How To Get A Pass Port In Five Steps

Posted by fabfeistyandfifty on January 10, 2012

An official US travel identification document is not only a completely unassailable form of personal identification, it’s also needed if you want to visit any other country. The process to follow on how to get an American passport is not difficult but they are exacting. The process outlined below applies to adults who are looking for a new passport rather than needing a renewal.

Forms

New encompasses a broader scope of circumstances than just getting one for the first time. You are also considered to be applying for a new one if your last one was lost, damaged, or stolen. You also fall into this category if your last one was issued more than 15 years earlier. If you’ve changed your name since you last received one, but can’t legally document your name change, these application rules also apply to you.

Federal Forms

The federal form you need to submit is the DS-11. You can download a copy off the Internet. The instructions on how to fill this form out are on the form itself. It’s recommended that you fill it out as completely as possible. It should go without saying that you should also fill it out truthfully. There’s a different form for renewing passport.

Forms Of ID

With your DS-11 form, you’ll have to show proof of your identity. While you’ll be able to use this travel document as ID once you get it, you can’t use this process to establish your identity. You’ll have to show the government first that you are exactly who you say you are before you can get further additional documentation. The easiest way to prove your identity is by including a copy of what’s called primary proof of identity. This category includes a current military ID, driver’s license, naturalization certificate, or any current government issued identification.

Country Of Origin

The next critical piece of documentation you’ll need to submit is proof of your US citizenship. If you’re a naturalized citizen, your naturalization certificate can serve as both proof of identity and citizenship. If you’re a naturally born US citizen, a certified, long form birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or citizenship certificate will prove your citizenship.

Photos

The last two pieces you’ll need are a color photo, sized exactly at two by two inches. The photo can’t be more than six months old and your face must be fully visible. You’ll also need to include a check for the passport fees. The exact fee you’ll have to pay can vary based on your application, so you should check the online schedule of relevant fees.

Application Packet

Once you have all this documentation, forms, and other requirements put together, it’s time to submit them for approval. This packet must be submitted at an authorized US passport office. There are literally thousands all over the country, usually in post offices, public libraries, courthouses or other public buildings. You can find the office nearest you by looking online. However, check with that office specifically before arriving as some require that you schedule an appointment in order to accept your application.

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