An official US travel identification document is not only a completely unassailable form of personal identification, it's also needed if you want to visit any other country. The process to follow on how to get a U.S. passport is not difficult but they are exacting. The process outlined below applies to adults who are looking for a new passport rather than needing a renewal.
Process
New encompasses a broader scope of circumstances than just getting one for the first time. You are also considered to be applying for a new one if your last one was lost, damaged, or stolen. You also fall into this category if your last one was issued more than 15 years earlier. If you've changed your name since you last received one, but can't legally document your name change, these application rules also apply to you.
Documents
The federal form you need to submit is the DS-11. You can download a copy off the Internet. The instructions on how to fill this form out are on the form itself. It's recommended that you fill it out as completely as possible. It should go without saying that you should also fill it out truthfully. There's a different form for renewing US online passport.
Identity
In addition to the DS-11 form, you'll also have to provide proof of your identity. You can't bootstrap this process to get your sole identification documentation. It will only be issued if you can already proved you are who you say you are. The best option is to include a copy of a piece of primary proof of identity. This sort of proof could be your driver's license, naturalization certificate, current military ID or other current government issued ID.
Certificates Of Citizenship
You will also have to include proof that you're a US citizen. Anyone with a naturalization certificate can use that as proof of both citizenship and identity. If you were born an American citizen, then you'll have to provide either a long form, certified birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or consular report of birth abroad.
Costs
The last two pieces you'll need are a color photo, sized exactly at two by two inches. The photo can't be more than six months old and your face must be fully visible. You'll also need to include a check for the passport fees. The exact fee you'll have to pay can vary based on your application, so you should check the online schedule of relevant fees.
Application Packet
Now that you have all the required pieces of your application packet, you'll need to deliver it to an authorized US passport office. Don't worry, there are so many all over the country that you doubtlessly have one near you. You can find full listing of these offices online. They are most often located in popular public buildings, such as libraries, post offices or courthouses. Once you know which office you'll visit, call it before just walking through the door. Some offices will only accept applications by appointment.
Process
New encompasses a broader scope of circumstances than just getting one for the first time. You are also considered to be applying for a new one if your last one was lost, damaged, or stolen. You also fall into this category if your last one was issued more than 15 years earlier. If you've changed your name since you last received one, but can't legally document your name change, these application rules also apply to you.
Documents
The federal form you need to submit is the DS-11. You can download a copy off the Internet. The instructions on how to fill this form out are on the form itself. It's recommended that you fill it out as completely as possible. It should go without saying that you should also fill it out truthfully. There's a different form for renewing US online passport.
Identity
In addition to the DS-11 form, you'll also have to provide proof of your identity. You can't bootstrap this process to get your sole identification documentation. It will only be issued if you can already proved you are who you say you are. The best option is to include a copy of a piece of primary proof of identity. This sort of proof could be your driver's license, naturalization certificate, current military ID or other current government issued ID.
Certificates Of Citizenship
You will also have to include proof that you're a US citizen. Anyone with a naturalization certificate can use that as proof of both citizenship and identity. If you were born an American citizen, then you'll have to provide either a long form, certified birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or consular report of birth abroad.
Costs
The last two pieces you'll need are a color photo, sized exactly at two by two inches. The photo can't be more than six months old and your face must be fully visible. You'll also need to include a check for the passport fees. The exact fee you'll have to pay can vary based on your application, so you should check the online schedule of relevant fees.
Application Packet
Now that you have all the required pieces of your application packet, you'll need to deliver it to an authorized US passport office. Don't worry, there are so many all over the country that you doubtlessly have one near you. You can find full listing of these offices online. They are most often located in popular public buildings, such as libraries, post offices or courthouses. Once you know which office you'll visit, call it before just walking through the door. Some offices will only accept applications by appointment.
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Once you know how to get a passport, there is nothing stopping you from making your own application. There's a different process for renewing U S online passport.
