The Process Of Receiving A US Passport Application
Posted: March 17th, 2011 | Author: GuestAuthor | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: American passport application, Passport Application, U.S. passport application, US passport application | No Comments »Traveling outside of the United States and its territories will require a passport. The US passport application process is a straightforward process but it will require some time. Documents will have to be provided and the application will have to be done in person at a government office.
The application has to be presented at a government building that is picked by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, even for a replacement United States passport. Generally, these will be in convenient places like post offices, libraries, or courthouses. The locations are subjected to change so a quick search online can provide you with up to date information. You can also get the address, hours of operation and can find out if you need an appointment.
The parents of minor children both need to be present for their children to get a passport. A child, who is of age to drive but not a legal adult, will need their driver’s license as an ID. If they do not have a license, the parents will have to supply a photograph as identification.
The agency allows five kinds of documents to serve as primary ID. Naturalized citizens can present the certificate of naturalization. A driver’s license that is current is acceptable and a military or government employee ID is valid. If you don’t have any of these, you will have show several forms of ID to prove you are who you say you are.
The Department of State Form DS-11 is the application that will be filled out. It is available online. The form can be filled out on the computer and printed or it can be printed and hand written. It is important that you do not sign this paper until you are in front of an agent. They must witness your signature.
If you have an old U. S. Passport that is in decent condition, it can be submitted for proof of citizenship. Alternatively, you will have to show a certified birth certificate from the state in which you were born. If you don’t have one, you can request one from your birth state. It must be dated no more than a year past your birth date and be signed and stamped by the registrar.
Copies of the IDs must be supplied with the form. Both front and back must be shown on a standard-sized white piece of paper. Copy is to appear only on one side of the paper, no additional information should be on the paper. The copied image can be larger but not smaller than the original identification piece.
Fees will be collected when you apply. Money orders (bank drafts, international, currency exchanges, and U. S Postal), checks (personal cashiers, travelers, and certified), and credit or debit cards are all acceptable forms of payment. Exact cash is accepted at some locations but this should be verified before the appointment. Some acceptance facilities will require the execution fee to be paid separately from the application fee.
Photos to be used on the passport have to be submitted when you apply. These will need to be in color, less than 6 months old and look like you do when you get to the agency. You will need two identical photos that are two inches by two inches in dimension.
Getting a passport application properly completed will take time and patience to make sure you have everything you need. Once the process is completed, you will have your document in about five week’s time. Expedited service can also be arranged. All of the information that you need to be prepared is online, even for a replacement American passport.