Posts Tagged ‘applying for a U.S. passport’

When Applying For A New Passport, There Are Certain Notes To Follow

March 13th, 2010

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For anyone who has never traveled abroad previously, applying for a pass port can be viewed as a difficult and somewhat scary process. The good news is that it does not have to be complicated. Individuals seeking their first passport just need to follow the simple guidelines available in many places online.

How Long Does it Take?

It can require as long as six months from the beginning of the application process until you actually receive the passport. You should begin the process in advance of when you plan to travel to avoid the stress of wondering where the passport is. The length of the application process may be affected by where you live or where your offshore travel will take you. It can take longer during some seasons than others, just because of the work flow. Expedited passports are available but will cost more.

Passport Application Offices


Application forms can be found online for those with Internet access. Information about the location of the nearest Passport Agency office can also be found by a zip code search. Urban areas may have a dedicated passport office, while other less populated areas may process passport applications at the Clerk of the Court’s office, the post office, or the public library. No matter where the application is to be processed, an appointment is usually required. You should call to make certain.

The Application Form

The DS-11 is the passport application document that must be completed. You can find this and other forms at the Passport Office or by searching online. Forms must be printed, rather than in cursive writing, and must be completed in black ink. The easiest way to comply with these regulations is to fill in the form online, print out a copy or two and take it with you. If you maintain an extra copy, you can refer to it if needed during the balance of the application process.

Required Documents

Documentation to prove identity is a part of the passport application process. You must submit copies of photo identification such as a driver’s license or state ID card. Alternative photo documentation could be an employee badge or military identification. Birth certificates needed for identification must be signed and certified and have a government seal.

Photos with Passport

You will need properly sized passport photos that are clear enough to identify the bearer. You can now have these photos taken at many passport offices. Applicants can also prepare and print their own passport photos.

Why Passports are Refused

Passports are denied in some instances. For example, you cannot get a passport if you owe back taxes. Those who owe more than $2,500 in back child support payments will be denied a passport until the issues are resolved.

Applying For A New Passport can be as simple as deciding you want to travel. Just keep these common sense tips in mind and allow plenty of time. Make sure the appropriate fees and documents are submitted and the United States passport application form is signed. You should see your passport in plenty of time to enjoy your trip with a little pre-trip planning.

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Applying For A U S Passport - It Can Be Easier Than You’d Think

February 2nd, 2010

You say you want an easy way to apply for a US passport? Because you’re reading this, chances are you do. Now let us begin with the summary of how to easily apply, renew or replace United States passports: find out what you need to do. If you know what to do, you wouldn’t waste any of your time taking a hit-or-miss approach, thus saving you the hassle of going back and forth to the passport office.

To get the most out of the rule we just shared with you, we recommend you read further. That’s because we’ll share with you everything you need to know about getting a US passport. We don’t simply stop there, however. We’ll also show you how you can apply for a passport easily using very clear instructions.



Let’s begin with the forms. Depending on the type of passport application you’re doing, there will be an appropriate form for each. There are several types of these forms, but for your convenience, let’s just talk about the ones that you’re likely to fill in. Let’s begin with the most basic form, the Form DS-11.

Let’s begin with the DS-11. This is probably the most basic passport application form. This is the form that’s filled in by anyone who’s applying for a passport for the first time. Because of that, practically every passport holder is familiar with this form. Also, this form is the one filled in by anyone who needs to make a personal appearance when applying for a passport.

However, if you’re not required to appear in person to apply for a passport, you can send your application by mail. This is by far the best option you have if you’re after convenience. If you’re going to apply for a passport by mail, you’ll have to fill in the Form DS-82, or the Application for US Passport by Mail.

What if you lost your passport or if it was stolen from you? You’ll likely want to know how to replace a lost or stolen passport. You’d need to report the loss of your passport first either by calling the US Department of State’s Passport Services office or by mailing them Form DS-64. This form is a Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport.

Alternatively, you can apply for a replacement while reporting the loss of your passport. To do this, you will need to appear in person at the acceptance facility or passport agency and submit your Form DS-64 along with your DS-11. The DS-11 will serve as your application for a new passport.

Now that you’re familiar with some of the most basic forms used in applying for a Applying For A USA Passport, you’ll see that the process isn’t that complicated after all. All you need is the right knowledge to get you started. Because with this knowledge, you’ll no longer end up confused or clueless the next time you apply for a US passport. Best of all, you can download and fill in any of these forms online for an even more hassle-free U.S. Passport application.

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If Applying For A New Passport, There Are Certain Steps To Take

January 9th, 2010

For anyone who has never traveled abroad previously, applying for a U S passport can be viewed as a difficult and somewhat scary process. The good news is that it does not have to be complicated. Individuals seeking their first passport just need to follow the simple guidelines available in many places online.

How Long Does it Take?

If you begin planning for your travel in advance, you should also plan ahead to acquire your passport. The standard application can take as long as six months, especially if there are any complications in the process. The time required will vary somewhat, depending on such factors as where you live, the time of year you apply and where you plan to travel. You can get an expedited passport in less time, but it will be more expensive.

Passport Application Offices

Application forms can be found online for those with Internet access. Information about the location of the nearest Passport Agency office can also be found by a zip code search. Urban areas may have a dedicated passport office, while other less populated areas may process passport applications at the Clerk of the Court’s office, the post office, or the public library. No matter where the application is to be processed, an appointment is usually required. You should call to make certain.



DS-11 Form

The initial passport application form is called a DS-11. It can be found at any of the passport agencies or online. Some regulations apply when filling out the form. If you fill it out in person, you must use black ink and you must print your information. Probably the easiest method of completing the information is to fill in the form online and print it out. Take the form with you when you go to the passport agency office to ensure that it is complete and correct. An extra copy in your possession as you go through the application process makes it easy to remember needed information.

Other Required Documents

Documentation to prove identity is a part of the passport application process. You must submit copies of photo identification such as a driver’s license or state ID card. Alternative photo documentation could be an employee badge or military identification. Birth certificates needed for identification must be signed and certified and have a government seal.

Photos with Passport

Passport photos are required with the application form. Some agencies have the ability to take your pictures for you at the time you come in for your appointment. You can also take your own photos so long as they meet the standards for size and clarity.

Why Passports are Refused

Occasionally a passport application will be denied. If you know in advance that you owe the IRS back taxes or that you owe more than $2,500 in child support payments, you should be certain that the issues are resolved before your application is submitted. Failure to do so could mean you can’t make your trip.

Applying For A US Passport is just part of the preparation process when traveling internationally. If you remember to complete the new passport application form according to instructions and submit them to the proper agency, you should have no problem receiving your passport in time to enjoy your travel. You will need to remit the necessary payments and fees along with your documentation.

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