Knowing how to obtain a new pasport is important to learn before making and confirming travel plans. Applications for passports are available online. The entire process can take up to two months so plan accordingly and have it renewed on time to avoid having to reschedule your travel itinerary. Also remember to register passports for each member of the family as current US laws require people of all ages to have one. The process may seem daunting but it is in fact simple and could be the easiest part of planning your trip.
Passport Applications
The american passport application form can be printed and filled out at home. Then, they can be mailed if they must be renewed or brought to a Passport Acceptance Facility office near you. The required form will normally request information based on physical appearance, age, address, and Social Security. These only take minutes of your time.
Photograph
Each application requires a recently taken photo of the applicant. It must be 2x2 inches and be taken with a white or off-white background. No hats or head coverings may be worn in the photo unless worn on a daily basis as part of a religious custom. Sunglasses and work uniforms are also not allowed. The best way to have this picture taken is at a post office for a small fee.
Citizenship
Proof of citizenship must also be included. For most, this is in the form of a valid birth certificate with a raised seal. If an original US birth certificate is not available, an alternate form of proof of citizenship is suitable.
Identity
A document that proves identity will also be needed to be included in the application process. Most use a driver's license. School IDs can be used for minors. Old passports can be used as citizenship and identity proof during renewals.
Fees
Issuing new passports costs a total of 135 dollars. The fees are not returned regardless of whether or not the application is accepted. New passports need to be processed in person at the local facility. Any payment format is accepted at the facility.
Passport Renewals
Renewals only cost 110 dollars for the application fee. They may be sent the facility through the mail. A good rule of thumb is to renew about 9 months before it expires. Only checks or money orders can be used as payment when applying through the mail.
Child Passports
Minors under 16 years of age will require parental consent. They will need to send in their passports in person at the facility. Even newborns need their very own passports, complete with a photo.
Expedited Services
To speed up the process, a 60-dollar fee can be added for expedited applications. For best results, use overnight shipping both ways. If sending the application through the mail, it is important to write the word "expedite" in bold letters on the outside of the envelope where it will be easily seen.
Passport Applications
The american passport application form can be printed and filled out at home. Then, they can be mailed if they must be renewed or brought to a Passport Acceptance Facility office near you. The required form will normally request information based on physical appearance, age, address, and Social Security. These only take minutes of your time.
Photograph
Each application requires a recently taken photo of the applicant. It must be 2x2 inches and be taken with a white or off-white background. No hats or head coverings may be worn in the photo unless worn on a daily basis as part of a religious custom. Sunglasses and work uniforms are also not allowed. The best way to have this picture taken is at a post office for a small fee.
Citizenship
Proof of citizenship must also be included. For most, this is in the form of a valid birth certificate with a raised seal. If an original US birth certificate is not available, an alternate form of proof of citizenship is suitable.
Identity
A document that proves identity will also be needed to be included in the application process. Most use a driver's license. School IDs can be used for minors. Old passports can be used as citizenship and identity proof during renewals.
Fees
Issuing new passports costs a total of 135 dollars. The fees are not returned regardless of whether or not the application is accepted. New passports need to be processed in person at the local facility. Any payment format is accepted at the facility.
Passport Renewals
Renewals only cost 110 dollars for the application fee. They may be sent the facility through the mail. A good rule of thumb is to renew about 9 months before it expires. Only checks or money orders can be used as payment when applying through the mail.
Child Passports
Minors under 16 years of age will require parental consent. They will need to send in their passports in person at the facility. Even newborns need their very own passports, complete with a photo.
Expedited Services
To speed up the process, a 60-dollar fee can be added for expedited applications. For best results, use overnight shipping both ways. If sending the application through the mail, it is important to write the word "expedite" in bold letters on the outside of the envelope where it will be easily seen.
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The USA passport application form for the entire household can be completed and sent in at the same time. Though the application process can take a long time, you will learn how to obtain a new U S passport without too much trouble.
