Difference between revisions of "Get a US Passport"
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===Getting Your Passport=== | ===Getting Your Passport=== | ||
#Have the necessary documentation. The major necessary documentation are Proof of Citizenship and Proof of Identity. There are a number of different documents that can be used, depending on if this is the first time apply or if the passport is for a minor. | #Have the necessary documentation. The major necessary documentation are Proof of Citizenship and Proof of Identity. There are a number of different documents that can be used, depending on if this is the first time apply or if the passport is for a minor. | ||
| − | #*Proof of citizenship includes a previous US passport or a birth certificate for those born inside the US. For those born outside the US, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship will be necessary.<ref>http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/first-time.html</ref> | + | #*Proof of citizenship includes a previous US passport or a birth certificate for those born inside the US. For those born outside the US, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship will be necessary.<ref name="rf17313">http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/first-time.html</ref> |
#*Proof of identity includes items like a previous US passport, driver’s license, current government or military ID, or a Naturalization Certificate. These items should have your photo and your signature. | #*Proof of identity includes items like a previous US passport, driver’s license, current government or military ID, or a Naturalization Certificate. These items should have your photo and your signature. | ||
| − | #*If you do not have one of those forms of ID, you will need two forms of what are called “secondary ID”. These include items like a social security card, credit card or library card. You can also appear with an identifying witness, who will need their own sufficient forms of ID.<ref>http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/secondary-evidence1.html</ref> | + | #*If you do not have one of those forms of ID, you will need two forms of what are called “secondary ID”. These include items like a social security card, credit card or library card. You can also appear with an identifying witness, who will need their own sufficient forms of ID.<ref name="rf17314">http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/secondary-evidence1.html</ref> |
#Get a passport photo. You will need a passport photo. This is not just a normal photo: it must be a very particular size and you must be clearly visible. The easiest way to get this photo is to go to a place which takes these photos. Many large chain grocery and drug stores will do this if they have a photo lab. | #Get a passport photo. You will need a passport photo. This is not just a normal photo: it must be a very particular size and you must be clearly visible. The easiest way to get this photo is to go to a place which takes these photos. Many large chain grocery and drug stores will do this if they have a photo lab. | ||
#Fill out the appropriate form. This is form DS-11 in almost all cases. This can be filled in by hand at the place where you submit the form, or online (after which you will need to print it out). This form asks for your details (where you live, where you were born, your Social Security Number, etc) as well as information like your height and eye color. Filling in your SSN is absolutely required. | #Fill out the appropriate form. This is form DS-11 in almost all cases. This can be filled in by hand at the place where you submit the form, or online (after which you will need to print it out). This form asks for your details (where you live, where you were born, your Social Security Number, etc) as well as information like your height and eye color. Filling in your SSN is absolutely required. | ||
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#*If expediting the process or requesting an emergency passport, some Passport Agencies and Centers require proof of international travel within two weeks, or proof of need to obtain a foreign visa within four weeks, so be sure to contact the center in advance in order to ensure that you have all the necessary information. | #*If expediting the process or requesting an emergency passport, some Passport Agencies and Centers require proof of international travel within two weeks, or proof of need to obtain a foreign visa within four weeks, so be sure to contact the center in advance in order to ensure that you have all the necessary information. | ||
#*Passport renewal for previously issued adult passports can be done by mail, though this method is much less secure. | #*Passport renewal for previously issued adult passports can be done by mail, though this method is much less secure. | ||
| − | #Have money for the fee. You will have to pay for your passport and it is relatively expensive, so be prepared. The fee for a basic, first-time adult passport totals $135. It is less if you are renewing or if you are getting a passport for a minor. This fee can be paid checks, credit cards, money orders, and sometimes personal checks, depending on the facility where you submit your application.<ref>http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/fees.html</ref> | + | #Have money for the fee. You will have to pay for your passport and it is relatively expensive, so be prepared. The fee for a basic, first-time adult passport totals $135. It is less if you are renewing or if you are getting a passport for a minor. This fee can be paid checks, credit cards, money orders, and sometimes personal checks, depending on the facility where you submit your application.<ref name="rf17315">http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/fees.html</ref> |
#*If you only want to travel between the US and Canada or the US and Mexico (and you plan to drive, not fly), then you can get a passport card instead of a passport book. This will be cheaper. | #*If you only want to travel between the US and Canada or the US and Mexico (and you plan to drive, not fly), then you can get a passport card instead of a passport book. This will be cheaper. | ||
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#*Minors aged 16 or 17 can apply for adult passports but still require parental consent. | #*Minors aged 16 or 17 can apply for adult passports but still require parental consent. | ||
#Apply well in advance of your travel date. The process of applying and receiving your passport can sometimes take a very long time (4-10 weeks, usually, depending upon demand). You will want to try to get a passport well in advance of needing one. | #Apply well in advance of your travel date. The process of applying and receiving your passport can sometimes take a very long time (4-10 weeks, usually, depending upon demand). You will want to try to get a passport well in advance of needing one. | ||
| − | #*Expedite the process if necessary. It is possible to expedite the process by selecting and declaring this option when you submit your forms. There will be an extra $60 fee, plus shipping charges. The US government recommends 2-day overnight shipping.<ref>http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/services/expedited.html</ref> | + | #*Expedite the process if necessary. It is possible to expedite the process by selecting and declaring this option when you submit your forms. There will be an extra $60 fee, plus shipping charges. The US government recommends 2-day overnight shipping.<ref name="rf17316">http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/services/expedited.html</ref> |
#*Passports can also be issued quickly in life or death emergencies. Contact your local issuing authority for more information. | #*Passports can also be issued quickly in life or death emergencies. Contact your local issuing authority for more information. | ||
#Track your application online. You can track your application on the official website, which you should be informed of when you submit the application. It takes roughly a week after submitting the forms for your status to appear. You will want to keep an eye on it, since you only have 90 days from issue date to report that your passport has not arrived. Don’t forget about it and then need to reapply! | #Track your application online. You can track your application on the official website, which you should be informed of when you submit the application. It takes roughly a week after submitting the forms for your status to appear. You will want to keep an eye on it, since you only have 90 days from issue date to report that your passport has not arrived. Don’t forget about it and then need to reapply! | ||
