Posts Tagged ‘replacement U S passport’

Traveling outside of the United States and its territories will require a passport. The US Passport Application process is a straightforward process but it will require some time. Documents will have to be provided and the application will have to be done in person at a government office.

The first time a person applies for a this document, it will be requires to do it in person. There are acceptance facilities, which are chosen by the Bureau of Consular Affairs. The sites will be in government offices. Post offices, libraries, and clerks of court are commonly used for this purpose. An online search will give you locations, days and hours and if an appointment is needed.

Children of any age can apply. However, any child under the age of sixteen will need to have both parents present when they apply. If the child is age sixteen or seventeen, and does not have valid picture identification (ID), a parent or guardian must produce a photo identification of the child.

Five forms of primary identification are accepted. A current military ID, a governmental ID from any city, state, or federal agency are all acceptable forms. A valid driver’s license, a naturalization certificate, or a previous passport that is in good condition, will also be accepted. If a primary identification is not available, you will have to present a series of documents to establish your identity or have someone appear with you who can vouch for your identity.

The form used to apply is a DS-11, which originates from the Department of State. This can be found and filled out online or it can be printed and filled out by hand. Do not sign this form until you are told to do so at the appropriate office. You must submit this form in person. There’s also a form if you need your passport expedited.

For proof of citizenship, a good condition passport that was issued at another time, a certified birth certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad is needed. Note that a certificate of live birth is not a birth certificate. This document must be the certified certificate with the registrar’s signature and seal. An official copy can be attained from the state of birth.

All identification that is to be presented must also be photocopied both front and back. This is submitted with the Form DS-11 and is to be on a plain standard-sized eight by eleven inch white piece of paper. Do not include any other markings or images. The images may be larger than the original size but they cannot be smaller.

Fees will be collected when you apply. Money orders (bank drafts, international, currency exchanges, and U. S Postal), checks (personal cashiers, travelers, and certified), and credit or debit cards are all acceptable forms of payment. Exact cash is accepted at some locations but this should be verified before the appointment. Some acceptance facilities will require the execution fee to be paid separately from the application fee.

Two two-by-two inch colored photos must also be submitted. There are local establishments that can provide the photography that meets the government requirements. The photos must be identical, taken within the last six months, and be a true representation of the person’s likeness.

The process of obtaining a US Passport Application is not difficult. Take the time to make sure you have all of the correct information and documents. The entire process and the form can be found online. Expect about a four to six week processing period. If you need a replacement passport, you can also do that online.