Apr 1 2011
Tips For A First Time Passport Applicant
If you want to travel to countries other than the one you were born in, you must have papers with you that prove you are a citizen of your birth country. Border crossings require this and you must provide the proper identification in order to be allowed passage. It is easy for first time pasport applicants to get what they need and here is some helpful information to guide you.
To prepare for the application process, you must complete a United States passport office form that is easily obtainable by downloading it from the internet. Fill it out before you arrive to submit it, but do not sign it until you actually get to the offices. It is a requirement that you sign this there, in person.
There are a few items that you will have to bring with you to prove that you are legally a citizen of your country. This usually means having a certified copy of your record of birth. There are also other means to prove this if you do not have your birth record available. At any rate, you have to prove your citizenship, no matter what.
You will have to bring a piece of identification that has your picture on it. A license to drive will usually be sufficient. There may be other options you can use, but you will need to confirm that so that you have the proper ID. Your application should have a list of appropriate options.
The next step towards getting your affairs in order is getting your passport photograph taken. There are many places that you can go that specialize in this type of service. Many camera stores and portrait studios offer this for a small fee. The rules for these pictures are precise. Only a half a year can pass once you have your picture taken as the likeness must be a current one. You should wear your glasses if you use them on a regular basis. Additionally, normal clothing should be worn, and no accessories.
Two photos are taken and are identical. They must be taken in color and they have to be of a certain dimension and size. The background of the photo must be white or an off white color. You should not strike a pose in these photos as they have to be natural, no smiling and looking directly at the camera.
When all the information you need is gathered, you will now bring it to a passport agency office. The price you will have to pay will depend on how quickly you need it to come back to you. If you do need it fast, it will end up being more expensive. You will also have to go to a different office in order to get it expedited.
first time U S passport applications are not hard to fill out. They are self explanatory and should pose no difficulties. There is a bit of information gathering on your part, but that part should be fairly simple. If you need help, there are several websites online that you can use as a reference point. You can also download the required U.S. passport office applications from these sites as well. Additionally, the applications are easily attainable from a processing center or even your local post office.
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