Posts Tagged ‘pasports’
Wednesday, 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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Posted in Passport Services | No Comments »
Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Passport renewal is simplest to get it done by mail. It is also completed in person. In order to meet what’s needed to renew by mail, you must have been more than 15 years old when the existing passport was issued, the existing passport must be un-damaged, and it must be less than 15 years old. The ultimate requirement of United States online passport renewal by postal mail is that a person should never have had an identity change since the previous passport was issued.
The Application
You can obtain an application for a passport card, if it’s your first passport card by mail and if you meet all the mail-in qualifications. If you’re behind in child support, you won’t be capable of getting your own passport. If you are mailing your papers, it’s always best to mail them inside a secure package. You will also want to mail them in a traceable manner.
A lost, damaged or stolen passport can not be renewed through the mail. It must be done in person. You need to complete an application except for the signature blank which will be completed in the presence of the passport agent. Your social security card must be presented for proof of identity.
Prove Citizenship
The next step in the application process is to prove your citizenship. You can do this through many different means. One of the easiest is with a previous passport; if this is not available, a certified birth certificate will do. A naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship is also a way of proving your citizenship status for your passport applications.
Forms Of Identification
You will have to provide forms of personal identification. This identification can be a current driver’s license, a current military ID, a government ID, a naturalization certificate or an undamaged passport. Whenever you do not have a primary form of ID, there are several secondary forms of ID that are acceptable. These require someone with ID to vouch for you.
All forms of identification must be photocopied on white 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper. The ID can be expanded to fit the paper size, nevertheless the ID can’t be decreased to a smaller size. Each form must be presented on a separate piece of paper. You can not use both sides of the paper.
Other Information
The passport fees must be sent in with the passport renewal application. These fees vary and you need to understand them. In order to purchase additional services related to the receipt of the passport, you will need to add additional fees. Some of the extra services include overnight delivery fees and expedited fees. Checks, credit cards and money orders are accepted forms of payment.
To complete your United States online passport renewal, you must also enclose a 2-inch by 2-inch color photo. It must be a full face with no head gear and must be a frontal view. The background must be either off white or white. The photo for your passports can not be older than six months. Whenever you usually wear glasses, you should wear glasses within the picture. The same goes for hearing aids, a wig or a hairpiece. You cannot wear tinted glasses unless you have a medical certificate stating that you need them.
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Thursday, September 23rd, 2010
If you have ever been in a hurry to get your passport, you may have wondered if there was any way that you could speed up the general process. While expedited services are often mentioned, some people fail to realize that you can actually receive your passport even sooner than the typical services listed. If you are interested in this option, you may want to consider some of the following on how to acquire one day passport renewal.
There are various ways that you can get a passport via this option. Generally, when you apply for a passport, you will be asked if you would like to use expedited service. Usually the traditional method will help you to get your passport weeks sooner, however, you can opt for other expediting services which will quicken the process also.
From time to time, it isn’t unusual for there to be a waiting list for passport services. Because of this, people typically tend to use expedited options to help speed up the delivery time. If you are unsure of when your passport may be able to arrive, check to see if there is a waiting period and consider your other delivery options.
Depending on where you are applying for your passport, you will have different choices. Post offices tend to only offer the traditional expediting services for the typical prices that are listed on the government website. If you are applying at other approved facilities, other expediting options may be mentioned or offered to you to choose from.
You can also find many expediting services on the internet. If you want extensive options and you have a specific deadline that you need your passport by, this would be your best option to consider. There are many passport expediting services which you can use to get your passport at a variety of speedy delivery times.
Generally, if you choose to use expedited services on the internet, some of the fees that you would pay for your passport are going to be different from the prices you would experience for services from a facility. Because of this, you might want to browse several service sites before you make your decision. This is the best way to discover which service will be able to deliver your passport in time for a reasonable rate.
Many of these services are also able to offer you other options for your passport. If you want extra passport pages or some protection for your passport book, there are a number of services that will provide you with these for a reasonable additional price. As with anything, you have to compare pricing and decide what’s best for your situation.
If you are concerned about when you may be able to acquire your US passport card online due to delivery times, you might want to consider the option of overnight American passports. In addition to the expediting services at many facilities, you will discover that there are also a vast amount of options online. It can truly make the process less stressful and help you to travel even sooner.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
When an individual has last-minute travel plans, there is often not enough time to obtain a passport. It takes approximately four to size weeks for the government to process the application. This is not convenient for someone who has travel plans in the very near future. If these individuals are willing to pay some extra money rather than cancel their travel plans, they can have a 24hr passport.
The government rush passport service will cost $60 in addition to the $100 standard processing fee for an adult book. Applicants who travel to a Passport Agency to submit their paperwork may pay these fees via check, money order, check/debit card, credit card, or bank draft. Those who take their information to a local post office should confirm acceptable payment methods.
Money order and check are the only accepted forms of payment for applications submitted via the mail. The payment, supporting documents, and application should be packaged in a durable envelope and sent via overnight delivery. Applicants are advised to use a traceable mailing service, such as UPS or FedEx, be used in order to track the package, if necessary. Applicants should also request overnight delivery from the agency in order to speed up the process.
If the traveler already has a passport that needs to be renewed, or if amendments need to be made, the rush service may also be used. Travelers who need more blank pages added to their passports or those who have a name change will qualify for this rush processing. The appropriate form to include in the package, as well as information regarding additional documentation required, can be found on the government Web site.
The government processing time for an expedited passport is currently approximately two to three weeks. The reason this is so long is that the government accounts for the time to receive the application, five days for processing documents, and time for sending the passport in the mail to the applicant. Applicants may go online to the government site in order to check the status of their applications throughout the process.
Last minute travelers will often find this three-week timeframe unacceptable and there is another alternative. They can use a private company that provides rush processing in as little as 24 hours. The same paperwork and supporting documents will be required. These will be submitted to the private company who will then work with the government agency to speed up the process.
The cost to get a passport within 24 hours is approximately $300. If the applicant can wait about one week, the cost drops substantially to about $149. Though this may seem like a lot of money to pay, it may be necessary in the case of unplanned travel. These private companies offer additional services, like loss protection, for a small added fee.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
International travel is one of the most exciting experiences someone can have, but it requires a great deal of advance planning. One of the most important things to do before traveling is to apply for a passport or, if a current one is expired, get a new passport. These days, it is necessary to have a passport even to travel to Mexico and Canada, so it is a good idea for everyone to have one. It is a simple process, but it must be followed to the letter in order to be successful.
In order to apply for a first-time passport, it is necessary to apply in person. This can be done at a passport application facility, and there are several across the country. In order to complete the application, there are several pieces of paperwork and forms of ID required so the best way to expedite the process is by coming prepared.
The three most important things to have when applying for a passport are the required forms, a form of primary identification and primary evidence of US citizenship. For proof of citizenship, it is acceptable to present an expired passport or birth certificate, among other things. Primary identification could include a valid driver’s license or current military ID. Applicants should also come prepared with a photocopy of their primary identification.
There are also a few forms that must be filled out in order to apply for a new passport. These forms can be printed offline and completed prior to visiting the application facility. However, it is very important to remember not to sign the forms until asked to do so by the acceptance agent or else they will not be valid.
If someone has an expired passport and needs to renew it, they may be able to do so by mail. They must submit their expired and undamaged passport with the application. In addition, the previous passport must have been issued within the last fifteen years when the applicant was over sixteen years old and must have their current name. If it does not have the current name, the applicant must be able to document their name change.
The processing time for a passport is typically four to six weeks. It is possible to receive it in two to three weeks with expedited service for an additional charge. Those who are traveling within fourteen days should make an appointment at a passport agency. If someone has already applied for a passport, they should contact a National Passport Information Center representative seven days before their travel date.
Of course, there is a fee to apply for a passport. An adult passport costs seventy-five dollars in addition to a twenty-five dollar execution fee. A passport for a child costs sixty dollars as well as the execution fee. If a passport needs to be ordered with expedited processing, it will incur another sixty dollar fee.
The application process for getting a new passport is tedious, but it is important to follow it carefully in order to secure travel plans. One misstep in the procedure could set back the entire time line and the passport may not be available in time for travel. Follow the steps carefully and you will be able to see the world in just a few short weeks.
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
Today’s travel regulations are tighter than they have ever been and it is important to be prepared before setting out on a journey. Parents traveling with small children need to understand that child passport requirements are not the same as for an adult and make sure that they plan accordingly when applying for them. Taking a few extra steps before the trip can save a great deal of trouble on the departure day.
Many parents think that if they are traveling with a baby, they do not need to have a passport for that child, but this is completely false. Every child needs their own passport, regardless of age, and including infants. Showing up on the day of a flight without a passport for a baby will make it impossible to proceed with the trip, as the child will not be allowed to travel under any circumstances.
When obtaining a passport for the first time, the child must appear in person with both parents to begin the application process. The parents must provide all of the necessary documents and not sign anything until prompted by the acceptance agent. If one parent has sole custody of the child, they will also be required to present proof that they legally permitted to travel with the child such as a judicial declaration of incompetence of the non-applying parent.
The next step in applying for a passport for a child is presenting evidence of the child’s United States citizenship. These documents will need to be submitted with the application and will be returned with the newly issued passport. Documents that will fulfill this requirement include a certificate of citizenship or a certified birth certificate.
The parents will also be required to present evidence of their relationship to the child. This can come in the form of an adoption decree or birth certificate, among others. If the parent’s name has changed since the original document was issued, they will also have to present evidence of a legal name change. In addition, each parent will have to provide a copy of their own official ID.
The final important thing that each parent must do is provide consent for the child to be issued a United States passport. This means that they must both appear in person with the child and sign the appropriate forms in the presence of an acceptance agent. If only one parent is available to appear, they must present a notarized statement from the second parent confirming their consent.
Of course, as with any government document, there is a fee to obtain a child passport. The cost of the passport is sixty dollars with an additional twenty-five dollar execution fee.. It takes four to six weeks to receive a passport, so if it is needed sooner than that, there will be an additional sixty dollar charge for expedited processing.
The process of obtaining a child passport is complicated and it is important to follow the direction carefully and complete each step. A single mistake could mean that the entire process will need to begin from the start and that could significantly hold up travel plans. For details on each step, visit the United States Department of State.
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Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
When traveling overseas, the most important thing for someone to have on them at all times is a passport. In the event of an emergency, this is the thing that identifies someone as a United States citizen and it is impossible to travel without it. One of the most frustrating ordeals to go through when traveling is a lost or stolen passport but, in the event that it happens, it is important to know what to do.
If a passbook goes missing, the most important thing is to report it immediately. If someone tries to use a passport that is not his or her own, it could cause a serious security breech at an airport. If the document is lost in the United States, it can be reported by phone or by filling out a DS-64 form and mailing it to the Department of State. If someone happens to be out of the country when he or she loses the passbook, he or she should immediately report it to the closest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Losing a passbook while overseas is a significantly more complicated situation than losing it at home. One way to expedite the process is by traveling with copies of the document and keeping them in various locations such as a backpack, wallet, and suitcase. It is also advisable to get travel insurance that covers the cost of quickly replacing a lost passport.
In order to replace a passport overseas, the owner of the missing passbook must appear in person at the nearest US embassy or consulate. Many sites online provide lists of embassies in each country along with their location. However, when traveling, there is never a guarantee of Internet access so, just in case of such an emergency, a wise traveler will find all of this information before the trip and keep it with the travel documents.
Once a passport is reported as lost or missing, it is immediately invalidated and cannot be used for travel by anyone at all. If a passport is found after being reported missing, it should be submitted to the Department of State. They will cancel it and, upon request, return it to the holder. It is important to remember that a canceled passport cannot be re-validated so be sure to look everywhere before reporting it.
In order to replace a lost or stolen passport, the holder must apply for a new one in person. The individual will need all of the same forms and identification as when he or she applied for the initial passport and will also need a form regarding the incident. It will take four to six weeks to receive the new passport.
One of the most inconvenient situations to be in is losing a passport or having it stolen right before leaving for a trip. Under normal circumstances, it takes four to six weeks to obtain a replacement. Even with expedited processing, it takes two to three weeks to complete the process. Anyone who needs a passport to be replaced within two weeks should make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency.
A lost or stolen passport can be a stressful and scary situation but it does not have to be the end of the world. The important thing is to stay calm and report it to the proper authorities immediately. The Department of State or US Embassy will have the resources to get travelers back on the road as quickly as possible.
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Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
During the rush of travel, the passport is often thrown into a carryon bag after passing through customs. These bags are frequently subject to rough handling and the contents can be jostled. A damaged passport will need to be replaced before additional international travel can occur.
A damaged passbook is an unacceptable form of documentation and should be surrendered to the government. At the time of surrender, the passbook holder will need to apply for a new passbook. The renewal process will not be relevant to these individuals because the passbook renewal instructions provided by the government state that the most recent passbook must be undamaged in order to obtain renewal.
These government guidelines were put in place for security purposes, so it is well worth it for the damaged passport holder to take some time to go through the application process, in the interest of government security. The DS-11 passport application form can be downloaded from the U.S. Department of State Web site or obtained by visiting a Passport Agency or Acceptance Facility. If getting the document online, the individual will need to print out the DS-11 application form and submit it in person. The form may be completed online and then printed or it may be printed or completed by hand in a legible manner.
The DS-11 form should not be signed until the applicant is instructed to do so at the Acceptance Facility or Passport Agency. This application form and additional required documentation must be presented in person at one of these locations. The information may not be submitted by mail under any circumstances. When appearing in person, the applicant will also need to provide his or her Social Security number for verification purposes.
The additional documents required are intended to verify identity and provide evidence of United States citizenship. Identification documents include a city, county, or state-issued certified birth certificate. Individuals who were born abroad may supply a certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth. If none of these is available, different types of secondary identification or an identifying witness may be supplied in accordance with the guidelines on the Department of State Web site.
A photocopy of the identifying documents must also be provided and the government provides guidelines regarding the photocopying process on its Web site. If an identifying witness is used, that person must present a copy of his or her identification. These requirements are all put in place so the government can be sure that the person applying for the passbook is who he or she claims to be.
In addition to this documentation and the application, two identical color passport photos must be supplied. These are also subject to specific government guidelines, so refer to the Department of State Web site for more details. The applicant will also need to submit the current passbook application fee of $75 plus a $25 execution fee. Those who wish to obtain a passport card in addition to the passbook must pay a $95 application fee in addition to the $25 execution fee. The information will be processed by the government within four to six weeks.
Travelers who have a damaged passport should replace the document as soon as possible in order to prevent any security related issues from occurring while traveling. The passport replacement process will require the individual to submit a new application and appear in person at a Passport Agency or Acceptance Facility with this form, damaged passbook, supporting documentation, and photographs. The applicant will have a new passbook within four to six weeks of submitting the paperwork and payment.
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Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
In order to travel beyond the borders of our country, every citizen from an infant on up to a full grown adult must acquire a passport. There are many steps to this process. Once a passport is received, at some point, it may be necessary to change a person’s name for a plethora of different reasons. Passport name change has many steps of its own that need to be followed.
Who you are and the reasons why someone has changed their name are important factors that play into getting a name change for a passport. For instance, someone who changes their name because of marriage will have a different path than a person who has a court order. The date at which a previous passport was issued also has affects in the process.
In cases of marriage or legal name change within a year of the date a passport was issued, changing the name on a passport can be done through the mail. Someone trying to change their name needs to send the government their old valid passport and a completed DS-5504 form with name change application. Documentation, like a marriage license or court order proving the name change, must also be produced.
However, if a passport was issued over a year before needing the change, new guidelines need to be followed. This can also be completed through the mail by sending the current passport and a completed DS-82 form.. Proof of the legal name change, due to marriage or court order, and two recent pictures that meet standards set by the government must be submitted. A fee will also be charged to the party.
For people who cannot produce legal documents a new set of rules and regulations apply. When documents are not present, a person must go to the agency in person. They will need to bring along their current passport with the old name and prove to officials that this was their former identity. Once in this office they will be asked to complete a DS-11 form and will have to pay for the new passport.
To prove identity in cases when no legal documentation of the name change exists, the government will require other items to document the name change. The officials at the agency will need to be provided with 3 public records with the new or assumed name. This name change must be in place for at least five years. Two recent photographs must be provided or taken while at this office.
Parents or guardians who need to change the name of a child’s passport, several rules must be followed. Both parents and the child must appear at the passport agency. A birth certificate with both parents names on it or adoption decree must be provided. Along with a DS-11 form, parents must supply their own legal documents to prove a relationship exists between children and guardian.
There are many twists and turns and special caveats that go into a successful passport name change. Each situation requires different legal documentation and fees appropriated for processing documents. All procedures center on proving identity to the government. With the proper documentation, passport name changes can occur quickly through the mail. Without documents, it becomes much harder.
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