Nowadays, it appears as if the world is compressing at an ever-faster pace. People are able, for example, to jump on a plane in Los Angeles and be in Moscow in a matter of hours. In almost every instance like this though, a passport will be a necessity. Understanding the steps involved in a passport application therefore may come in handy when it’s time to get one.
The first thing to understand is that in the United States, the State Department is the issuing authority for all US passports. And while it might seem daunting at first glance to obtain a passport, it actually isn’t. In general, people have a couple of different ways of doing so; either on their own through passport centers run by the government or by hiring a passport expediting service.
For those people who are at least 16 years of age and who need their initial (meaning first-time) passport, there are a number of steps that have to be taken. This includes making an application is person at a passport agency or servicing center. In some cases, they can use expediting services. Many passport agencies can be found at US post offices.
In addition to having to make the application in person, it’ll be necessary to fill out the right form. Currently, for first-timers, this is government Form DS-11. It’s also known as an Application for US Passport. There are a couple of other different documents that have to be submitted along with it and it has to be signed in front of a passport worker. Documents include proof of citizenship and identity.
Proof of citizenship, as far as Homeland Security regulations are concerned, takes the form of certain acceptable documents only. For one, a birth certificate with a raised seal, a certificate of citizenship or a certificate of naturalization are all acceptable. If those are unavailable, there are certain secondary-type documents that can be used. Check the State Department passport website for info.
Identification documentation can take many different forms, by the way. Examples of such documents when it comes to proving identity include a valid driver’s license, military identification card or a government-issued identification card from a state, city or municipality or other official entity. Secondary identification such as a Social Security card and credit card may also be accepted.
Passport issuance fees for adults 16 years of age and up can run from $20 to $95. In addition, there’s an execution fee of $25 that has to be paid as well. Methods of payment can include debit and credit cards, cash, postal money orders or personal checks. Check with the passport agency where application will be made for just what form of payment is acceptable.
Even though it can seem a bit complicated at first, making a passports applications go smoothly is actually fairly straightforward. The first thing to do, of course, is to visit the passport section of the State Department website. Of course, one can always take on the services of an express passport service. These businesses can make the whole process go very easily and quickly.
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