You'll Need A First Time United States Passport To Get Out Of The Country
International travel is one of the most exciting experiences someone can have, but it requires a great deal of advance planning. One of the most important things to do before traveling is to apply for a passport or, if a current one is expired, get your new US passport. These days, it is necessary to have a passport even to travel to Mexico and Canada, so it is a good idea for everyone to have one. It is a simple process, but it must be followed to the letter in order to be successful.
In order to apply for a first-time passport, it is necessary to apply in person. This can be done at a passport application facility, and there are several across the country. In order to complete the application, there are several pieces of paperwork and forms of ID required so the best way to expedite the process is by coming prepared.
The three primary items that are needed for the application are the required forms, proof of citizenship and a primary form of identification. To prove citizenship, applicants may present a birth certificate or previously issued passport. As for primary identification, acceptable forms include a naturalization certificate or a current driver's license. Applicants must also submit a photocopy of their identification.
There are also a few forms that must be filled out in order to apply for a new passport. These forms can be printed offline and completed prior to visiting the application facility. However, it is very important to remember not to sign the forms until asked to do so by the acceptance agent or else they will not be valid.
If a passport is expired and needs to be renewed, that might be able to be done by mail. With the application, it is necessary to submit the expired passport, which must be undamaged. Also, in order to renew via mail, the previous passport must have been issued in the last fifteen years and when the holder was at least sixteen years old. It also must have the holder's current name and, if it does not, the application must include proof of name change.
The time needed to process a passport application is usually between four and six weeks. For an extra charge, it can be received within three weeks. If someone is going to travel within the next two weeks, they need to make an appointment with the passport agency to process their request. If the application has already gone in but the new passports has not been received, the applicant should contact a representative from the Passport Information Center.
Of course, there are fees attached to the passport application. An adult passport application requires a payment of one hundred dollars for the passport and the execution fee. A passport for a child costs eighty-five dollars for the same services. If a passport needs to be processed with expedited service, each application will incur an additional charge of sixty dollars.
The application process for getting your first time U.S. passport is tedious, but it is important to follow it carefully in order to secure travel plans. One misstep in the procedure could set back the entire timeline and the passport applications may not be available in time for travel. Follow the steps carefully and you will be able to see the world in just a few short weeks.
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