February 22nd, 2010
Passport applicants who are 16-17 years old are still considered minors. Because of this, they need to submit special requirements on top of the regular documents needed to apply for a US passport. Now if you fall under this category, find out how to get a passport in this article. Don’t worry, because we’ll keep it as clear, simple, yet detailed as possible.
First, let’s talk about the special requirements that 16-17-year-old passport applicants need to submit. These special requirements are those that establish the identity of your parents or guardians. For this reason, they are required to submit their ID, a photocopy of the ID, and a written parental consent.
After dealing with these requirements, let’s now move on to the routine requirements that you need to submit. For first-time passport applicants, the Form DS-11 is what you’ll need to fill in. Aside from first time applicants, this is also the same form used by those who were under 16 when they were issued their last passport, or those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago.
Applicants filling the DS-11 are required to submit this document along with the other requirements in person. You should take note that even if you have already completed this form, you must not sign it yet. You should wait for the instruction to do so once you are already at the passport office.
You also need to establish your citizenship when applying for a passport. You can submit any of the following documents to do this: a certified birth certificate, your latest passport, your certificate of naturalization, your certificate of citizenship, or a consular report if you were born outside the US. The document you submit will be returned to you once your passport has been processed. It is usually mailed with your passport, although sometimes it may be mailed separately.
You will then be required to present a proof of your identity. First, you will need to present your ID once you go to the passport office for your personal appearance. Also, you will have to present a photocopy of that ID. Rules for photocopies of your ID are strict so make sure you comply.
Then you must submit two color pictures of yourself. Make sure the photos are recent. Also make sure they follow the guidelines set by the Department of State regarding the photos to submit. For one, you shouldn’t wear any headgear or hat in your picture, among other specifications. Once you have done all these, you can now submit your passport application and pay the applicable fees.
There you have it, all the basic things you need to know about how to get a how to apply for a U.S. passport if you’re 16-17 years old. These passport guidelines are up to date and very specific, so make sure you understand them and follow them to the letter. You’ll save yourself time if you have everything ready before submitting the application.
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February 8th, 2010
The time has passed when citizens could cross many international borders without the need of a passport. Once, a quick trip to Mexico or Aruba required nothing more than a valid driver’s license and sometimes your birth certificate. They still are not needed for travel to a U.S. Territory, but they are required for almost every other nation. Changes in the law means that there is now much more passport information travelers should know.
One new offering is a passport card. These will fit in your wallet, and cost less than a full passport, or passport book. They are valid only for travel to select nations within the western hemisphere, if said travel is by land or sea and not air. They are useful for cruises to the Caribbean or cross border trips to Canada and Mexico. However, it is best to review the entry laws for the specific nation to which you plan to travel, since some will require further documentation.
In most cases, international travelers need a traditional passport book. This has long been the standard requirement for travel across borders. If you already have a passport and meet all of the requirements, you might be able to get a renewal passport through the mail. It will, however, be necessary to apply in person if this is your first passport or if your old one was issued more than 15 years previously. Personal applications can be made at most post offices and many county offices. These locations are usually more convenient than the regional agencies that the government operates.
Whether applying by mail or in person, you will have to prove that you are a U.S. Citizen and that you are, indeed, who you claim to be. Two good quality color photographs are required, and they must meet certain size and background specifications. The coin-operated booths do not produce the type the passport requires, so you will need to have them taken elsewhere. Some post offices have the ability to take them, as do many of the business service centers that provide shipping and printing services.
You should plan your trip well in advance to allow time to receive a passport. When the passport office is at its busiest, the lead time can be 10 to 12 weeks. At minimum, they need 4 to 6 weeks when things are slow. If you wish, you can pay a fee to have your passport application expedited, which can cut wait time in half.
When you are in a foreign country, be sure and guard your passport. Should it be stolen or lost, report it immediately to the U.S. Consulate or embassy. They can help you obtain another passport or provide the documentation you will need to exit the country and return to the U.S. Since this is not normally an easy chore, you should make every effort to avoid it.
A parent behind on payments for child support may find his or her application for a passport denied. A child may not be allowed to exit the country during a custody dispute. In addition, unless the mother or father has proof of a court decree granting sole custody, both parents must sign a child’s passport application. Every child, even an infant, must have his or her own passport. Getting a passport for a child is not much different in terms of the documentation required. But the parent must also establish proof of the child’s relationship.
Emergency passports can be obtained from regional passport agencies. Applications are only accepted in person. The situation must be a genuine emergency that requires you to travel immediately. You will have to provide the normal documentation, but will also have to provide proof of the emergency. An official death certificate or other acceptable notice may be needed which states what the emergency is and how it relates to you.
The US passport information has changed drastically in the past decade. If you are planning to travel abroad, things will go much more smoothly if you do a bit of research. Examine the precise requirements of the country to which you will be traveling. Make your pasport application well in advance of your scheduled departure. If applying by mail, be sure you include everything required. This should all make it faster and less frustrating to receive your passport.
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