Trying To Figure Out What Passport Application Will Be Best For Your Needs

by erin on February 25, 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.

Many of the people that use their passports on a regular basis are business travelers. While there are pleasure travelers that will need them occasionally, they may put their passport to use once a year versus every week for the business traveler. For people that are not familiar with how the process of getting a USA passport works, it can be a little intimidating.

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.

The websites will provide all of the necessary instructions for downloading and filling out the applications. Many of these websites assist not only in the application process but also the speed in which the entire process is carried out. Many provide an expediting service that will get the passport returned in a shorter period of time than if it is sent through normal governmental channels.

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.

When everything has finally been gathered together, it is time to ship the forms and documents off. Wait! Do not forget to put in the passport photos or all of this hard work will be for nothing. The photos should be issued from a photographer that can size them appropriately (2’x2′) and they should be of a decent quality.

Once the pasport 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 pass port isn’t that hard!

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