Posts Tagged ‘passport replacement’

Replacing A Passport

Tuesday, 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.

Passport Replacement In The United States

Monday, November 28th, 2011

The process for passport replacement in the United States includes a number of services depending on the reason for requiring a new travel document. The specific item is an official government document and only the United States Embassy has the authority to issue new passports for native citizens. One may require new documentation upon an upcoming trip, due to theft, having lost it or in cases of damage to the booklet.

Requirements

The requirements for replacing documents will be dependent on the reasons for acquiring a new document. Should one be traveling, it is best advised to renew a travel document up to several weeks before departure. A number of steps are required to be followed in order to receive a new travel booklet.

Altered, Damaged, Lost, Or Stolen

In situations where a legal document has been altered, damaged, lost or stolen or your name has changed, you are obligated to apply for a new document as soon as possible. Should passports appear mutilated or altered, one may be prosecuted according to state law. Processes involved in the application for a passport replacement must follow the instructions within an Application and Renewal Guide for passports before submitting applications.

Applying, Replacing, Renewing

This guide will assist individuals in the necessary steps to be taken in applying, replacing and renewing specific travel documents. Should a legal booklet be close to expiration, one is also required to apply for a renewal. Remember that an expired travel document is problematic as you may not be able to enter other countries because it may not be accepted as proof of citizenship.

Application Process

When the legal document has been lost for whatever reason, the individual is required to apply for it as though it is the first application for a travel document. The process requires one to personally appear at the relevant authority in submitting all required documentation. Where an official booklet has been stolen, a similar application process to a lost document must be followed.

Form DS-11

The difference between the application for a lost and stolen booklet is in the latter, one must file a police report and submit this together with the specific application. The particular form that is usually required to be completed is DS-11 and should be submitted with all the supporting documents. Facilities for submission of legally required forms include the U. S. Embassy, consulate general, regional agency or application acceptance facility.

Damaged Passport

Damaged passports should also be replaced if it is in poor condition. This means that the print inside the official booklet has been visually impaired. If one is unsure as to the extent of damage, which may constitute replacing the item, consult with an agent who will be able to assist in determining whether it should be renewed.

The application for a lost, stolen or damaged booklet will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks however those requiring rush passport replacement may request an expedited service to speed up the process. One may determine completion of necessary forms from the Department of State. United States passports are legal documents that are internationally recognized and essential in being able to travel abroad and enter the country.

Expedited Damaged American Passport Replacement Services Are Available

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

Passports tend to be more or less the be all and end all of travel documents. Due to the status, they should be kept in immaculate condition so that there are no challenges encountered when traveling. Realize that customs officers utilize this document allowing people within their country and it is easily understandable why they are put under so much scrutiny. If your passport was just brought out from the drawer and is a bit raggedy, expedited damaged USA passport replacement could be the answer.

There are a number of reasons that a passport can be considered damaged. It is very important take note that although the picture is visible or we may think that it is legible, the people that are checking the document could have a very different opinion. Try to find items like a faded picture, water damage, torn pages and other things that could be considered to hurt the overall look of the passport.

Damaged Passports

Widespread ways which people damage passports consist of dropping them in water, leaving them in their clothing in the washing machine, mud, tears, rips, stains, animal bite damage, and other various wear and tare issues. Water damage has become the most standard reason for passport damage. It doesn’t matter how badly the passport is actually damaged, the passport must always be returned with the replacement forms.

What You Can Do

When a passport is ruined, it can usually not have a very good end result. Customs officials look quite carefully at a passport that appears to be altered in any way and they have every right to deny entry should they think these modifications had been done to falsify documents. For this reason it is best to merely replace the actual passport versus risking being denied entry into a foreign country.

Replacing Your Passport

It’s not really hard to replace a passport that’s destroyed. Almost all it really involves is downloading some forms from the Internet, filling all of them out and then sending them out with payment and the damaged passport to get the new one. If you find the requirement to get it quicker than standard processing allows, you can find expedited services that can be used.

Expediting Costs More

Similarly, expediting a damaged passport is similar to expediting any other U.S. passport replacement. Any passport could possibly be expedited for a fee of $60 dollars. This kind of charge will be charged as well as the normal passport replacement charge in addition to two-way overnight shipping and handling fees.

Estimated Processing

The State Department estimates that regular expedited delivery is going to take about 2 to 3 weeks for the new passport to arrive. However, because incidents sometimes happens at the worst times, which could not be quick enough. If the passport is necessary sooner, you can pay a greater price and have it back much quicker. When it is needed in within 24 hours, it can be done, but be prepared to pay about $300 for the processing.

Good Advice

If it passport of yours appears like it may be questionable, it is usually better to play it safe and get a United States passport replacement. A holiday vacation can be ruined pretty easily in the event the passport is considered to be damaged by the authorities. In the event the trip is in the very near future, use an expedited damaged U S passport replacement service to offer peace of mind and the knowledge that there will be no issues when crossing borders or dealing with customs.

Sri Lanka – Among The Most Exotic Of Destinations

Friday, May 6th, 2011

When you think about people who like to travel, one can generally separate them into two different types. There are those that like to travel, but generally visit places that aren’t too radically different. Then there are those who do the opposite and look for the most exotic place with the most different culture possible. If you are in the second group, consider traveling to Sri Lanka, a place on the other side of the world that feels like it’s on the other side of the world. This makes it a great place for an interesting vacation. In order to travel there, you will have to get a US passport form.

Passport Process

You’re not alone in hating the express passport application process. However, in recent history, the emergence of passport expediting websites have taken the giant task of getting a passport and made it easy and stress-free online. This means no more waiting at a passport agency or post office. All it takes is one afternoon of sitting down in front of your computer, filling out a new U.S. passport renewal application form or whatever else you need, and then submitting it. It’s remarkably easy.

Expansive History

Many people aren’t sure where Sri Lanka is. Sri Lanka is located off the coast of southern India. Even though it’s close to India, it has its own distinct culture. The history is expansive to say the least. Sri Lanka has continuous recorded history for approximately 2500 years, and during those years it has undergone many changes. Well-known for its stunning beaches and unique culture, Sri Lanka has been fascinating people for a very long time.

Cultural Heritage

An interesting way to spend your time in Sri Lanka is by investigating and discovering its cultural heritage. Galle is a good place to start. The city is so interesting and so chock-full of historical landmarks that it’s easy to do your own kind of self-guided tour. There are a lot of good places from where you can get a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding turquoise blue water. Definitely check out the Old Gate, it is very historically significant because it shows evidence of when Sri Lanka was still ruled by the British.

Natural Setting

Definitely try to get out and experience some of the natural setting of Sri Lanka. After all, it’s located in the Indian Ocean, not far from the Maldives, and the water is absolutely gorgeous. This means swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and other water sports are made even more fun. A great beach can be found at the southern end of the island at Mirissa. Don’t miss out on meeting some of the animals. There are a bunch of nature tours available that make doing this easy. One of the best things to do is the Elephant Orphanage, where you can pay a very inexpensive entrance fee to meet the elephants, and another additional fee if you’d like to ride on one’s back.

Exciting Vacation

The people and places of Sri Lanka have so much to offer, and you will never find yourself bored or without something to do. If you are looking for a place that offers a little more than a standard vacation, look into Sri Lanka. However, traveling outside US borders requires that you get a US passport. The process is infinitely easier if you go online to do it. You can do things like access and fill out a passport renewal application form or any other sort of application.

The Maldives – The Location For The Ultimate Beach Vacation

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Who doesn’t dream of a beach vacation? It’s true; there are tons of gorgeous places in the world to relax on the beach, but not everyone has the ability to travel and visit all of these different places. If you are looking for a beach vacation to beat all beach vacations, consider traveling to the Maldives. Located just off the coast of the Indian subcontinent, this little cluster of islands is world-famous for their breathtaking beaches. A quick search online will show you just how gorgeous they actually are. Before you can be on your way to the islands, however, you will need to fill out a passport application form.

Passport Services

Getting a passport can be quick and easy if you do it online. Every sort of passport service is accessible from your computer, and the amount of effort is decreased, as are levels of frustration. These online passport service sites offer everything from how to renew US passport, get a replacement passport, get a passport for your children, and much more. Their specialty is passport expediting, which means you can order a passport and have it at your door that same week.

Coral Formations

The Maldives are comprised of twenty-six atolls. Atolls aren’t islands or archipelagos, but actually rings made of coral formations that look like little scattered islands. The names of these atolls are intense, like Maalhosmadulu Uthurubur for example, but they are often referred to by geographical region as opposed to individual atolls. For example, the previous example referred to as Raa for most of the time. There are many other atoll-regions, with some being more tourist-oriented than others. The airport is located on the southernmost atoll, Senu.

Capital City

The capital city and largest city in the Maldives is Male. The city itself takes up an entire island, but the island itself is only 1.7 by 1.0 kilometers, making it a crowded place for the 100,000 people who live there. Nevertheless, it is a colorful city with rich Islamic heritage. There is a lot to do in this city, such as visiting Friday Mosque. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside, but the outside is beautiful enough in itself. The Islamic Center is a very culturally relevant building in Male, and is very recognizable with its large golden domes.

Water Activities

As you can imagine, the main activities tourists do in the Maldives involve the water. Snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, swimming, and sunbathing are popular activities. One popular option is taking the Whale Submarine. The submarine takes you under the water off the coast of Male, where you will see all sorts of marine wildlife, including the possibility of seeing whales. Snorkeling and scuba diving are exceptional here, as the water is extraordinarily clear, thanks to the distance from any major landmass. Even around the capital city you will experience great diving.

Beautiful Vacations

The Maldives is easily one of the most beautiful vacation destinations on Earth. If you are looking for the ultimate beach vacation – whether it’s to surf, dive, or just lounge in the sunshine – you can be sure to find it in the Maldives. Just don’t forget about your expedited passport application form. Go online ad look up how to renew US passport and get your vacation started.

An Overview Of The US Passport Application Process

Saturday, April 23rd, 2011

Applying for a passport can be a mysterious process for those who have never held one. Many applications are turned down due to errors made by the applicant. Arriving at the passport agency without the proper documents is one key reason for rejection. The information presented here will help you to get your passport application approved without a frustrating waste of time.

Renew By Mail

First of all, consider whether you can renew your passport by mail. If your current passport is less than 15 years old and is undamaged, you may qualify. However, you must be at least 16 years old now and when the original passport was issued. If your current name differs from your passport, you can still renew by mail but you must provide legal proof, such as a marriage license, that documents your new name.

Expedited Service

Renewals by mail usually take a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks to process unless expedited service is requested. During summer months, the time can stretch to 10 or 12 weeks. The passport application expedited should be mailed using a method that allows you to verify delivery. It is also recommended that you use a waterproof mailer that will protect all items from damage and weather. Expedited renewals are normally processed in half the time as standard applications. There is an additional charge of $60 for expedited services.

Applying In Person

If you are applying for your first passport, or if your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you must apply in person. This condition also applies if you are under the age of 16 or if you were under 16 when your previous passport was issued. You must also make a personal application if your passport is damaged or was lost or stolen. Those with name changes that cannot be legally documented must also apply in person.

Application Offices

The most popular places to apply in person are county clerk offices and post offices for a first time passport or for a passport renewal. Regional passport agencies can also issue passports, but many states do not have an agency. Each type of operation will have different business hours, but all will require that you furnish the same documentation. Proof of citizenship is one requirement. This can be provided in the form of an official birth certificate (the type with an embossed seal) or a certificate of naturalization or citizenship. Your old passport can be accepted if it is undamaged. For U.S. citizens born abroad, a consular report or certificate of birth can be used.

Identity And Citizenship

You will also be required to prove your identity. A passport can serve for this purpose as well as your proof of citizenship. The most common documentation is a current driver’s license or state issued identification card. If your license was issued by a state other than the one in which you are making your application for passport, you will need a second form of identification. The agency will accept your social security card, your credit card, or your employer identification card. You must also provide a copy of all identification used for the passport application. This cannot be a duplex copy, or copy with dual sided printing.

Photo Attachments

Photographs are one area that lead to many rejections. You will need two identical photos, each 2 x 2 and in color. They cannot be more than 6 months old and should show how you currently appear. They must be full face frontal views. The space between the bottom of the chin and the top of the head must fall between one inch and one and three-eighths inches. You should wear your normal style of dress and pose against a white or near-white background. If you normally wear glasses or a wig, you should wear them in the picture. No hats are to be worn, and ladies should refrain from hair trims that hide the hair or hairline.

Special Passports

There are different requirements for special passports, such as for children or dignitaries. However, most adults who need passports should now have a good idea of what will be required to complete a United States passport renewal. Accurately completing the application to passport renewals and providing the proper documentation are the most crucial elements for success.

U.S. Passport Card – Don’t Struggle To Get One

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

Traveling internationally requires you to bring your US passport with you. Most, if not all, countries require this document before letting you enter their territory, as this establishes your identity and shows proof of your citizenship. Usually, you’ll bring your passport book to these destinations, but there are places where you can simply use the US passport card. You can use your passport card in destinations covered by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). These destinations are Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico. In this article, we’ll show you how to get a passport card so you can visit these WHTI destinations.

Passport Card

Before anything else let’s discuss what a passport card is. Simply put, it is an alternative to the passport book that US citizens can use in traveling to WHTI destinations. Unlike the passport book, a passport card is smaller and easily fits into your wallet.

Portable Card

If convenience is your thing, then you’ll definitely want to know how to get a passport card or  how to get a new passport in a day. When you have one, you don’t have to present it to the US Customs officials anymore just to provide your identity. All they need to do is scan your card, and they will immediately get relevant details about you. Your card stays in your wallet.

Cheaper Alternative

A passport card is also a cheaper alternative to the typical passport book. The fee for applying for a passport card is only about half of the passport book’s price. However, the use of passport cards are only allowed for travel to the WHTI destinations by land or sea. If you are going to travel to these destinations by air, you will then be required to submit your passport book.

DS-82 Form

Interested in getting a passport card? The steps are fairly straightforward, and they depend on whether or not you already have a passport. If you are a previous or current passport holder, then you can fill in Form DS-82, which enables you to send your application by mail.

Previous Passport Required

However, if you haven’t had any passport before, then you will need to submit the Form DS-11. Unlike the DS-82, you will have to submit this form in person to the passport office. That’s why it’s important that you already familiarize yourself with the requirements you need to submit even before applying, so as to save you valuable time.

Discount With Both

If you travel to various destinations regularly, then you’ll likely want to be flexible when it comes to your travel. You can get the flexibility you want if you apply for both a passport book and passport card. That way, you can use your passport card when visiting WTHI destinations then use your passport book to other destinations. What’s more is that you can get a considerable discount if you apply for both types of passports at the same time.

Card Convenience

To summarize this information, you need a United States passport card when traveling to WHTI destinations. It’s also great if you are after the convenience and cost-effectiveness of having one compared to a United States passport book obtained through the passport agencies. Look into this alternative before your next trip.

Applying For New Passports If You’re 16-17

Friday, April 8th, 2011

Minors applying for a US passport need to submit special requirements aside from the regular requirements submitted by everyone applying for passports. Minors who are 16-17 years old have a slightly different set of special requirements from those who are under 16 years old. So if you’re a passport 16-17 applicant who wants to know how to apply for a us passport because you have a  lost passport, read this.

Special Requirements

What are the special requirements for applicants aged 16-17? These requirements are actually required of the parent’s applicants or their guardians, rather than the applicants themselves. The documents are used to provide proof of the parents/guardians’ identity. These documents are the parents/guardians’ ID, a photocopy of this ID, as well as a written parental consent.

Routine Requirements

After dealing with these requirements, let’s now move on to the routine requirements that you need to submit. For first-time expedite passport applicants, the Form DS-11 is what you’ll need to fill in. Aside from first time applicants, this is also the same form used by those who were under 16 when they were issued their last passport, or those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago.

DS-11 Form

Applicants filling the DS-11 are required to submit this document along with the other requirements in person. You should take note that even if you have already completed this form, you must not sign it yet. You should wait for the instruction to do so once you are already at the passport office.

Establish Citizenship

You also need to establish your citizenship when applying for a passport. You can submit any of the following documents to do this: a certified birth certificate, your latest passport, your certificate of naturalization, your certificate of citizenship, or a consular report if you were born outside the US. The document you submit will be returned to you once your passport has been processed. It is usually mailed with your passport, although sometimes it may be mailed separately.

Establish Identification

Aside from your citizenship, you will also need to establish your identity. Here’s how to do it. First, create a photocopy of your ID and submit it to the passport office along with the requirements. You must also bring the original ID with you when you finally submit all your passport application requirements. Take note that there are very specific guidelines to having your ID photocopied, from the paper used to what should be on the paper, so make sure you follow them to the letter.

Passport Photos

Then you must submit two color pictures of yourself. Make sure the photos are recent. Also make sure they follow the guidelines set by the Department of State regarding the photos to submit. For one, you shouldn’t wear any headgear or hat in your picture, among other specifications. Once you have done all these, you can now submit your passport application and pay the applicable fees.

Important Steps

If you want to know how to get a passport fast if you’re 16-17, the answers you need have all been discussed here. Just make sure you’re careful about following rules when it comes to your us passport application. This is important as it prevents you from wasting time when you’re asked to repeat the process all over again just because you missed something in the instructions.

Travelling Internationally By Boat

Friday, March 4th, 2011

The standard means for international transportation is usually by airplane, but there is another efficient and, in many respects, entertaining way to travel. This form of transportation would be by boat. People always look to the sky when planning a trip abroad, but voyaging by boat allows for a more interesting means of travel. Proper documentation is still required for these substitute forms of travel and in most cases passport replacement is necessary. There are several ways of accomplishing this and they are by way of a cruise liner, a personal vessel, as well as a freight/cargo ship.

A popular way to travel has always been via cruise liner. There are numerous different lines that travel to exotic and amazing locations. The difference between this form of transpiration and a plane is that half of the fun of one of these trips is in the actual process of getting to the desired locations. There are numerous amenities offered by the cruise liner that give a unique and engaging form of travel such as different on site restaurants and excursion opportunities. Some of the more popular trips are of those going to Europe in which an expedite passport will be necessary. One of the best parts about traveling by cruise liner is that most of the trip packages offered transport you to more than one country depending on the length of time selected.

Personal vessel travel is also an exciting venture, though unless the boat is a luxury yacht; it should only be used for short international travel. There are numerous styles of boat that can undertake this style of travel which include any from sailboats to a motorized boat. It is a relaxing form of travel that offers all the thrill of the open sea. There are many excursions possible depending on the length of travel time allotted and current location. Numerous countries are within a short distance of many cities in the United States, such as, if you live on the Great Lakes, a trip by boat to Canada would be a short jaunt to the north.

A surprising alternative to the afore mentioned boating trips is by freight/ cargo ship. While this may sound like a ridiculous endeavor, it is actually a resourceful and affordable way to travel by sea. This has mainly been seen as a reasonable way to travel by students. Students traveling abroad must maintain and adhere to a strict budget. Traveling via freight is the best way to accommodate this budget while still getting the most out of the experience by travelling more frequently.

If you choose any of these options while traveling abroad, the same form of documentation is required. Whether you are docked with Border Patrol or are arriving through customs, all entail you to present your US Passport for admittance into the destination country. No entry into the country will be allowed without a Passport and sometimes a Visa, depending on the country. This includes entering back into your home country. Any easy way to acquire the proper documentation is to use the passport online application. These are all safety measures used to ensure the protection of all citizens. The same custom procedures are followed whether travelling by plane or by boat, so make sure you possess the proper documentation before beginning any journey.

The History Of Passports

Monday, February 28th, 2011

The main purpose of the US Passport is quite simple, to give the identity and nationality of an international traveler. While the Passport document helps to allow travelers admittance into another country, it does not assure entry into the desired country. The actual entitlement of a US Passport is to allow its bearer back into the United States. Importance of this document in traveling abroad is; however, still relevant and beneficial in gaining entry so guaranteeing that the booklet has not expired by using Passport Replacement is vital . This document, like everything else, has its own unique history that has changed and shaped it into the standardized booklet used today.

The first known record of the formation and usage of a passport like document in the United States was during The War Of Independence in 1775. They were much different in appearance during this time and there was no specific need of an Expedited Passport service which is currently available for a fast return. The document was one single page that bore no picture, just a description of the bearer. They were designed, at this time, as a replica of the French passport, by the Minister of France, Benjamin Franklin. Although they had a standard outline, they were not a requirement for US citizens until much later.

Passports had been used for centuries in the US as well as numerous other countries, but were not actually mandatory for international travel until 1918. It was around this time that Passports contained identification pictures of the bearer instead of just a physical description which was previously accepted. The photos were loosely attached with staples, but were stamped by the issuing department to prevent forgery. At this time, the Passport along with the mug shot, were the only two types of personal identification through a photograph.

In the 1920s, the League of Nations attempted to produce standard guidelines for all Passports, but was not able to accomplish this until much later. It was these guidelines; however, that helped shape current standards. Around this time pictures were glued instead of stapled onto the documents. Pictures further progressed in the 1970s when they went from black and white to colored. It was only a decade later that the pictures in issued documents were laminated on for further forgery protection. It was during this era that the official outlined standards were created for the US Passports under the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The Passport has changed physically as well as in terms of its relevance over the years since its origination back during The War of Independence. Currently a US Passport is issued with all of the bearer’s personal information along with a digitally generated picture from a Passport Agency. It is used to help gain access during international travel. This document is now required to gain entry into any country along with returning back to one’s home country. The Passport is strictly issued by the US Department of State. There is a strict process when applying for a US Passport which must be adhered to in order to succeed in obtaining one without tribulations.