Oct 11 2011
U S Passport Requirements Plus Your Forms
Foreign travel has become very popular. When you travel anywhere, you have to be prepared ahead of time. This will include documents and you need to know about the US passport requirements.
A Passport Is Important
Gone are the days of just crossing borders as we travel. We are now required to have a valid passport to enter or leave a foreign country. And for that to happen, we have to meet certain requirements.
DS-11 Form
Finding the application form can be done online. You can print it and take it with your documents to the appropriate facility when you are ready. There are several government businesses, such as Post Offices or libraries, that are authorized to issue passports so they are conveniently located for you.
Passport Offices
After you have filled in your application form with everything but your signature, take it to either a Post Office or an acceptance facility. At that time, they will collect your documents and verify your signature. You will also pay for the passport at this time.
Required Documents
The most important part of the application process is proof of citizenship. Providing documentation is necessary. The preferred document will be a certified birth certificate from your state of birth. If you are a naturalized citizen your naturalization certificate will be acceptable.
Other Documents
If you cannot provide primary evidence documents, it is possible to use secondary documents. You could use early public records along with a Letter of No Record. If your birth certificate was not filed within one year of your birth, you can also apply for a delayed birth certificate.
Children Passports
For children born abroad, applying for a passport will require a few more documents. A statement about the American parents residence and length of time in the States and the marriage certificate will be needed. The foreign birth certificate will need to be translated into English as well.
Photocopy Of Papers
After you have all your documents in place, you will then need to make photocopies of them. Copy the front and back of all documents on standard copy paper. Do not use the back of the page when you copy the forms. Be sure to use the front only.
Types Of Passport
Choosing which type of passport you are applying for will determine the cost. You can choose just the passport book or a passport card or both. When in the States, you can also have the passport expedited for an additional fee. Fees for persons under sixteen years old are lower.
Passport Photographs
Photos can now be taken at home rather than just by a photographer but there are still strict requirements in place. Before having the photo done, make sure that you understand all of the procedures that need to be met.
For detailed U.S. passport requirements, you can also go online and read in depth. At the same time, you can print the United States passport application forms that you will need. When they have been turned in, you will receive your passport as well as all of the documents that you provided within four to six weeks.
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