US Passport Renewal in Minnesota

Minnesota is right on the border between the US and Canada, so keeping a current, valid passport is important. Minnesota residents have a few different options when it comes time to renew their passports. If you need to renew yours, start by examining your options so that you can choose the passport renewal method that best meets your needs.

US Passport Renewal by Mail 

You can renew your passport by mail as long as all of the following statements apply:

• You are in possession of your current passport.
  
  
• Your current passport is in good condition, and hasn't been damaged, torn or otherwise mutilated.
  
  
• Your current passport was issued less than 15 years ago, and it was issued after your 16th birthday.
  
  
• You have legal documentation to back up name change requests, if applicable.
  

To apply by mail, fill out form DS-82 and send it in with one passport photo, your current passport, and name change documentation if necessary, as well as the appropriate fees.

Passport Renewal in Person

If even one of these statements isn't true for you, you'll have to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. These are often located in post offices and municipal offices. You can find the closest one to you at the Department of State's website. If you don't have your current passport or it's been damaged, bring proof of identity and proof of citizenship as well as your photo and fees.

Getting Your Renewal Quickly 

Normal passport processing takes about 6 weeks.

If you're in a hurry, you can request expedited service by writing "Expedite" on the envelope you use to send the application and enclosing an additional $60 expedite fee. Expedited applications are generally processed within 3 weeks.

If you need your passport more quickly, you can make an appointment at the regional passport agency office in Minneapolis. This office is open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm every weekday except Wednesday. On Wednesday, it's open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

If you can't make it during those hours, you could also use a private passport expediting company to submit your application.

What About Enhanced Driver's Licenses? 

Michigan residents have the option of applying for an enhanced driver's license (EDL) which contains an RFID chip to make it harder to tamper with. Could this substitute for a US passport renewal?

If you're crossing into Canada by land or by water, yes. Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, you can use an EDL for travel to and from Canada by land or sea. However, flights into or out of Canada require a US passport book, and an EDL will not be accepted.

Author,

Alison Kroulek

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.

Import Information On Travel

Traveling to a different country can be a superb as well as an intricate experience. It's very difficult to be familiar with new language, legal systems and customs for unplanned travelers. You can have a lovely foreign experience with proper planning and guidance.

Health and safety are the primary issues for the travelers. Whenever you're going to a trip with your family as well as alone you've to be very careful about your health because human body is so sensitive and can't adjust with a new environment immediately.

If you're going to abroad, certain points should be kept in mind like:

Check your visas & passport (if required). Fill the emergency information page of the passport carefully.

Study consular information sheets or travel warnings for the city where you want to visit.

Learn carefully all rules & regulations of foreign country.

Be familiar with local laws and customs of the country where you want to travel.

Obey U.S constitution because it keeps you safe in foreign country.

Make at least two photocopies of your passport to avoid the harassment in case your passport is lost or stolen. You should leave one copy of your passport in your relative or friends' house where you're live in.

Make a list about your journey or the places where you'll visit during foreign travel and leave a copy of it at your home so that your family members can easily contact you in case of emergency.

Contact regularly with someone at your home.

Don't spend time at unknown places.

During your foreign travel don't accept things from strangers and don't handover your luggage to a stranger.

Register yourself with the nearest U.S consulate/embassy before departure.

Don't wear expensive jewelry or clothing due to safety reasons.

Don't carry large amount of money and extra credit cards with you while traveling.

Try to deal with authorized agents only at the time of exchanging money.

Last but not the least, contact nearest U.S. embassy immediately at the time of trouble.

Here are some health related instructions that are very much important while traveling to another country. Carry some medicines and medical supplies that you're using regularly because it's very difficult to find certain medicines in other country. If you find that vary medicine it is not sure that the formulation will be same. It can easily cause allergy or other bad effects to your health.

You should be careful about your meal while traveling. Try to follow a healthy diet chart that will help you to be fit & fine. Carry a written copy of your medical history that includes all information about you like:

• name, address & phone number

• blood type

• vaccinations

• name of your doctor and doctor's address & emergency phone numbers

• copy of health insurance that describes your policy number

• a list that shows your current health problems like heart disease or diabetes

• record of all allergies

• an alternative phone number instead of your parents'

Don't forget to carry a first-aid kit with you. While focusing on these guidelines you'll enjoy your travel and feel relax during your journey. 

By: Albert Garcia

Can You Renew Your Passport with a Felony Conviction?

A felony conviction is like the gift that keeps on giving. Even after you've served your time, if you have a felony conviction you may find it difficult to get a job, and in some states you also lose your right to vote. But what about the right to renew your passport?

Whether or not your felony conviction will prevent you from renewing your passport depends on what your conviction was for and whether or not you've finished serving your sentence. For example, if you are on probation or parole, you may not be allowed to travel without prior approval. If your conviction was for international drug trafficking, if you are still under legal supervision the State Department may refuse to renew your passport.

If you are denied a passport and you really need to leave the country, you do have the option of applying for a passport renewal under a humanitarian exception. However, there's no guarantee that doing this will get you your passport.

The good news is that once you've finished serving your sentence, in most cases you will be able to get a new passport when your old one expires. However, just because you have a US passport doesn't mean that you can travel wherever you please. Other countries can and will deny entry to people with criminal convictions-even countries like Canada that don't require visas for US citizens. To make sure you don't run into any problems, you should research the entry requirements for each country you plan to visit.

Also, make sure to renew your passport well in advance of your trip. It takes at least 6 weeks for a passport to be issued if you request standard processing, and if you request expedited processing it will still take around 3 weeks. Applying earlier means you'll be able to spot and correct problems in the application process before your trip.

About the Author

Alison Kroulek

Fixing Mistakes on Your Passport Application

Everyone makes mistakes. No matter how careful you are, there's always the possibility that you'll make a mistake on your passport application or that the Department of State will make a mistake transcribing the information you provide onto your new passport.

How do you fix mistakes on your passport? It depends on what type of mistake was made. The good news is that you can generally get your passport corrected without having to go through the entire passport application process again.

If your passport has a printing error, like the wrong birthday or a misspelled name, you can get it corrected for free as long as it still valid. To do so, use Form DS-5504 and send it along with a copy of a document that supports your request for correction, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate. If it's been more than 90 days since your passport was issued, you'll also need to send in new photos. As long as you can afford to wait for your corrected passport, the Department of State will fix it and send it back for free. If you can't wait out the standard 6-week processing time, paying an additional $60 to expedite the application should cut the time down to about 3 weeks.

If you've changed names since your passport was issued, the first thing you need to do it take a look at the issue date. If it was issued less than a year ago, you can also use Form DS-5504, following the procedure above.

However, if it has been more than a year, you'll need to submit passport renewal application form DS-82 by mail. Enclose your passport, the form, 2 photos and legal documentation of the name change, along with the passport renewal fee of $110. If you need to expedite, pay an additional $60 plus the fees for overnight shipping.

Author,

By Alison Kroulek

The Easiest Way to Get Same Day Passports

If you are looking to get a same day passport, you might want to hire a company that specializes in rush passports. For a fee, these companies will push your passport application through in 24 hours.

Forms: By answering questions, you will be provided with the appropriate forms for your personal needs. The most common reasons for needing a same day passport are name changes, a passport that is near its expiration, additional visa pages, and sometimes for an emergency in another country.

Documentation: Same day passports will require the same documents needed for all passport applications. Birth certificates, marriage license, divorce papers, and photo identification are necessary. In some cases, a certificate of health, immunizations records, an itinerary, proof of financial stability and a letter from your employer may also be needed.

Photographs: Occasionally passport photos won't be required. Generally, two identical photographs of your head and shoulders must be included. These photos need to be two by two inches square.

Application Denials: Passport application requests are denied for many reasons. Owing back taxes and being $2,500 or more behind in child support payments will result in denial. Felony and some criminal convictions may also result in denial. The State Department provides detailed information on their web site.

Expedited Services: To ensure 24-hour passport service you should employ an expedition agency. 

These agencies guide you to the proper forms needed, provide delivery services and process your documents. You are required to sign a waiver to allow them to act as your agent. The fees for their services, which do not include standard passport fees or delivery charges start at $300 and go up from there.

Same day passports are not cheap but they are available if you need them. If the situation warrants a rush passport, the price will be worth being able to leave the country in a timely manner.

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/3195137

Going to St Thomas? Find Out If You'll Need a Passport

St. Thomas is one of the most popular places in the Caribbean. It is an island that forms a part of the US Virgin Islands. Also, this is where the capital of the US Virgin Islands is found, Charlotte Amalie.

 This island has great beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular destination among many American tourists. In this article, we'll tell you if you need a passport to go to St. Thomas.

Now why is this destination so popular in the first place? The main reason for this, of course, is that it is located in the Caribbean. And if you know your beaches, you'll know right away that the Caribbean has some of the best beaches anywhere in the world. That's the reason why many tourists flock to St. Thomas every year especially those who love the beach, as well as water sports such as windsurfing and kite boarding.

St. Thomas is also a great destination for those who love history. For one, St. Thomas is one of the first islands that Christopher Columbus discovered in the late 15th century. St. Thomas eventually became a Danish colony until it was sold to the US in the 20th century.

Today, St. Thomas is a part of the US territory called the US Virgin Islands. And since this is a US territory, any travel made here by a US citizen from another US territory is considered a domestic travel. And if this profile fits you, then you don't need a passport to visit St. Thomas.

However, keep in mind that you be required to submit proof of your citizenship before leaving the territory. Because of that, you need to bring with you a document that proves that. You can present any of the following documents: your birth certificate as well as any government-issued ID such as your driver's license. Of course, you can also present your US passport.\

But why do others say you need a passport to go to St. Thomas even if you're an American? It's probably because of the confusion that stemmed from the creation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The WHTI specifies that you need a passport when traveling to WHTI areas.

 Since WHTI areas include the Caribbean, some people assumed that it also includes the US Virgin Islands. Again, because the Virgin Islands are US territories, you don't need to present a passport to go there.

Should you decide to bring a passport with you, make it the passport card. Why bring a passport card? That's because passport cards are more lightweight and convenient to bring compared to passport books. Passport cards are so small, you can slip them into your wallet. Also, applying for a passport card is cheaper than applying for a passport book.

Again, do you need a passport to go to St. Thomas? Not if you are an American Citizen coming from another US territory. Just make sure that you bring any government-issued document with you to help prove your citizenship whenever it's required, although bringing your passport as well couldn't hurt.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3374195

Passport Photos

Have you ever seen a passport? If you have, then you could have noticed that just like any other forms of identification, a passport also includes a photo of the bearer. A passport is an important travel document since this reveals your identity and nationality when you travel to a foreign country. 

And in order to better identify you as the bearer, your photo should be included in it together with important personal details such as your complete name, birthday, and citizenship.

However, since there are many people who are trying to falsify this type of document, the photo requirements for passport are stricter these days compared to other forms of identifications such as your driver's license, government ID, and office ID. This is to ensure that your photo is reliable when it comes to identifying you as the truthful bearer.

Passport photos should be of good quality to be able to represent the bearer accurately and should be free from common defects in order to avoid delays during processing. The following include the common passport photo print properties: it should be a 2 inch by 2 inch color photo, printed on thin photo paper or stock, clear print and with continuous-tone quality, and no enhancing, editing, or retouching done to the photo.

In addition, you have to make sure that your passport photo presents full head, your center head is within the frame, and the eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3/8 inches from bottom of photo.

 Your background for the photo should be plain white or off-white, no distracting shadows, and of course, you should have a natural expression.

You should be able to meet all these photo requirements when applying for your passport. Failure to comply with any of these will mean a delay to the processing of your application. That is why it is important that you have your photo taken by a professional photographer who knows exactly what the passport photo requirements are.

Passports [http://www.WetPluto.com/Passport-Applications.html] provides detailed information on Passports, Passport Renewal, Passport Applications, Passport Photos and more. Passports is affiliated with Passport Renewal Forms [http://www.e-PassportRenewal.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/253871

How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport to Go on Vacation?

Because of new passport laws, many new people are applying for passports. One of the most common questions people ask is, 'how long to get a passport?' This is a complicated question and there is no definite answer. The following article will try to explain the passport process and inform a new applicant what they can expect in terms of a passport time frame.

First, it is important to note that passport applications have skyrocketed in recent years. This is not due to a spike in international travel, but is instead due to a new law that requires passports for land travel to border countries. The law, which went into effect on June 1st, 2009, made passports mandatory for travel between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada. Word of this law caused a spike in passport applications as early as 2006.

The applicant is responsible for the first step of the application process. The applicant must obtain passport photos, a government issued ID card, and a proof of citizenship. The faster this part of the application is completed, the faster the whole process will go.

When everything is together, it is time to head to a pass port office to start the application process. In the United States, local post offices are the primary sources to get a passport application. While not every post office processes passport applications, many of them have this ability. It is best to check the USPS website for exact locations that offer this service.

Once the application has been approved by the application center, it is sent off for processing. This is the longest part of the application process. This is also the part of the application that worries most new applicants, as this part of the application has been known to take a great deal of time.

Today, the whole process is more efficient and worry free. Anyone that wants to go through normal channels can expect to get their passport in about two months. If that seems excessive, compare it to waiting over six months before these new laws went into effect. The entire process is much more efficient now.

The State Department also offers a passport-expedited service. Currently the waiting period for expedited passports is two to three weeks. The cost of an expedited passport is $60 plus the cost of overnight delivery. The State Department also offers various types of super-rush passports for dire emergencies. Obviously, it is best to try to plan ahead to avoid this kind of hassle. Applicants can also save significant money by obtaining the passport through standard channels.

Clearly, there is no one answer to the question, 'How long to get a passport?' It depends on the time of year and the type of year. A fair average is one to two months, but it is impossible to be sure. The best method to ensure that your passport arrives on time is to apply at your local American passport office long before you think you will need one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3775528

Take the First Step Towards Your Vacation by Getting Your Passport

Passport fees are rising, and the time to get one is now. Skip the stress and anxiety when vacation time rolls around and secure your family's get away. If you take the time to get a passport, you and your family are that much closer to your vacation, and you save your hard-earned money by buying it now as opposed to later.

Passport prices are going to go up by $35 to a total price of $110. With a big family, this increase can prove to be a vacation breaker. Don't let your vacation get away from you. Of this total, $20 goes to increase the security technology of your passport, reducing the threat of identity theft and stolen passports. The Passport Card, able to take you to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, is increasing to $30, affordable for a large family wanting to get away for a while. Even if your travel plans aren't in the near future, investing in a passport now could save you a large sum of money.

Identity theft and passport fraud are problems that are only increasing in frequency and severity. Make sure your passport is secure. If you fear it might have been stolen, go and renew your passport as soon as you can. With your renewal comes the voiding of your old passport, preventing anyone from possibly using it against you. A lost passport or ID is a criminal's jackpot. Don't let your identity be compromised by the unknown location of your passport. Get your new passports and keep them in a secure location so you do not have to worry about having your identity stolen while on vacation.

Planning a vacation is notoriously stressful. Do not let stress keep you from going on your dream vacation. Buying a passport is the first step, and with one less detail, your vacation is suddenly that much closer. See a Caribbean sunset or walk down Prague's streets. The possibilities are seemingly endless. A vacation can be an unforgettable family experience, full of great memories and adventures. Whether you plan on traveling for the summer or retirement, invest in a passport and get yourself that much closer.

The best way to learn about history, art, and other cultures is to travel. There are so many possibilities, and by just obtaining a passport, your family can see it all. Show your family the world and let them experience it all-new, hands-on way. Camp during the summer could never compare to a vacation in Germany or a train ride in France. With a passport, distant family and old friends become closer. Reconnect with a passport before the prices go up.

With a passport in hand, you and your family can immerse yourselves in cultures and atmospheres they've never even dreamed of. Let them try an authentic French croissant or teach them about King Arthur and his knights in London. Get a passport now, and these possibilities come closer to reality. The prices are going up, so renew your passport and don't let your vacation become unaffordable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4227514