Archive for the ‘Passport Application’ Category

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Passport Application Form And Process

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Possessing a passport is required in order to travel to different countries. The State Department’s passport application forms are available online. Applicants must carefully review and follow the directions on the form to avoid unnecessary processing delays. Initially applying for a passport entails completing the DS 11 form and providing various documents needed to verify your identity.

Information

Fill out the appropriate form. Provide your full name, address, gender, birthdate, birthplace and social security number. State the names, birth dates and birthplaces of both parents. Make sure all of the information listed on the form is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Verifying Documents

The agency processing the form needs to review certain documents to confirm your identity. Gather documents that verify your citizenship. Acceptable documents include a certified birth certificate, school records, hospital records or a previously issued passport. Individuals who aren’t citizens can submit either a certificate of naturalization or a certificate of citizenship. Expired or current passports and birth reports from the country of birth are also sufficient.

Identification

Provide proof of your identity with a driver’s license or an old passport. Government employee identification cards and military identification can also be submitted. The certificate of citizenship or naturalization is an acceptable form of identification. If you do not have any documentation verifying your identity, you can bring a person who has known you for at least two years to the processing facility. The person will be required to prove his identity and sign an Affidavit of Identifying Witness.

Photos

A recent color photograph of you is needed. The photo should be a full frontal view of your face. You can use a personal picture or have your pictures taken at a place that issues passport-standard sized photos. Accessories that cover any part of the face are not acceptable unless they are worn for religious or medical reasons.

Fees

The fees for first time applicants vary depending on whether you want a book, card or both a book and card. The card lists the same information as the book regarding your physical description, identity, and citizenship. The card is more limited since it is only valid when traveling to certain countries such as Mexico, Canada, and Caribbean territories. The fees cover the expense of processing and executing the book or card. Personal checks, certified checks and money orders are acceptable forms of payment. Any checks or money orders should be issued to the Department of State. Major credit cards can also be used for payment.

Agencies

Go to an acceptance facility, agency or post office to submit your completed application and documentation. Contact the U. S. Embassy or consulate in the country where you are located if you are outside of the country. The representative reviewing your materials will let you know if everything is sufficient. The representative can also answer questions you have. Going to a regional agency is the better option if you need the materials administered in a short period of time. An appointment can be set to expedite the process for you.

It may take four to six weeks for a passport application to be processed. Expedited service can take two to three weeks or even less for an expedited passport. Submit the form to the processing agency or facility as soon as possible so that there is enough time to receive the book or card prior to the planned travel time. Being prepared and informed prior to submitting all of your materials is the best way to prevent any delays that could tamper your travel plans.

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Easy Passport Application Tips

Sunday, 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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Filing A US Passport Application

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

Filing  a US passport application is the process to get a document needed when a citizen wants to travel to a place outside of the United States of America.  Passports are an important to document that allow citizens to travel in and out of countries with ease. Adults as well as minors need to have their own passport. Minors below the age of sixteen and those of ages sixteen and seventeen have their own special requirements for the application process.

Requirements

The following must apply for this document. One who is getting it for the first time. One who has one that was issued when they were under the age of sixteen. One whose passport has been stolen, is lost or has been damaged. One who has had a it for more than fifteen years, it is only valid for fifteen years. And finally one who has had a name change and they need to get all names in all documentations synchronized.

Citizenship

When making this application one has to show proof of citizenship first. They will need their birth certificate, a previously issued passport which must be undamaged, a naturalization certificate, a report of birth abroad by the responsible consular and a certificate of citizenship. In some cases one may lack all of the above or have unsatisfactory information. Due to that they will have to submit any secondary evidence that proves they are a US citizen.

Proper Information

The forms for the application process have to be filled out with all the correct information. One must sign it in the presence of an agent to verify they wrote the information. This proves that the applicant is who they say they are and are not attempting to falsify documents

Photos

Two photographs have to be submitted for the application. They must be identical two by two inch full color photos. They have to be taken while in casual wear within the last six months. The face must be in full view and the distance between the top of the head and the bottom of the chin must measure not less than an inch and not more than an inch and three eighths. The background can only be either white or off white. No head gear is allowed in this photo. Medically prescribed items such as glasses and hearing devices have to be worn when taking the picture.

Passport Agency

It’s much better to file for an application in person, there are other options though. A certain amount of money has to be paid as fees for the process. If one needs the process to be faster there is an extra fee for that. One can keep checking the status of the application online.

The US passport application process is not as tedious as it once was. Through technology and betters services obtaining a passport is easier than it ever was. There are many services offered now including passport expedition, passport renewal services, name changes, and others that can all be filed online.

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Applying For A US Passport

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

If you want to travel outside the United States or want a personal identity document, you’ll want to get an official US travel document. The procedure how to get a US passport is simple but must be followed precisely. The details below are for an adult applying for a new one, not getting one renewed.

Forms

The definition for a “new” passport is actually a fairly broad category. Obviously, if you’ve never had one and this is your first application, this procedure applies to you. However, you are also considered to be getting a new passport if yours has been stolen, damaged or lost. “New” also applies to you if your old one was issued more than 15 years ago or if you’ve changed your name since your current passport was issued, but you can’t legally document your name change.

Online Forms

The federal form you need to submit is the DS-11. You can download a copy off the Internet. The instructions on how to fill this form out are on the form itself. It’s recommended that you fill it out as completely as possible. It should go without saying that you should also fill it out truthfully.

Identity

In addition to the DS-11 form, you’ll also have to provide proof of your identity. You can’t bootstrap this process to get your sole identification documentation. It will only be issued if you can already proved you are who you say you are. The best option is to include a copy of a piece of primary proof of identity. This sort of proof could be your driver’s license, naturalization certificate, current military ID or other current government issued ID.

Citizenship

The next critical piece of documentation you’ll need to submit is proof of your US citizenship. If you’re a naturalized citizen, your naturalization certificate can serve as both proof of identity and citizenship. If you’re a naturally born US citizen, a certified, long form birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or citizenship certificate will prove your citizenship.

Photos

The last two pieces you’ll need are a color photo, sized exactly at two by two inches. The photo can’t be more than six months old and your face must be fully visible. You’ll also need to include a check for the passport fees. The exact fee you’ll have to pay can vary based on your application, so you should check the online schedule of relevant fees.

Agency

Once you have all this documentation, forms, and other requirements put together, it’s time to submit them for approval. This packet must be submitted at an authorized US passport office. There are literally thousands all over the country, usually in post offices, public libraries, courthouses or other public buildings. You can find the office nearest you by looking online. However, check with that office specifically before arriving as some require that you schedule an appointment in order to accept your application.

That’s all there is to it. Now that you know how to get a US passport, you can get the process started. Just remember to keep your passport up to date. At some point though you will have to go though the renewing passport process. There can be nothing so valuable as having proof of your US citizenship that will be accepted the world over.

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Completing An Online Passport Application

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

For many years, passport application has been through manual filling of forms by hand. In the twenty first century, technological advancement has seen the introduction of online passport application which has been a great relieve to travelers world over. This new development has saved many people a lot of hassles over having to fill many pages of the application forms manually.

Online Application

There are various steps that need to be followed when doing this application online. To begin with, knowing the online web page where these procedures are made is important. You need to browse these sites and start your journey on getting your traveling document ready within minutes.

Website

While on the site, the directory will automatically refer you to the appropriate form depending on your individual needs. Specific forms exist for specific condition for example there are those that are used by people who are applying for the first time, those that are meant for renewal purposes by those whose periods have expired or have gotten theirs lost and those that want errors corrected. You will be directed to whatever suits your objective.

Forms

Once you have located the right form for you, you will start the procedure, which is fairly simple. What you need to start making entries of are your bio data such as your name, date of birth and any other relevant personal details. Apart from the personal data, there are also other relevant details that will be required as per the nature of the traveling document you want to apply for.

Printing

Having successfully done the filing in, the next step will be to get a print out of the form. The print out which has been neatly filled is thus taken to the passport issuance office where the officers will verify its correctness. There, you will now be allowed to sign it for authenticity. You find that you should not sign it before verification by the concerned officers.

Proper Forms

At this point, you should be ready with all the necessary documentation required for the document to be issued without ado. Things like birth certificates and any other documents proving that you are a citizen of the country from where the passport is being applied. Neatly taken photographs that are within the required measurements must also be taken alongside the other documents.

Timeline

Once all these are done, be sure that your passport will be within your custody sooner than you may expect. Normally it takes two to three weeks to get the job done. However, there is an expedited process that allows urgent needs to be met within a day.

Websites where you have done your online passport application have tools that will allow you to monitor the progress of your application. Although sometimes one may experience problems while filling out the forms, many websites have help lines that will solve your issues. You can also get your kids passport by filling out an online application.

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How Long Does It Take To Get A Passport

Sunday, December 4th, 2011

If you have to travel in a hurry and do not have the documents you need, you may be wondering how long does it take to get a passport. The answer to this question varies. It depends on several things. The time of year when you apply will be one factor in the equation. The amount of money that you can afford to spend is another consideration. Finally, the way that you go about getting your passport will also play a part.

Timing

Due to the fact that most people travel at specific times of the year, agencies that deal with the issue of this document can be inundated with applications at specific times. Holidays and periods were everyone is off from their work is one such period. If you make an application at this time, it will take longer for the procedure to be completed.

Application

As a general guide, issuing agencies tend to stipulate a period of six weeks if an application is made by post. At peak periods, an estimate of processing time will go up to eight weeks. Should there be problems with your application, this period of time will increase up to ten weeks.

Processing

There are several ways to ensure your application gets processed quickly. Making sure that it is filled out properly is one small and overlooked step. With many forms to process, it makes sense that the ones that are clearly laid out and easily read will get through any system quicker.

Documentation

Ensuring you have the correct documents that are needed will also eliminate any wait. You need to provide evidence of identity. Additionally, an official document confirming which country you were born in will be required.

Expedited Services

If you are looking to be supplied with a passport in a hurry, you can have it in a period of one day to two weeks. Expediting services now exist for those who are in dire need of their documentation to travel. The cost of this service will rise up into hundreds of dollars. Bear in mind that the sooner you want it, the more you will have to pay.

Proper Forms

Going to an office that is local to you could be one of the most time efficient means to get what you want in a hurry. You can fill out all forms on the day. If you have your photos with you and all other relevant paperwork that is required, you could walk away with what you need by the end of the day.

So know you know the answer to the inquiry how long does it take to get a passport. Using the Internet to apply online is also possible. This method allows you to scan in any official papers. Payment can also be taken for the service that you are using via online payment mechanisms. This method will give you what you want again in a time period spanning twenty-four hours to a couple of days. Extra fees will be applied. You can help your case along if you can show evidence that you need a passport quickly don’t forget to ask about the renewing passport process.

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Stop Wondering How Long Does It Take To Get Your Passport

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Anyone who is hoping to travel outside their own country will need a valid passport. It is generally a good idea to try and implement the procedures for obtaining one as soon as possible. This will involve filling out an application form. You will also be required to provide identification that can be verified,along with documents to indicate nationality. Read on and stop wondering how long does it take to get your passport.

Identification

There are certain types of identification that are acceptable. A current driving license can be used. Passports that have already been issued but are out of date will also be accepted. If you have some form of identification that has been certified by the government, you can submit this as proof of your identity.

Application Forms

All application forms need to be correctly and legibly filled out. They should be accompanied by two photographs. These need to be recent. They should have been taken within a six-month time frame previous to making the application. They also need to be two inches square in size.

Timing

If you are making your application by post, you can expect to wait longer for issue. If you are not in a hurry, this should not pose any problems for you. Generally, the time taken to do this will be between five to six weeks.

Other Options

There are other options if you do not have time to wait. An expediting service exists and can be used to get this document quicker. Going down this route means that there will be extra costs that will be added on. An issue can then happen in around two weeks.

Shipping Costs

Additionally, there will be shipping costs to be paid for a quicker issue. These are added on to compensate for the services that are used to get passports in a hurry. These charges do increase the total cost of issue quite significantly.

Processing Times

There are certain factors that must be taken into consideration when trying to estimate processing times. The main factor is the time of year. Seasonal travel is a time when there are more applications going in. Holiday periods mean that more people are travelling. In cases where there are many applications, eight weeks may have to pass before you get your travel document. This is in respect of mailed applications. When using an expediting service, expect a turnaround of anything from a few days to a week on top of normal processing times.

It is possible to obtain a passport in one day. This involves arriving at an office of issue, making an application and waiting for it to be issued. You can stop wondering and asking yourself how long does it take to get your passport by following one simple rule of thumb. It depends on how soon you want it. If you are willing to pay extra and up into hundreds of dollars, it is possible to have it in one day. It is also useful to bear in mind that time frames are estimates, and nothing can be guaranteed. At least now you will know what to do if you experience a stolen passport.

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Passport Application – Understanding The Process

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

The earth feels as if it’s growing smaller by the day. Certainly, the ability of people to travel from one part of the planet to another and in just a few hours is making travel much more popular for more people than in the past. Certainly, the passport is usually required to go from one country to another and that means what to know about making a new passport application form can be important for most.

To begin with, recognize that the US State Department will be the agency responsible for issuing and maintaining passports. And though it might seem a bit technical when it comes to getting one, it really isn’t actually all that difficult. In fact, people today are able to go about getting one in a number of ways, including using an expedited new passport service or doing it on their own.

Applying For The First Time

For those who are 16 years of age or older, and who are obtaining a passport for the first time, there are specific steps that must be taken in order to receive a passport after application. Generally speaking, everybody who are requesting a passport the first time must apply in person at a passport issuance agency office or even through US post offices set up to accept passports.

“In addition to an in-person application, it’s necessary the application be on the government’s Form DS-11. This is also known as the “”Application for a US Passport”" and it has to be submitted along with a number of different documents. Keep in mind it’s necessary to sign the form in front of a passport worker. When it comes to documentation, proof of identity and citizenship and a Social Security number will be needed.”

Provide Personal Information

Proof of citizenship, as far as Homeland Security regulations are concerned, takes the form of certain acceptable documents only. For one, a birth certificate with a raised seal, a certificate of citizenship or a certificate of naturalization are all acceptable. If those are unavailable, there are certain secondary-type documents that can be used. Check the State Department passport website for info.

Records that relates to identification is really varied, which is fortunate. As far as good examples go, standard documents for instance a government-issued ID card or a valid driver’s license or military identification card works. Secondary-type ID when it comes to this category can include a library card, a credit card and a Social Security card, by the way.

Payment Processing

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 passports applications but it actually isn’t that difficult overall. It certainly is advised that the person who requires a passport make the State Department passport section website the first stop on the journey. For individuals who find it daunting still, it could be best to work with an express U.S. passport service, many of which are found online.

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Never Wait Last Minute To Fill Out Your Passport Application

Monday, November 7th, 2011

It could be ideal for each member of a family to get passports before leaving for the airport for your vacation abroad. Whether or not the member of the family is renewing a passport, fixing data for it, or obtaining a passport for the first time, the U.S. passport application is found on the internet and won’t be extremely hard to finish. Anyone may either fill out From DS-11 or Form DS-82, based on his or her situation.

Since these are documents for traveling internationally, the federal government places mandatory rules for getting a US passport. Though Form DS-11 is usually completed digitally, a person will certainly still need to make an in-person appearance at a designated government facility. All of the extra forms need to be brought to the office for verification.

Standard Facilities

Any Passport Acceptance Center can be a federal government run facility, sponsored by the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services and Customer Service. This can be still rather vague, because most people do not know government offices, but places such as post offices and libraries tend to fit under this office. On the internet, individuals can discover their nearest Passport Acceptance Facility.

Online Agencies

Certain Passport Agencies can be found online, however with these businesses, individuals must make appointments. Those who find themselves in a rush to get their passport due to a departure from the country in the near future should consider a passport expediting service. Within certain situations, these types of services could issue an individual a passport on the day that the individual requested it.

Additional Paperwork Needed

In addition to the application, a person should bring additional documentation towards the facility of his or her choosing. The purpose the extra documents serve is always to act as proof of an individual’s citizenship and proof of an individual’s identity. An individual will likely require a recent photograph and a copy of the recent photograph.

Proof Of Citizenship

The most common proof of U.S. citizenship that people use is their birth certificate, though there are still other forms that individuals may use. With regard to identification, a valid driver’s license is the most popular form, though again, there are other forms that will also be accepted. There are lots of stipulations for the pictures that ought to be presented, therefore it would be wise to go online to understand these.

The Different Application Forms

Form DS-11 differs from Form DS-82 for the reason that a person completing Form DS-11 will need to appear at one of the governmental facilities and the individual completing Form DS-82 will be renewing his or her passport via the mail. Each of these are passport application forms. Each form will ask essential factors, such as name and social security.

Traveling Abroad

Passports are necessary for traveling abroad, but all individuals should request for a United States passport as it is a form of identification that is accepted by many institutions. Those who feel they could not be traveling abroad in the near future could possibly get thrown a curveball and may find themselves purchasing an international plane ticket. These are reasons why it would be good to fill out a US passport application form now, for the sake of just in case.

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Receiving New Passport Application Forms

Sunday, November 6th, 2011

It is now time for your amazing trip to Paris. Nevertheless, before that trip happens, you can find likely to be some American passport application forms to be filled out. This can be a process that not many individuals will look forward to and it is often compared to doing income taxes. That can be a might be a bit of stretch, it’s not far from the truth.

Familiarize Yourself

A good thing for just about any traveller to do is get online and get familiar with how the whole passport process works. Along with checking out the normal government channels, it’s also possible to hire a professional agency to handle all of the forms. When utilizing expedited services, these agencies are in fact the best bet.

Finding An Agency

You should select a agency which includes governmental approval. The companies are approved by the US State Department and also have authorized with the US passport agency. By demonstrating their expertise and trustworthy filings, they have received the government’s go ahead for priority processing of the applications that they submit. A few private agencies promote their ability to process an application in eight short hours.

Forms

When it comes to forms, imagine a scenario and the State Department has established a form for it. From lost passports to damaged passports, matrimony or divorce name change as well as infants get their own forms. Of course, these are all in addition to the standard forms that have to be filled out.

With all of these DS forms, it is possible to become confused and those submitting the wrong form will receive an official rejection and need to start the process all over again. That is why a personal passport agency can be a god-send, they certainly are well aware of which form is needed and what type of documentation is required to go along with it. The forms involving visas can be even more complicated than standard passport forms.

As well as just filling out the forms, these agencies are actually there to provide expedited services. At times, the need to get a passport quick arises. Things such as emergencies or just being absent minded and not realizing that your passport has expired or that there is even the need for one.

Service Fees

Keep in mind that these services are not provided for free. Most of these companies will have fairly reasonable fees when the actual aggravation being saved is considered, but the quicker the passport is needed, the more they are going to charge. It is also worth mentioning that their fees are in addition to the government fees, rarely are they inclusive of them.

Pasport application forms have discouraged many people before you. In the event you dare take on the challenge, most of the forms can be found online along with directions as to how to fill them out. However, there is always the option of going online and finding a United States passport agency that can handle all of the difficult parts and all you will need to do is show up and put your signature on the form.

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