Anyone who has travel on their calendar in the upcoming months is going to need to obtaining a passport . Recent changes to travel laws mean that even travel to the Caribbean or places like Mexico or Canada require passport documents. This has resulted in many travelers getting a passport for the first time.
Getting a document such as this does not have to be a big deal as long as some basic guidelines are followed. There are some things that need to be taken care of before anyone ever walks into a passport office to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Knowing about the process will go a long way in making sure that everything is done right and the right materials are secured.
First, the U.S. Department of State website is the best place to find up to date information regarding the new USA passport application process. The State Department website is the best place to begin any passport application process. Any first time applicant should check out the State Departments passport page prior to the application.
The first thing that needs to be done is to get a passport photo. This can be done at a variety of places and some passport application centers also offer this service. The pictures are generally very cheap to get done and are usually returned on the spot in the right size to be submitted with the passport application.
Passport photos are supposed to be done in a very specific manner. For instance, no uniforms are permitted to be worn in the picture. The applicant should wear clothing that would be similar to what they would travel in to avoid any questions when the passport is used. If they wear glasses or any other devices, it is best to have them on in the picture to show the exact likeness that will be portrayed when traveling.
Next, the applicant must have all of their documents in order. A valid, government issued ID is required. This would include a state non-drivers license, a drivers license, and military ID. They will also need proof of citizenship in the United States. In most cases, this is proven with a birth certificate. It is also best to make a photocopy of all of these documents that are being used.
Once all of the above documentation has been obtained, they can then head to a certified application center. Typically, these centers are located in a U.S. Post Office. The U.S. State Department website has a list of approved application centers. At the center, the applicant must fill out all paperwork and provide all of the various forms of identification mentioned above. If the applicant center approves the requisite forms of identification, the application may be sent for processing. Applicants in need of rush passports, which are typically defined as a passports needed in less than four weeks, must go to a special regional passport agency.
Some time will definitely need to be set aside when obtaining a new passport for the first time, but once the documents are secured, everything gets much easier. As long as the new American passport does not expire, getting it renewed is very easy and much less time consuming. Furthermore, once you have your new passport, you have a document that will stand up under any scrutiny and is literally your ticket to travel the world.
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