International travel can be an incredible experience, but in order for it to be successful a considerable amount of planning must be done in advance. Applying for your new passports or replacing an expired one is absolutely essential just to get off the ground. Today, it is not possible to travel outside of the United States, even to Canada or Mexico, without a passport so everyone should have one on hand. The process is not difficult, but it has to be completed correctly or else the application will not be accepted.
In order to apply for a first-time passport, it is necessary to apply in person. This can be done at a passport application facility, and there are several across the country. In order to complete the application, there are several pieces of paperwork and forms of ID required so the best way to expedite the process is by coming prepared.
The three primary items that are needed for the application are the required forms, proof of citizenship and a primary form of identification. To prove citizenship, applicants may present a birth certificate or previously issued passport. As for primary identification, acceptable forms include a naturalization certificate or a current driver’s license. Applicants must also submit a photocopy of their identification.
There are also several forms to complete before applying for a new passport. It is possible to print them off of the Department of State website in advance. However, the forms may not be signed in advance since the signature must be witnessed by an acceptance agent.
If a passport needs to be renewed because the expiration date has passed, the applicant may be able to do so without visiting the office. To renew by mail, it required that the expired and undamaged passport is submitted with the application. To be eligible for renewal via mail, the expired passport cannot have been issued more than fifteen years prior and the applicant must have been over sixteen when it was issued. It must also feature the applicant’s current name or include evidence of a name change.
The time needed to process a passport application is usually between four and six weeks. For an extra charge, it can be received within three weeks. If someone is going to travel within the next two weeks, they need to make an appointment with the passport agency to process their request. If the application has already gone in but the pasports has not been received, the applicant should contact a representative from the Passport Information Center.
Of course, there are fees attached to the passport application. An adult passport application requires a payment of one hundred dollars for the passport and the execution fee. A passport for a child costs eighty-five dollars for the same services. If a passport needs to be processed with expedited service, each application will incur an additional charge of sixty dollars.
The application process for getting your new passports is tedious, but it is important to follow it carefully in order to secure travel plans. One misstep in the procedure could set back the entire timeline and the passport may not be available in time for travel. Follow the steps carefully and you will be able to see the world in just a few short weeks.
Tags: first time American passport, first time United States passport, first time USA passport, new passports