Posts Tagged ‘passport application’
April 8th, 2010
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If you are intending to travel to a foreign country you will need a passport. A passport is a legal document that is issued by the federal government, for the purpose of providing proof that you are a resident of that country. A passport has several pages for stamping by foreign countries immigration officers, and also displays your photo and identifying information. There are several necessary steps to applying for a passport.
The process of applying for a passport involves presenting your personal identification and proof of birth. Your driver’s license or identification card will be required. You will also need to show an official copy of your birth certificate. Once you have these documents, you can start the application process for your passport.
If you are missing a copy of your birth certificate, you will need to get one. This can be done by contacting the Office of Vital Records for the county you were born in. You can do this in person, over the Internet, or via the phone.
Once you have your ID and birth certificate you are ready to being the process. It is possible to apply for a passport online, unless, however, you are applying for the first time. In that case, you will need to do so in person. If you have had a passport in the past, then you can re-apply online.
When applying online you simply need to pull up the website for the US. State Department. You should not sign this application until it has been approved, as there is a genuine risk of identity theft.
Applying for a passport for the first time involves visiting the post office or circuit clerk’s office for your county, an office that is typically located in the county courthouse. Along with your ID and your birth certificate you will need to have a small 2” x 2” color photo. The easiest way to get a passport photo is to visit any store that processes film, such as a pharmaceutical store.
When you have arrived at an issuing post office or clerk’s office, you will need to present a passport agent with your ID and photo. The agent will examine this documentation and then determine if the passport should be approved. Once they have approved the application you will need to sign it. Your submission is now complete and you just need to wait for your passport to arrive at your home through the postal service.
This process may take up to six months, from applying to receiving it in the mail. Considering how long this process can be, you should start the procedure well in advance of your planned trip. If for some reason you need to have this returned quickly, you can pay an expediting fee, which should reduce the waiting time considerably.
You may also contact your Congressman’s office when applying for a passport. Your passport will be good for 15 years before it needs to be renewed. When renewing a pasport you do not need to go through the process of applying for a passport, but simply need to request an updated passport via the mail.
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March 10th, 2010
Simply put, there is not a more powerful document when it comes to international travel then the passport. If anyone plans on crossing a border in or out of their own country, they must have this document or they will not be permitted across the border. Unfortunately for some, there are passport application forms that have to be filled out and unless they know what they are doing, it can get a little confusing at times.
For the regular business traveler this is going to be old hat. The challenges for getting a passport and making sure the right documents are in line usually comes from the casual traveler that is doing this for the first time. It is perfectly understandable how someone could get a little confused walking into a passport office with so many different forms available.
Anyone who needs the actual passport application forms has a few choices in order to be able to get them. The obvious outlet is to physically walk into a passport office and pick up the actual forms. However, the easiest way to get them is to download them directly off of the government website. There should also be complete instructions on what forms are needed for what situation and how to fill them out.
The private providers have a list of the correct forms needed depending on the situation. If the applicant is a first timer, then it is one simple form and some proof of identification. There are applications also for under age and lost or stolen passports too. Any of these applications will need to have supporting documents sent along with them to assist in the approval process.
Some of the documents can be a little confusing in regards to exactly what information is needed on them. This is why they have complete instructions on the site on exactly what to do with the forms. There are also private companies that are available to help with this whole process. For those of us who hate filling out forms, their fee is more than worth it.
In most situations, the normal turnaround time for a passport is about six weeks. They also offer expedited service for an additional $60 of two to three weeks, however, this time frame is not guaranteed. Anyone who is traveling sooner than that or that just wants their passport quicker, must use one of the private offices that can get a passport back to an applicant in as little as 24 hours.
Along with the application, it will be necessary to provide photos to the providers. These photos will need to be 2” x 2” and should only be done by an accepted passport photo service. Anything else is rarely accepted and the suggestion from most of the websites is to go to a professional passport photographer so there are no issues with what is being submitted.
Once the United States passport application is complete and the photos taken, it will all need to be shipped to the address provided. The suggested method for this will either be FedEx or UPS as they are both traceable and insured. There is personal information being transmitted here and the protection of the applicant is of the utmost concern to these providers. With this advice, hopefully you will see that getting a USA passport isn’t that hard!
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February 28th, 2010
That Mexican vacation is all booked and it is only one month to go until nothing but sun, surf, bikinis, and margaritas. Everything is planned, everything is taken care of, unless, wait…do I need a passport to Cancun? This question is not as simple as it seems, and although the answer is almost certainly yes, there are a few different factors to consider.
While it is not generally assumed that if a traveler is leaving US soil for any reason, they will need a passport. With Cancun being located in a foreign country, it would only make sense that a passport would be needed to go there. This is probably true in most cases, but there are still a few circumstances when a passport may actually not be needed.
Everything changed in regards to travel in June of 2009. The United States went from requiring nothing more than a driver’s license or birth certificate to cross back in from border countries to requiring passport documentation. This is a significant change and one that many people are still not fully aware of.
Anyone traveling to Cancun will most definitely need a passport. Since the new passport laws cover sea travel, logic dictates that anyone on a cruise to Cancun would also need a passport. However, there is one exception in the sea travel clause.
Travelers on cruises to certain international destinations are not required to carry passports provided that the cruise is deemed “closed loop.” A closed loop cruise is any cruise that starts and finishes in the same port or same port country. However, it is important to note that these closed loop exemptions only apply to cruises that begin and end in the United States, and only on cruises that visit certain international countries.
Approved international countries include: Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, and select Caribbean Islands. That being the case, a passport is not necessary for a closed loop cruise to Cancun. However, a closed loop cruise to South America would necessitate a passport.
Citizens have been screaming at Homeland Security from day one about these new rules, but they are in place to protect everyone. Cancun has always been a location that US citizens could pretty much travel to and from without any hassle. In all honesty, the hassles will remain minimal; there are just some extra security measures in place to make the borders more secure.
Having said all of that, it is still always better to have too much documentation than not enough. Obtaining a United States passport application to Cancun will give assurances that there will be no problems. In you do not want to get a regular passport, a passport card can be used instead. Regardless, anyone planning to travel would do wise to obtain a US passport sooner or later to avoid the long waits or extra fees that will have to be paid to get one on short notice.
Technorati Tags: American passport application, new passport application, passport application, U.S. passport application
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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 3rd, 2010
Applying for a passport can be a mysterious process for those who have never held one. Many applications are turned down due to errors made by the applicant. Arriving at the passport agency without the proper documents is one key reason for rejection. The information presented here will help you to get your passport application approved without a frustrating waste of time.
First of all, consider whether you can renew your passport by mail. If your current passport is less than 15 years old and is undamaged, you may qualify. However, you must be at least 16 years old now and when the original passport was issued. If your current name differs from your passport, you can still renew by mail but you must provide legal proof, such as a marriage license, that documents your new name.
Renewals by mail usually take a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks to process unless expedited service is requested. During summer months, the time can stretch to 10 or 12 weeks. The application and passport forms should be mailed using a method that allows you to verify delivery. It is also recommended that you use a waterproof mailer that will protect all items from damage and weather. Expedited renewals are normally processed in half the time as standard applications. There is an additional charge of $60 for expedited services.
If you have never had a passport, or if your old one is beyond the time frame of 15 years, you must appear in person. You must also make a personal application if under age 16 either at the present time or when the prior passport was issued. If your previous passport was stolen, lost, or damaged, you cannot renew by mail but must go in person to make the application. Name changes for which you do not have legal documentation also require that you complete the application process in person.
The most popular places to apply in person are county clerk offices and post offices. Regional passport agencies can also issue passports, but many states do not have an agency. Each type of operation will have different business hours, but all will require that you furnish the same documentation. Proof of citizenship is one requirement. This can be provided in the form of an official birth certificate (the type with an embossed seal) or a certificate of naturalization or citizenship. Your old passport can be accepted if it is undamaged. For U.S. citizens born abroad, a consular report or certificate of birth can be used.
You will also be required to prove your identity. A passport can serve for this purpose as well as your proof of citizenship. The most common documentation is a current driver’s license or state issued identification card. If your license was issued by a state other than the one in which you are making your application for passport, you will need a second form of identification. The agency will accept your social security card, your credit card, or your employer identification card. You must also provide a copy of all identification used for the application. This cannot be a duplex copy, or copy with dual sided printing.
You must submit two identical photographs of yourself. These must be in color, 2 inches by 2 inches in size, and taken within the last 6 months. They should reflect your current appearance and be frontal views of your full face. The background should be white or off-white. There should be between 1 and 1-3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. Pictures should be taken in your normal attire and any eyeglasses or wigs that are worn daily should be worn for the photographs. Hats should not be worn, nor any type of hair accessories that conceal the hairline.
Children, emergency passports, and passports for those traveling on official business all have varying requirements, and no attempt has been made to address them in this article. But for the typical traveler, this information should help make your American passport application go more smoothly. The most important thing to remember is to assemble your American passport form form and take it with you when you go to apply.
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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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January 29th, 2010
If you desire to travel outside of the country you will need a passport. A passport is government issued legal documentation that verifies your citizenship. In most cases a passport will contain a photograph, your personal information and numerous blank pages that are intended for stamps that grant your access to a foreign country. The process of applying for a passport is relatively easy, but there are several steps you will need to take.
Applying for a passport involves having your personal records on hand in order to prove who you are. These documents include a state issued Identification card (ID) or a drivers license, and your birth certificate. Without these documents you will be unable to process the necessary paper work.
In the case that you cannot locate a copy of your birth certificate, you will need to obtain one before applying for a passport. Obtaining your birth certificate can be done in person, requested over the phone, or via the Internet. You may also mail a request to Office of Vital Records in the county in which you were born.
As soon as you have your birth certificate you can apply for your passport. It is possible to apply online, but only if you have done so before. If you have not applied before, you will need to apply in person.
The US State Department’s website has a form online that allows you to fill out the application in advance. It is recommended that you hold off on signing this application until the passport agent approves it. Signing the application ahead of time could result in identity theft.
Applying for a passport can be done at the post office or at the county clerk’s office. Do not forget to bring the necessary identification mentioned above. This should also include a passport photo, which can be obtained at a number of locations. Any place that develops film will typically offer passport photos.
When you have arrived at an issuing post office or clerk’s office, you will need to present a passport agent with your ID and photo. The agent will examine this documentation and then determine if the passport should be approved. Once they have approved the application you will need to sign it. Your submission is now complete and you just need to wait for your passport to arrive at your home through the postal service.
Applying for a passport may take from six weeks up to six months from the time you apply to the time the passport arrives in your mail. For this reason it is important that you process the application as far ahead of your travel date as possible. If you need to expedite this process it is possible, however, it will cost a small additional fee to have this process rushed.
If your passport has not arrived in a reasonable amount of time, you may want to contact your local Congressional representative to see if they can assist with applying for a pass port and pushing this process along. Once you have received your passport, it is good for 15 years. Actually renewing a pass port is much easier than applying for a passport and can be done via mail.
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January 22nd, 2010
If you want to travel overseas, then you need to have a valid US passport to do it. In order to get a US passport, you need to complete a passport application correctly and submit it to the passport issuing authority. The process may seem intimidating, but if done accurately, there is rarely a problem with receiving your passport.
The first step towards getting your US passport is to visit a US post office or download the passport application online and print it out. If you are printing the application from your computer, then you need to print it in black ink on white paper as no other version will be accepted. Paper that you print the application form on must be 8 1/2 X 11 inches on a matte finish.
In order to have your application approved, you will need to be able to provide proof of US citizenship. Documents that are approved for this purpose are a certified US birth certificate (not a copy), a US citizenship certificate or a naturalization certificate. Other forms of ID may also be requested such as an old US passport, driver’s license or other forms of state or federal ID.
Along with your passport application you will also need to provide two acceptable passport photos that have been taken within the last six months. There are strict requirements about what is passable when it comes to these photos. You should not have any type of head covering; if you wear glasses, then you will need to remove them; civilian clothes only and the lighting and centering of the shot also need to be just right.
The passport issuing office in the United States works under a heavy load of applications and while they endeavor to have the passports issued quickly, there can be delays. For this reason it is best to apply for your passport with anticipation and the office suggests that you apply around 12 weeks prior to your travel arrangements. For an extra fee you can arrange to have your passport application assessed more quickly.
After you have sent your application to the US passport office, you can keep an eye on its progress through the Internet at the state department’s website. It is very important that you fill in the application forms carefully and thoroughly. If information is missed, not filled out correctly or false, then the application will be rejected or delayed. Your passport is current for 10 years upon issue.
Costs involved in getting your passport are as follows: adults $100, children $85 and the fee for an expedited passport is an extra $60. If you are applying for your first US passport, then you cannot mail the forms but need to present them in person as well as filling out form DS-11.
If you are careful about filling in the correct information on your US passport application, attaching correct passport photos and you pay the correct fee, then you will not have trouble getting your US passport. The passport application issuing body estimates that around 10 percent of applicants make errors on their forms, which slows down the process considerably.
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