U S Passport Application – Getting A United States Passport Is Simple
These days, it seems as if the world is shrinking at an ever-quickening pace. At a minimum, people can now undertake travel to almost every part of the globe and in an extremely quick manner. It’s still the case, though, that a passport will be required in order to do so. This means knowing how to go about making a passport application go smoothly will be a good skill to have.
First of all, realize that the US State Department handles all applications for a US passport. And even though the process might seem a little complicated at first, it really isn’t all that hard to obtain an official passport. Generally speaking, applicants also have several different ways of getting one, including on their own or by hiring an passport expediting service to do so for them.
Anybody 16 years of age and older who needs a passport for the first time will need to follow certain steps before receiving it. Generally, those who are first-time applicants will also have to apply in person at a passport agency or service center. They may also be able to use an expediter, in certain cases. Passport agencies include many US post offices, generally speaking.
Also, government Form DS-11 – Application for a US Passport – must be submitted, along with additional documentation. Never sign the form before arriving at the acceptance facility or passport agency as a passport worker must witness the signing. As far as documentation goes, proof of citizenship and identity, along with a Social Security number, will be required.
When it comes to citizenship, there are a number of different regulations that pertain to the kind of acceptable proof. Usually, a birth certificate that has a raised seal, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization papers will work quite well. If those aren’t available, there are some other secondary documents that will be accepted. Check on the State Department passport website for just which ones those are.
As well, there are a number of different documents that can be used to prove identity, by the way. These include valid driver licenses, military identification cards and state, city and federal identification cards. When it comes to secondary-type identification, a library card, credit or debit card and a Social Security card combined with those two can be accepted in certain instances.
The fee for the issuance of a passport for adults, meaning those who are at least 16 years of age, runs from $20 up to $95 along with an execution fee of another $25. Payment methods range from strictly cash through debit and credit cards, as well as postal money orders and personal checks, in certain cases. Check with the passport issuing agency for just which payment forms are accepted.
It might seem a bit involved at first glance, when it comes to making new passport application form but it actually isn’t that difficult overall. It’s always recommended that a person who needs a passport make the State Department passport section website the first stop on the journey. For those who find it daunting still, it might be best to work with an express US passport service, many of which are found online.
Filed under General by on May 2nd, 2010. 