

Application or renewal

Acquiring a passport will not happen overnight. So you will have to apply for the passport well in advance of the travel dates. You can collect a form and fill it up according to the United States Passport Application and Renewal guide. This is an important and dependable guide which you can follow to understand the requirements. It tells you who are eligible to apply, requirements for application, procedures to be followed, terms and conditions, amount of the fees, and how to speed up the process. If you fill in wrong or false details you may be facing penalty just like the Goldman Sachs executives. You have an option of submitting the hard copy of the form or submitting it online to any passport official along with a proof of your identity. Following the normal procedure the passport takes 30 to 45 days to reach your home.

If you want to speed up the process, you may do so by paying an expedite fee. On payment of this fee, you will be able to attain your passport within a matter of ten to fourteen days. If you are applying for passport renewal, there are a few points that are considered. Firstly the passport should not be damaged, the holder should have been at least 16 years old when the passport was issued, and you should have the same name as it is mentioned in the passport. If these criteria are not met then you will have to apply for a new passport. It is very important that your passport is not damaged in any manner or else it could lead to prosecution and the document becoming invalid.

For more information on USA passport application and what are the dos and don'ts you may visit http://www.usaimmigrationsupport.com. This website will provide you with details about the whole procedure and also help you in the process if required.

We provide a comprehensive USA immigration service, application forms and valuable information about obtaining US Citizenship, US passport, Green Cards and US Visas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3595614

How to Protect Against a Stolen Passport

Your passport is one of the most valuable documents that you have with you when you are traveling abroad. You need to take measures to protect against a stolen passport so that you can travel with peace of mind. International passports can be sought after items among thieves in other countries.

If you have your passport stolen, then you should get in contact with the local diplomatic mission, consulate or embassy closest to you. To be prepared for an event such as this, you should have the details of your passport and other travel documents copied or noted down elsewhere. There are some foreign affairs departments in some countries that have an online service for you to report your stolen passport. It is essential that you do this quickly to avoid anyone using it fraudulently.

Your reissued passport can most likely be delivered to the diplomatic mission where you are staying. 

In some circumstances you may need the help of the embassy to work out the best way for delivery to occur. You can work out these details when you visit the mission in order to fill in the passport application and pay for the replacement. Usually you also have to pay an extra fee for the lost passport.

In order to prevent a stolen passport, there are several things that you can do. Keep your passport secure at all times. The best way is to have a money belt underneath your clothes while you travel and use this. Never keep your suitcase in your hotel room or in a suitcase as suitcases are often lost or stolen. You should not place your passport inside a daypack either as these can be pick pocketed or mugged as well.

A soon as you have used your passport put it back in your money belt. Never leave them lying around on benches, counters or tables as it is very easy to leave them when you walk away. When presenting your passport to check into a hotel, changing money, getting through customs or anything else, make sure that you keep it in your sight at all times. It is not recommended that you leave your passport in your hotel or with the hotel staff.

Keep photocopies of your passport and other important documents. If you need a visa for the country that you are traveling through, you should also take a copy of this. A good way to store them is to scan them into your computer and have them stored in your email account so that you can always access them.

As well as preventing a stolen passport, you should also be careful with your financial transactions. Be alert when you are withdrawing money from an ATM machine, using a currency exchange or visiting a bank. Put your money away quickly and do not flash it about, there are often thieves that prowl these areas looking for unsuspecting victims.

When you are on vacation having to replace a lost or stolen passport is a problem that you do not need. Take all the necessary precautions with your US passport and you are much more likely to have a peaceful and uneventful trip for the right reasons.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3520048

Renew Your US Passport Or Risk Ruining Your Next Vacation!

You're excited about your next trip to Europe and have spent months planning every little detail. You count the days and finally you're packing and heading off to the airport. You know you've put your passport in your carry on and are a bit smug at remembering to bring this important document.

You stand confidently in the airport security line, smile as you hand your passport to the official, then watch with bewilderment as he asks you to step aside. What's going on? As if in a dream, you hear the security official point accusingly to the expiration date on your passport. How can it be? Your passport has expired!

This really is a nightmare scenario to any traveler, but it's totally avoidable. If you're reading this, go find your passport right now and check the expiration date. That's right, go! I'll wait until you return.

Okay, if you're still reading, then it's likely your passport expiration date may be past, be here soon or within 6 months of expiring. Hopefully you're not leaving tomorrow for your vacation to Europe. You can actually renew a US passport relatively quickly and easily so don't despair.

US passports can be renewed by mail, which is very convenient. The United States Department of State even has a specific form to use called a DS-82, "Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail". The form is available to download and print online at the Department of State web site, or you can pick it up at just about any U.S. Post Office. You might want to consider the overdue haircut or that new style you've been eager to try, because you're going to need to produce 2 new passport photos. I know you think you look exactly the same as you did 10 years ago, despite what your friends say, but the State Department wants new photos anyway. Find a passport agency that can take passport photos per the standards and include those with your mail in application. Make a copy of everything before sealing the envelope and don't forget to also drop in your current passport. Use a traceable mail method, such as certified mail, and make sure the envelope you've selected is durable and waterproof. 

Accidents happen, so plan for the worst!

It will take around 3 or 4 weeks to get your new passport, but if that's too long check into the "expedited" service, if you're willing to pay a bit more. Check the Department of State web site, which is up to date and full of useful information, to find out the price for this and any other information not covered here.

Once you get your shiny new passport, you can rest easy knowing that nightmare won't come true for you. Just don't forget to pack your toothbrush!

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2792108

US Passport Renewal Made Easy

When the time comes for your U.S. passport renewal, there are 2 options: You can renew by mail or in person. Mail seems to be the easier choice, but you must meet certain requirements in order to qualify.

You must have your old passport, and it must be in good condition. The name on your passport must be your legal name; if it is not, you have to prove your name change with documentation. If you are under the age of 16, you cannot renew by mail. Also, if your passport was issued more than 15 years ago, regardless of you age, you must appear in person.

Along with your old passport, you will need to send a form called "DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport" which can be printed online. You must renew in person if you no not meet these conditions.

Your application can easily be submitted at any United States passport agency. If you are in another country when your passport expires, you can simply visit your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Passport agencies can be found in: Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Honolulu, and Washington D.C. 

Additionally, there are numerous passport application acceptance centers throughout the country.

You will have to show proof of citizenship and photo I.D. when applying for your renewal in person.

 Also, remember to get 2 passport photos taken in advance and bring them with you. These are inexpensive, and there are many places to get them.

If you are cringing at the thought of the cost of passport renewal, you will be glad to know that the new passport card is only $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 16. The traditional book-style passport costs $75.00 for adults and $60.00 for children.

There is an additional "execution fee" of $25.00 if you apply in person, and you will have to pay a $60.00 "expedite fee" for express processing of your new passport if you need it in under 2 weeks.

Whether you choose the new card or the traditional passport, your renewal process should be simple as long as you plan in advance and follow these simple steps.

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2800814

How to Get an American Passport Without Leaving Your New York City Desk

Life plans can change in a New York minute. One minute you're at work planning a late supper with your kids, and the next minute a travel order falls across your desk. Instead of mentally preparing a dinner menu, you find yourself scrambling to make last-minute international travel arrangements.

 Between board meetings, teleconferences and piles of paperwork, the last thing you have time to do is leave the office to renew a passport. Fortunately for the busy executive, you can get an American passport in NYC without leaving your desk.

Filling out an online passport application saves the time and trouble of going in person and waiting in line at a passport processing agency. All types of expedited passport applications can be accessed via the web, including 24 hr passports/renewals and 2 day passport/passport renewals as long as you still have your old passport, it was issued to you at age 16 or older and within the past 15 years, and is in good condition. The steps are simple:

1) Fill out an online US passport renewal application. Make sure that all blanks are filled out. Any omission of information will cause extra delays in getting your application processed.

2) Provide all of the necessary documentation. You must supply your old passport. If your name has changed since your last passport was issued, you must also supply documentation to support the name change. This includes a marriage certificate or legal name-change certificate. You must also supply two passport regulation photos. These can be obtained quickly at almost any photo processing outlet. All documentation must be original; photocopied documents are not accepted.

3) Ship all of your documentation to the address provided to you by the online passport application processing agency. Often shipping is included in the cost of your online application. Otherwise, make sure you choose a reliable carrier and purchase shipping insurance. These documents are costly and difficult to replace so it's worth the small price of insurance to protect yourself from financial loss and identity theft. Once your application has been processed and approved, your documentation will be returned to you in like manner.

If you need to obtain an emergency visa application, add visa pages to a passport or add passport pages overnight in New York, you can also do so via the web. Again, you'll need to provide your old passport, plus a name-change certificate if applicable.

Your cost depends on how quickly you need your passport. No doubt it gives you peace of mind to know that adding passport rush in NYC from your desk is possible. No need to cancel those important meetings. You might even still be able to catch dinner with the kids before grabbing that flight abroad.

Travel.gov
http://travel.state.gov

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1249048

What You Need to Know About the US Passport

The modern passport contains many characteristics that enhance the appearance and safety aspects for travel. These ensure that tourists can have a smooth passage into the country of destination.

Essentials: Every regular US passport contains a few standard features - a blue cover page with the Great Seal of America affixed on it, a personal data page and a page carrying the signature of the bearer and a message from the US Secretary of State requesting permission to enter a foreign country. 

The passport covers for diplomats and officials, however, differ from regular ones. Each passport contains a standard of 32 pages, or 52 pages for frequent flyers such as businessmen.

Visa access: Some countries, such as China and Australia, require visas for entry into the country. The time taken and cost for visa application varies from country to country. A vast majority of countries in the world, including most of Europe and Japan, do not require any prior visas to enter. 

For information as to whether to apply for a visa, do remember to check the Foreign Affairs website of the country you re about to visit, or simply enquire with your travel agent.

Safety: The new US passport now contains an electronic chip that stores all your bio-data and passport information. This is not only to ensure that no changes are made to the passport illegally, but also to allow for a faster checkout at the immigrations.

Passport card: An alternative to the passport booklet is the passport card, specifically for travel to countries in North American - Canada, Bermuda, Mexico and the Caribbean. It might be a good idea to apply for a card instead of a standard booklet if you are traveling to these countries, since it is not only more portable, but also cheaper.

Validity: Both booklets and cards are valid for 10 years for an adult, or 5 years for a minor under 16 years of age.

Application: Applying for a passport can be done in person at any passport agency or acceptance facility. Current costs for an adult passport booklet are $100 and $85 for minors, or $45 for an adult passport card and $25 for minors. Passport renewals can be done through the internet and mail.

These are just some of the basics of a US passport, and would serve any traveler well when using or trying to obtain one.

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2792015

Application for United States Passport

A new version of the application for United States passport was recently published. There are a few changes which will be mentioned below in this article that describes the different sections of the application. You will also find some tips and advice on how to complete them.

New Features of Passport Application Form DS-11

At the very top of the application for a United States passport, the applicant is presented with a couple of choices. One, you can choose to apply for a passport book, passport card or both using the one form. The book is required for all travel by air while the card can only be used for land and sea travel to Bermuda, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean region. In the same space, the applicant can select to receive either a 28-page passport or one that has 52 pages in it. The larger book is only needed if you travel frequently.

Another change that has certainly contributed to fewer errors when printing the names of applicants on the passport is the separation of spaces to enter the middle and last names. In the previous application, there was a series of squares in which the applicant was to input both names. Cases in which applicants had more than one middle name or a hyphenated last name often created problems.

A second address line has been included in the new application. This space is reserved for things such as apartment, suite, unit, building, or floor number. If the passport will be mailed to someone other than the applicant, this is the place to add "In Care Of" and the person's name.

To better identify the area which is to be completed by a passport agent, the entire section has a white background compared to an orange background in the section to be completed by the applicant. The old application confused many who thought they needed to fill out this part of the form.

There are a few other changes that were made that do not seem that significant such as the addition of the date of birth of the applicants current or most recent spouse and the removal of the word "optional" in relation to the request for the applicant's email address.

How to Complete the Application for a New Passport

Applicants have the option of either completing the application online or printing the form and completing it offline. If filled in offline, use black or blue ink. Write legibly. If the person processing the form has difficulty reading your writing, it could result in errors in your passport.

Respond to as many of the questions as possible. You can leave questions blank if you do not know the answer. It some cases this can result in delays. Nevertheless, never make any false statements. Doing this knowingly and willingly on the application is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

The data that is requested on the application form includes personal information, travel plans and information about any previously owned passports. Personal information that you are asked includes full name, date and place of birth, sex, mailing address, email address, phone number, other names used, height, hair color, eye color, occupation, employer or school, permanent address and emergency contact.

If you have travel plans already, you need to provide the date of the trip, duration of the trip and a list of the countries you plan to visit. You can leave this part blank if you do not have any plans to travel. It is common for people to apply for a passport without a specific travel date.

The last two questions ask if you have ever applied for or been issued a U.S. passport book or a U.S. passport card. If you have, then you asked to enter the name that was on the passport, the number, date if was issued or that you applied and its status.

It is not really difficult to complete the application for a United States passport. You just need to set aside some time to get it done. The form has an estimated burden of 85 minutes. Few applicants take all that time to complete it.

Remember that the application must be signed in the presence of an authorized agent. Take the completed but unsigned form and all supporting documents to the nearest passport office. The agent will review everything, administer an oath and witness the signing the application. If all goes well, you will receive your new passport in 4 to 6 weeks. You can also request expedited service and get it in up to 3 weeks. For faster processing, you will have to submit the application at a regional agency or go through a qualified expediter.

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide, the experts in expedited passports, to get application forms and access step-by-step instructions on how to expedite passports quickly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6557727

How Does a Naturalized US Citizen Obtain a Passport?

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4506981