Getting A Passport Is Easy
If you want to travel overseas, then
you need to have a valid US passport to do it. In order to get a US
passport, you need to complete a passport application correctly and
submit it to the passport issuing authority. The process may seem
intimidating, but if done accurately, there is rarely a problem with
receiving your passport.
The first thing you need to do in your quest for a passport is to
visit a post office and pick up an application form. Alternatively, you
can download the application from the Internet and print it out. If you
do print it, you need to do so in black ink on white matte paper. The
dimensions of the paper that you use must be 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches.
Glossy paper, other colors or different sized paper will not be
accepted by the office.
An essential part of the application is being able to provide
proof of US citizenship. Documents that you can give for this include a
certified US birth certificate, a citizenship or naturalization
certificate. Along with your proof of citizenship you may also have to
show other ID such as a valid driver's license or old passport.
With the application you also have to hand in two passport photos
that have been taken within the last six months. There are requirements
about these photos so it is best to have them done in a store that is
well versed in the regulations. You cannot have a head covering or
glasses in the photos and you must be looking right at the camera. You
cannot be wearing any kind of uniform and the lighting and size of you
in proportion to the background needs to be just right.
If you are planning to travel, then it is best to apply for your
passport as soon as possible. Due to a heavy workload, there are times
when the issue of passports can be delayed. The issuing agent in the
United States recommends applying for your passport around 12 weeks
before you intend to travel. This will give you time to correct any
potential errors in the passport application too. If you need to, you
can pay extra to have the passport issued more rapidly than normal.
When you have sent off your passport application you can monitor
its progress via the state department website. Before you send the
application form, ensure that you have attached all necessary paperwork
and that the forms are completely filled in and accurate. If there are
items missing or you have made mistakes, then the application will be
knocked back.
Costs involved with US passports are - adult passport $100, child
passport $85. The additional fee to have the passport issued more
quickly is $60. If you are applying for a US passport for the first
time, then you will also need to fill in the DS-11 form with your
application.
If you take the time to fill in the
passport application carefully and submit any required paper work with
the forms, then you are likely to have your passport quickly and with
no fuss. It is estimated that around 10 percent of applications have
inaccuracies that cause delays, so ensure that yours is correct.
Applying for and getting your US passport does not have to be a complex
process.
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