January 26th, 2012
Passports are important travel documents issued by the United States that should be safeguarded at all times. Should you experience a stolen passport, you have to take immediate action. A number of steps should be taken in following legal procedure to replace the travel document as fast as possible.
Step 1
The first step to take if you have been a victim of theft is to report the travel booklet as stolen. In the United States, one would visit the State Department, Embassy or Consulate for reporting the item as missing. This is especially true for individuals who are traveling abroad and have has their legal document illegally taken from them.
DS-64
The DS-64 form is usually required to be completed and must be done as soon as possible. The specific form is necessary in recording your statement, which will document that it has been lost as a result of theft. The alternative to filling out the necessary documentation is to contact the Passport Services of the United States that will invalidate the document.
Invalid
If the legal document has gone missing and is invalidated, it cannot be re-validated. Those who have become a victim of theft and are in another country should visit the nearest U. S. Consulate or Embassy as soon as possible. Remember that one must first notify the State Department of your loss by completing the DS-64 form and mailing it to the designated address.
Accuracy
Always proof read the forms to ensure that all items have been correctly answered which is important for processing the particular application. Often a police report is required to be submitted with the particular documentation that states the situation in which the specific item was taken from you. Once all details have been documented, the forms may be posted to the Passport Services of the United States Department.
Loss of a Valid Passport
If your legal document was valid at the time that it went missing, the DS-11 and DS-64 forms will have to be completed and submitted together. This is because one will have to apply for a new legal document, which is the reason that the DS-11 form is needed to be completed and delivered to relevant authorities. A number of specific documents are necessary when applying to replace the important travel document.
Identification
One will need to present a certified birth certificate issued in the United States or Certificate of Naturalization. An identification driver license or government issued identification card is necessary as well as 2 photographs that are passport size. A fee is charged when applying for a new legal document and additional charges apply to expedited passports.
Once the item is reported as a stolen passport, it will be invalidated and the document can no longer be used for travel purposes. The application process for obtaining a new legal document requires that you appear in person. The procedure for a stolen passport requires that individuals complete designated forms for reporting the incident and then applying for a new document to replace it. Whether it’s stolen or damaged you can request an expedited damaged passport if you need it quickly.
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January 24th, 2012
On average, the passport replacement process takes up to 8 weeks to have the application completely processed enabling you to get a new document. This document could require replacing as a result of its loss, expiration or theft. A valid document is a prerequisite for every traveler and lack of it for whatever reason will cause you problems. The standard processing time for a replacement by the government is 6 to 8 weeks, which can be very inconveniencing to people whose travel plans are immediate.
Use The Internet
For travelers with urgent travel plans who require the passport quickly, an Internet search is a good option. There are a number of companies available online that offer these services. These providers can deliver a new document within a very short time, as short as 24 hours. However, it should be noted that these companies charge an additional fee for urgent documents. The additional charges can be as high as 300 US dollars but it varies depending on the urgency. Those processed in a longer time will have lower fees.
The Government Connection
The expedition companies work in collaboration with government agencies in charge of issuing passports. This gives them an advantage over individual applicants because they can push through the application fast. The best individual applicants can try do is hurry the application through government agencies but the process will still take about 3-4 weeks.
Your Responsibility
When an applicant works with an independent processing company, he/she will bear some responsibility. All the government application standards must be completed in addition to completion of all the forms required by the service company. The government application forms can either be obtained from the governmental site or that of the company. Just like the government, the company issues a set of instructions in regard to form completion.
Passport Photos
A new document will require photographs that have been taken according to the required measurements. This will be two, 2×2 inch photographs taken from a frontal view and in full color. You should follow the guidelines for requirements because there will be additional requirements such as those addressing the permitted attire and eyewear. To avoid rejections, hire a professional photographer to take the photos.
Submission
After all the above is done, you now have to submit the photos, application and any other required identification documents to the processing company. You should mail these documents in one parcel to the company using a mailing service that allows parcel tracking. This assures you of a safe delivery.
Return Old Passport
When replacing your passport, the old one should be returned together with the renewal paperwork. The old document is then canceled by the government and given back to the holder. Once this document is canceled, it is not invalid for use but can be retained with the holder’s records.
Finally, recovered lost or stolen passports should be returned to the government for cancellation. Once they are reported, they are recorded as such and this makes them invalid instantly. The process of passport replacement is simple if the correct procedure is followed and becomes quicker if an independent processing company is used.
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January 22nd, 2012
There was a time in the United States when a baby or a small child could travel on the passport of one of their parents, usually the mother. Nowadays, however, even a newborn infant must have a passport of their own. When travel is urgent or imminent, an expedited passport for newborn may be obtained. Parents may go through the procedure themselves or they may avail themselves of the services of a specialized agent.
Requirements
There is a lot more involved in obtaining an infant passport than for an adult. Some requirements include a birth certificate or other proof of American citizenship, parental consent, parental identification, parental Social Security Number and proof of intent to travel. Then you must fill in a form, pay the fee and send a couple of photographs. The reality is somewhat more complicated. It gets worse if one of the parents is absent or uncooperative. There are five child passport levels. These are Expedited, Rush, Priority, Next Day and 24-Hour. The expedited passport takes up to two weeks to process and the passport is mailed directly to the parents
DS-11
The necessary form, DS-11 – Application for a Passport, may be completed online and then printed or it may be downloaded, printed and then completed by hand. Form DS-11 is also available at a passport agency or from an Acceptance Facility. It is important not to sign the form until instructed to do so.
Submission
The application must be submitted in person. The baby must also be present and the passport is valid for five years and may not be renewed.
Photos
Requirements for the two passport photographs are rather stringent. They need to be 2 inches by 2 inches in size with a white or whitish background. The head size has to be between 1 and 1.375 inches with no had or anything else worn on the head. It must be taken no more than six months before the date of the application.
Photo Requirements
In the photograph, the baby must have a ‘natural’ expression. They must not be smiling, laughing, crying or screaming. They must have their mouth closed and must not contain a pacifier. The baby must be facing forward and looking at the camera. Only the baby must be in the picture, no parental hands, face, arms or even a car seat. Sometimes it is easier just to pay a professional photographer to get this done.
Citizenship
Parental proof of American citizenship is specifically required. This documentation may take the form of a certified birth certificate, a valid passport, Form FS-240 (Consular Report of Birth), Form DS-1350 (Certification of Report of Birth) or a certificate of naturalization or citizenship.
If both parents cannot be present at the time of application for an expedited passport for newborn, it is necessary to complete a Form DS-3053 (Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16). A notarized written statement from the absent parent is acceptable. Remember that children’s passports aren’t valid as long as adults passports are. it is important to pay attention to dates and get a passport renewal if needed.
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January 20th, 2012
If you are planning on traveling abroad with your family you will need to fill out applications for children’s passports as well as your own. Children must have their own passport. There are several things to keep in mind when applying for passports for your children. These are the nine basic steps you must follow.
Form DS-11
Complete Form DS-11 for each child. The application will need to be submitted in person to an acceptance facility. The child and both parents must appear in person when submitting the application. Most post offices act as acceptance facilities. Check with your local post office to see if they are authorized to accept passport applications.
Proof of Citizenship
Along with the application you will need to submit proof of US Citizenship for the child. There are very strict rules on what is an acceptable form of documentation. A birth certificate needs to be certified, which means it is an original with the registrar’s impression or multi-colored seal and also includes their signature. This will be returned to you when you receive your passports. If the child was born out of the country, a “Report of Birth Abroad” can be presented in lieu of a certified birth certificate.
Proof Of Parental Identification
Parents must submit evidence of their relationship to the children. Having each parent named on the birth certificate or the “Report of Birth Abroad” will satisfy this requirement. For single parents, you will need to submit a court order that proves you have custody of the child. Adoptive parents will have to provide a copy of the Adoption Decree that shows both of the adopting parents’ names.
Parental Identification Documents
As the parents, you will also need to provide a photocopy of your identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a previously issued passport, a naturalization certificate or a valid drivers license. City, state or federal employees may use their employee ID or military ID, which are also acceptable. If you are applying for multiple children, a copy of your ID must be submitted with each application.
Payment
You will need to pay two separate fees for each passport. For a minor, there is a ninety-five dollar fee for the application plus an additional charge of twenty-five dollars for the execution fee. These need to be paid separately and can be paid by check, money order or credit card. Some facilities may accept the exact amount in cash depending on the acceptance facility you use.
Photos
The final step is to provide two passport photos. The passport photo must be 2 x 2 inches in size and printed on quality paper. The background must be white or off white and the picture needs to be a full-face view with dimensions of the face no smaller than 1 inch from the chin to the top of the head. Most post offices will also offer passport photo services.
Stop! Don’t Sign It Yet
Decide what location you are going to use for submission of your documents and inquire about their hours of operation. Make an appointment if they are available to help speed the process along. Once you have all the information gathered and your photocopies made, you are ready to submit your application. It is important to note that you are not to sign the application until in the presence of the acceptance agent.
Traveling abroad with your kids can be very exciting for the whole family. The time it takes to get your children’s passports will be well rewarded with the wonderful memories made during your travels. Don’t forget to check the dates on your children’s passport, you may nee to apply for a passport renewal at some point. Once you have your passport in hand, you will be ready for the adventure and excitement of discovering the world.
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January 18th, 2012
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies your identity. In addition, it’s a document that requests another government to allow you to visit their country and be afforded assistance and protection. US passports are issued by the US government through the State Department.
When Is It Needed
First, when is a US Passport needed? Basically, it’s necessary when travelling outside the United States and its territories. Even when travelling to Mexico or Canada, there are certain requirements that a passport can satisfy because all persons entering Canada must show proof of identity and citizenship. US Citizens, including children, who want to travel past the “border zone” and into the interior of Mexico also need a valid US Passport.
How Do You Get A Passport
How does one go about getting a US Passport? The first step is applying for one. Forms for passport application can be found online as well as at the US Department of State. The website lists specific instructions for first time applicants and for those who simply need to renew their passports. As of August 2007, the US has only been issuing e-passports. These are the same as the traditional ones with the added inclusion of a small computer chip.
Download Your Application
The passport application can be downloaded and filled out online and then printed or printed and filled out by hand. Other locations where passport applications may be found include US Post Offices and libraries. No matter where you acquire and fill out your application, it is important to note you do not sign it until instructed to do so by the passport acceptance agent.
US Citizenship
The application must be submitted in person, even by minors under 16. These can be submitted to any of the passport acceptance facilities and passport agencies. These locations can be found through an online search. Evidence of US citizenship must be presented. This can be through a certified birth certificate or a previous passport. If you don’t have the primary documents, secondary evidence may be submitted.
Primary Identification
Acceptable identification must also be submitted such as a driver’s license or an undamaged, previously issued US Passport. Government or current military identification is also accepted as primary identification. Once again, if you don’t have a primary identification document, there are several secondary ones from which to choose.
Secondary Identification
Secondary identification must be a combination of documents such as a social security card plus a credit card, employee I. D. or library card. You may also bring an identifying witness who has valid primary identification. A photocopy of identification documents also must be submitted, showing the front and back of your document. Fees are then paid and you will provide two passport photos, which must meet passport photo requirements.
If you need a passport quickly, there are ways to expedite the process, which are explained on the State Department website. US passports are valid for ten years, for minors, five years or until they are sixteen. Once you receive your passport, you are free to enjoy your travel plans! Special instructions for passport renewal can be found on the official website along with information regarding lost or stolen passports.
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January 16th, 2012
If you are planning to travel out of the country, a U.S. passport is a necessity. The business of your trip does not matter. You could be planning an exotic getaway, studying for a semester in another country, or traveling internationally for business. Whatever the case, you will need this to enter any other country. It Is smart to plan and apply for your passport ahead of time.
Benefits
The benefits to having this document are vast. Without one, there are many places in the world that you will not be able to travel to. This is particularly true in the world today. In the past, without passports you could enter countries such as Canada. Presently, however, this is not possible. Any type of international travel requires that you carry this with you.
Easy To Obtain
Luckily, it is not too difficult to obtain passports. In most cases, you will be able to submit your application locally. It is a little more complicated if your travel dates are near. If you are planning to travel internationally in fewer than two weeks, you will be able to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency. You can even obtain one from outside of the United States by contacting the embassy or consulate.
Valuable Document
You may believe that it is not necessary to have one at all times. In fact, it is recommended that those who have family living or traveling abroad, are considering a vacation internationally, or have a job that could lead to international travel always maintain their passports and make sure theirs is valid. Already having a valid document will save you substantial time and money in the event of an unexpected business trip, a family emergency, or even in the event you come across a great airline deal.
Foreign Country Requirements
In fact, some countries need you to have yours valid at least six months beyond the dates of your planned travel. Because of this, it is recommended that you renew approximately nine months before the expiration date. This way, you will avoid any unforeseen problems.
Valid Period
Your document is valid for ten years if you were over 16 when it was issued. It is valid for five years if you were fifteen or younger. In order to keep your passport valid you must keep track of the dates of issuing.
Emergency Situations
If there is an emergency, there are still solutions available to you. If you do not have a valid document and a life or death emergency involving death or serious illness or injury occurs to someone in your immediate family in a country that requires a passport, you can appear in person at a passport agency for emergency service. You may have to provide documentation about the emergency.
Having a valid U.S. passport allows you to easily travel the world. By applying for one even if you don’t need it right away, you will save yourself time and energy in the long run. You will now be prepared for any unforseen circumstances including business or personal. There are also passports for children, while applying for yours you can start the process for a child passport as well.
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January 14th, 2012
Passports allow people to travel wherever they wish to go and also allow them to get back to the states. It is a document that identifies your nationality and confirms your name. If you want to learn how to renew passport, there are certain steps to be followed.
Documents
You will definitely need to have a birth certificate to prove you are a citizen. If one does not have one, they can get it by applying. This takes no more than two weeks. It should have the official names that appear in all your documents. If you have a change in name, it is mandatory that you produce a sworn statement to prove the same.
Renewals
If you are in a hurry to travel and your card is almost expiring, the first thing to do is renew it. You can apply for renewal via the mail. All they need to do is to download and complete Form DS-82. Your previous document should be in good condition as you will send it with the form.
Some Requirements
Your prior passport should have been obtained when you were 16 years of age and not exceeding 15 years ago. You also need to obtain two small sized photos. Mail the application with a money order. It should contain your names and your date of birth. All these should be placed in a padded envelope and mailed to the US Department of State.
Lost or Stolen Documents
If your prior card is lost, stolen or damaged, you need to go the passport facility personally. A personal application can also be done if you are renewing for a minor and if obtained your expired card in less than 15 years. You are required to go with identification, evidence of citizenship and two passport-sized photos. For those renewing for a minor, you can download and fill out a DS-11 form. Ensure that you have the application fee.
Sign In Person
If you are applying personally, do not sign the form. The official agent should see you put down the signature personally. They are required to be the witness to the signature. Carry with you all the required documents to the facility. The fee required is predetermined. Take all these to your nearest passport facility.
Finding Centers
If you are not aware of any of these centers, finding out is easy. All you need to do is visit the US Department of State website and fill in your zip code. It will provide you with a list of the centers that are available in your state. You may then select the nearest and most convenient one and take all the requirements with you. Ensure that you have with you the appointment number.
The pictures should have a clear background and they need to be 2 by 2. Pay all the requisite fees so you do not delay your application. If you need the passport urgently, you can get an expedited passport renewal. You do however need to pay extra fees. The card will be ready in not more than 2 weeks. If you are interested in knowing how to renew passport, follow the above and get your card ready between 4-6 weeks.
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January 12th, 2012
Over the years, various requirements have been added in an effort to combat children abduction and trafficking. These new requirements prove to be a bit complicated for parents to acquire passports for their children. While it is definitely vital to ensure children’s safety and it is a way of protecting them, these procedures are often considered to be too stringent. To make it through the process without a hitch, start early and pay attention to the details when applying for a childrens passport.
Application Process
The first thing you need to know is that your child must apply in person with both parents or guardians. Renewal of passport is not allowed by mail for minors. So children below the age of 16 whose passports have expired or are about to expire must apply for a new one by having a special form filled in.
Form DS-11
The form should be completed but it is signed only after the request of the agent. Form DS-11 is required to apply for a passport if you are U. S. A citizen. The complete but unsigned form must be presented to an agent at a passport accepting facility. Parental consent is also necessary for children under the age of 16.
Documentation
A proof of citizenship and a proof of relationship both are necessary if you are going to apply for your minor child. Provide an original or a verified copy of the child’s birth certificate as an evidence of citizenship. These copies can be acquired from the registrar’s office of the state where your child was born.
Proof of Relationship
To prove the child’s relationship you have to provide either a certified birth certificate that includes the names of the parents or an adoption decree complete with the adopting parents names if the child was adopted. Alternatively, a court order establishing custody or guardianship can also be supplied.
Foreign Birth
In case your child was born abroad, you would have to provide a certified foreign birth certificate with the parents’ names and a translation if required. A document of certification of birth abroad may also be used. Minors under sixteen, apart from needing evidence of the relationship between them and parents, will also have to provide copies of their parents’ identification plus a photocopy of each parent/guardian document.
Parental Consent
Parental consent must also be provided. Providing consent means the parents must appear with the child in front of the passport agent. If only one parent can appear, there must be a notarized statement from the other. If one parent has sole legal custody this, too, must be proved either with court order documents, or a death certificate of the other parent.
Finally you need to pay the childrens passport fee. There is an application fee and an execution fee. If one needs to acquire passports very quickly, there are other procedures that need to be followed in order to get expedited child passports. Passports for minors are valid for a period of five years or until they are sixteen years of age. By being aware of these points, one will be able to go through the process more easily.
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January 10th, 2012
A passport is a document that officially identifies a person as a citizen of a certain country. Its main purpose is for identification. This official document also enables you to enter a particular country and leave it as well. Without a passport, no one would know who you are. Below is information about them and why it is very important to have one.
History
First, let us know a little about their history. These authorization papers date back to the time of the Persian Empire as recorded in the Bible. At the time of the First World War, governments brought up the idea of having some sort of identification for security reasons as there were many spies at that time. This way of identifying people has remained in practice today.
Types of Passports
There are different kinds of credentials ranging from ordinary, temporary, diplomatic and official. They are permits that include the person’s name, date of birth, nationality and gender. It may also include fingerprints. This booklet normally has various pages. When a person travels, the visa, which is an official stamp allowing someone to travel to the country of their choice, is stamped on one of the pages and is evidence that you are in the country legally.
Where To Apply
It is acquired from the concerned offices or even from the Embassies. All you need is to fill out the required forms and provide the authorities with your latest photo, which will play a big part in identifying you as the passport holder. A fee could be charged that will go towards its processing.
Benefits
The benefits of this passport are many. Apart from telling the world who you are, it is vital that you have one because, in case you are in a foreign country and you are in some sort of trouble or something goes wrong, you need your authorization papers. With them, you can go to your country Embassy and have them assist you.
In Case Of Death
In the case of death, it is going to assist people to locate your family and relatives if you are perhaps in a different country. It also allows you to travel to foreign lands as a tourist or to see family and friends. You have to make sure that your passport is up to date. Passports expire after a certain period of time.
Help For Law Enforcement
Another role of this document is to assist law enforcers in their work. Once you have acquired this permit, your records are available to the security and the police departments. Hence it makes their work easier in terms of reducing crime and arresting criminals. The police will just match the fingerprints on the authorization document and those found at the site of the crime and determine who the culprit is.
It is therefore necessary to have a passport. It will not only identify you but also assist you into getting into all those countries that you have dreamed about visiting be it taking a vacation or just being adventurous! This guide should assist you in getting a passport and everyone in your family one. There are even child passport services as well as infant passport services.
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January 8th, 2012
Getting a passport can be either a simple process or a tough one. All citizens in need of traveling abroad are required to poses this vital document. Everyone is required to have this legal traveling document regardless of their age. Note that infants or young ones under the age of 16 have some special requirements needed for them to be issued with one. The passport application process is easy if one follows the necessary steps.
Plan Early
The first step that you need to note is that planning early or ahead is important. Note that the initial process takes four to six weeks, including the delivery process. If you happen to be in a situation where you did not plan ahead, yet you require the traveling document immediately, then you will have to go for expedited services. Though these services are fast, it generally takes two to three weeks and is very costly.
Documents
Another step is to keep important documents close so that if you are requested to present them, you can do so with ease. Such documents include a birth certificate, driver’s license and ID card. These documents help to prove that you are a legal citizen of a certain country.
First Time Applicants
In case you are applying for this document for the first time, you should consider obtaining an application form from the main office or the designated outlet in your city. Availing yourself to the center will enable you to ask questions or even offer helpful information to the agency. Note that you can download the form from the web but visiting the head office is most appropriate.
Complete Forms
Make sure that you fill in all the columns carefully before submitting the form. This form is supposed to be submitted to the passport office in person or via authorized personnel. You can also drop this document at the district collector’s office.
Pictures
Remember to have two passport-sized photographs. Ensure that you position yourself well during the process. This photo is very vital because if not taken properly, you might be asked to retake it. For this reason you should look for a professional photographer who is able to produce high quality work. The expert should also advice you on how to position yourself.
Cost
When in need of this travel document, you should consider the cost of obtaining it. Getting it through the regular process is not as expensive. When you want it urgently, you should go for the expedited services. However, though you can acquire the passport fast, you will be required to pay more for the services rendered to you.
In addition, you can consult your travel agent for more information. He or she will assist you through the entire process. These agents also make sure that one gets the best services they need. They will also be able to tell you if you require further information, or if you can get by with another process, like passport renewal or filing for a passport name change. If you do not have a travel agent, you can hire one to help you at an affordable rate. He or she will speed up the passport application process to enable you to travel without any delays.
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Passports are important travel documents issued by the United States that should be safeguarded at all times. Should you experience a stolen passport, you have to take immediate action. A number of steps should be taken in following legal procedure to replace the travel document as fast as possible.
