Posts Tagged ‘US 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Getting A Replacement Passport USA

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

There are several reasons a person might need a replacement passport. A person might need one of these items if a name change has occurred, if the document has been lost or stolen, or if it has expired. Name changes might occur from marriage, divorce or a personal decision. It is not uncommon for people to lose track of their passports either at home or abroad. Passports expire after a certain number of years. Once a person reaches the age of 16, he or she must get a new adult passport. Replacement is relatively simple in all of these situations. If one has a currently valid passport, then replacing it is a cinch. It can be done by getting forms online to present or by sending the forms through the mail. One of these can even be expedited. It can be received in two weeks or four weeks. There is an extra fee for the service. A trip to the post office is all it takes for replacements done within the USA. It gets more complicated if one is already overseas. Each situation has a document and fee associated with it.

Form DS-5504 is required in order to change passports when a name change occurs. This is only true if the passport has been issued within the last year. If it is several years old, then a DS-82 will need to be used. Renewal of passports for this reason can be done through the mail. The form must be accompanied by name change documentation like a marriage certificate or a court order indicating a name change.

After this identification of origin expires, a person must acquire a new one. There are a few reasons a passport might expire. Adult passports expire every 10 years. Minor passports expire every five years or when a child reaches the age of 16 and must apply for a first-time adult passport. Adult replacement passports can be obtained through the mail if certain requirements are met. Form DS-82 must be used.

One of the requirements for getting a new ID of this type through the mail is that it remain undamaged and is in a person’s possession. The old one must be attached to the application. Another condition that must be met is that the item is less than 15 years old. It also should have been issued to a person after that person reached age 16. Finally, the name must be current or a name change needs to be easily documented.

A lost or stolen US passport is a little bit harder to recoup. The first step is to report it lost or stolen. The US Department of State has a phone line to call in order to do so. It can also be done with form DS-64.

Once the item has been recorded as missing, two forms need to be filled out to obtain another one. Those forms are DS-11 which is an application and DS-64. DS-64 is a statement regarding its lost or stolen status. Note that these applications must be presented in person. If the situation arises overseas, a person must present at the U. S. Consulate or the U. S. Embassy.

Fees vary depending on the situation. If there is no rush, then the price is lower. For both the traditional identification and a card, the fee is $140. For someone who just wants the book and not the card, the fee is $110. In some instances, someone will already have a book and wish to supplement it with a card. This fee is a mere $30.

Getting a expedited US passport requires official documentation and several application forms. There are a variety of reasons like a name change or an expiration that one might need to obtain a new one. In both those situations, it can be done by mail.

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Barcelona – A City Of Modern Style And Stunning Beaches

Friday, December 31st, 2010

Barcelona is a unique city that combines two qualities that many vacationers look for: beautiful beaches and the European city feel. As the second largest city in Spain, Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city that focuses on modernity while still keeping undertones from it’s 2000 year long history. The city is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, meaning the beautiful blue water is never very far away. If Barcelona is a place that you are thinking about visiting, be sure to get your US passport first.

If you go online to get your passport, not only will the entire process be easier, but you will get your passport quicker, too. Online passport expediting services are there for people who need their passport sooner than the traditional process allows, and they can get you your passport or passport replacement in anywhere from one day to two weeks, depending on how soon you need yours.

Barcelona is a city made up of many different districts, and each has its own very distinct feel. For example, Ciutat Vella is the “old town” district of Barcelona, where you can find Barri Gòtic, or the Gothic Quarter, which features many Medieval buildings. Some of the buildings there even date back to Roman times. As a beautiful place simply to walk, it definitely grants a good feel of the Barcelona atmosphere. Las Ramblas, the most famous street in Barcelona, is also in Ciutat Vella. The atmosphere is colorful, with street performers and plenty of shopping. Eixample is another district, one that is famous for its art nouveau buildings. Gràcia is a very diverse district, and Barceloneta is where you want to go for the beaches and seaside restaurants.

Tibidabo is a huge mountain to the north of the city from where you can look down and gain a spectacular view of the city. There is also a very beautiful church at the top of the mountain, and there is a legend that says the Devil tempted Jesus with a promise of the whole world. You can take a tram or walk, both are incredibly scenic and astoundingly beautiful. Montjuic is another place to visit in order to get a great view of the city, and it even has a cable car to take you to the top, which is fun in itself. Montserrat is another mountain that houses a famous monastery, and there are plenty of hiking trails as well.

There are two famous attractions in Barcelona that happen to be located within a few minutes’ walk of each other. La Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic Basilica, and is easily the most famous site in the whole city. However, the Church remains unfinished, as the architect commissioned to build it died during construction. It is set to be finished on the 100 year anniversary of the architect’s death. Hospital de Sant Pau is a hospital that is still completely functional, but it is famous for it’s modernist look, which Barcelona is symbolic of.

Depending on what sorts of things you like to do, there is plenty to grab your interest in Barcelona. Be sure to visit some of the famous art museums, including the Dali museum, and eat some famous Spanish food as well. The nightlife has a reputation for being excellent, and the beaches are a great place to soak up the sun. Just don’t forget your US passport. Go online to get yours, where they can handle things like getting a passport replacement or renewal.

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Passport Replacement – The Completely Online No-Stress Process

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

Traveling the world is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Traveling is more than just staying in a hotel and eating at restaurants; it’s about experiencing the culture and the people of a particular place. It’s about learning about a group of people different from the ones you know. This is what makes traveling important, and even if you’ve never been outside of the country, now is never a better time to start. And with easy online passport replacement, you can be on your way in no time at all.

Expedited U.S. passport replacement is a process reserved for those who already have a passport. There could be several reasons you might need to replace your passport, and we’ll go over a couple different scenarios so you can see if it applies to you.

One of the most common reasons for passport replacement is simply having a passport that is expired. How do you tell if your passport is expired? There are a couple simple rules. A child passport is valid for five years, and an adult passport (for those 18 years or older) is valid for ten. If you’ve had your passport past these deadlines, then you are due for a renewal. You don’t need to buy a completely new passport, just online to an online passport processing site and get your passport renewed. If you are 16 and need to renew your passport, purchase an adult passport as opposed to another child one.

Another common reason is that you misplaced or lost your passport. Passports are easily misplaced, especially when they aren’t in frequent use. However, passports are powerful tools for fraud, so be sure that you always know where your passport is. If you have looked for your passport and can’t find it anywhere, then you will need to cancel it and apply for a new one. The next step closely ties to the procedure for reporting a stolen passport.

Sometimes, people have their passport stolen, either preventing them from traveling or preventing them from coming home. If you’ve had your passport stolen while in the United States or while abroad, the process is very similar to go about replacing it. This process is also similar to the one for replacing a missing passport. First, report your stolen passport. If you’re abroad, this will be done at a US embassy, if not, it can be done by calling the National Passport Information Center. You will then fill out a form that asks questions about where you think your passport might be or the last time you remember having it.

Passport replacement is easily done online. Just go online after reporting your lost passport and fill out the new passport form. Always be careful about keeping your passport in a safe place. It can be dangerous if it gets into the wrong person’s hands. But if it does happen to get lost, don’t panic. You are not the only one who has ever lost a passport, and US embassies and the State Department are well versed in the replacement procedure.

Online American passport services make preparing for a trip incredibly easy. From these sites, you can handle all sorts of passport issues in addition to passport replacement. One of the most useful is passport expediting, meaning you can get your passport in as little as 24 hours, which is very useful should you lose your passport overseas.

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Making The Most Of Your Summer Vacation – Choosing The Right Destination

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Summer means no school and plenty of relaxation. One of the best ways to relax is just to escape and go on a vacation. Choosing the right destination, however, can be daunting to say the least. There’s a whole world of them after all. To travel to international locations, you’ll need a passport, and services online make a passport name change a breeze.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to summer vacation destinations. One centers around the belief that beach vacations are prime for summer, while the other believes in traveling to places where the cold weather is on hiatus. Of course there are plenty of options for both, and deciding on one really depends on exactly what you want to get out of your vacation this summer.

Beaches all over the world make great destinations for the summer. For example, Capri, the Greek Islands, and Aruba are places famous for their beautiful beaches, delicious food, and laid-back atmosphere. If you are looking for the ultimate beach getaway, consider these destinations. If you’ve always wanted to go on a safari, the summer is the best time to do it. The animals are out and active, and below the equator, it’s actually wintertime.

Don’t rule out northern locations when planning your summer vacations. Canada is home to some of the most colorful cities in the world, including Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto. With the winter chill absent, you can explore these locations without the aid of a huge coat and mittens. Cruises are another great way to take a vacation, and they don’t necessarily need to take place in the Caribbean, though it’s always an option. A Cruise to Canada and Alaska to see the glaciers, whales, and other wildlife is a great way to start an adventure.

There are many things to consider when searching for a summer vacation destination. One of these things is the weather. While you and your family may be able to handle the heat, don’t forget about hurricanes. While hurricanes can be spotted and avoided in advance, keep their unpredictable nature in mind if you are looking to travel to the Caribbean. Another thing to definitely consider is the fact that school is out and kids are going to be frequenting their favorite summertime attractions, such as theme parks, zoos, and the like. While these are tried and true ways to have fun with your kids, just be prepared for lines and crowds.

Traveling to these locales requires the accompaniment of a passport. Many people are completely turned off by this necessity, but it has actually gotten easier to acquire one. Going online to handle your passport requirements makes getting everything from an emergency passport renewal to more pages easy.

Summer vacations are the perfect way to lay back and relax during time off of school. And thankfully, with online passport services, you can get the most out of your time off with a vacation or two. Going online for passport replacement helps you get all your passport chores done, including emergency passport card renewal for quick getaways. No matter where you decide to go on your summer vacation, be sure to make the most of it, as the beautiful summer weather is fleeting.

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A Damaged Passport Must Be Replaced

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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