If you are a U. S. Citizen, anytime you travel outside of the country, you need a passport. There is no age limit, even infants and newborns require one today. Getting one is quite simple as long as you follow the rules and have all your documents in order when applying for a United States passport.
You will need to get an application and these can be found at the local post office, courthouse, and at passport agencies. However, if you have a computer and printer, you can print out the application available on the State Department’s site. You must not sign the application until instructed to and you must provide all information requested by an expedited USA passport services, including your social security number. If you fail to do so, there can be a delay or denial of your application.
Some people are able to apply through the mail if they are just getting a new one. However, certain situations require applying in person. These include those applying for the first time, those who have not had one issued in more than 15 years, minors under the age of 16 and those who were issued one when they were under the age of 16.
You are responsible for bringing two photographs with you to send along with your application. Those photos must follow regulated guidelines. Proof of citizenship is also required and can be easily done with a certified birth certificate issues from the country, city, or state of birth. Certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, and undamaged previous passports are also acceptable forms of proof.
The other document you will need to bring along is a photo ID. Several different forms are acceptable, with a valid driver’s license being the most popular. You can also use current military or government ID as well as an undamaged, previously issued passports or naturalization certificate.
Passports are not free so be prepared for a processing fee and other charges, depending on where you apply. It is strongly recommended that you apply no later than two months before you plan to travel outside of the country because passports can take up to six to eight weeks for approval. If you feel you cannot wait that long, expedited processing may be possible but it comes with an additional fee.
In situations where you already have a passport, you can apply through the mail. In these cases, it is usually to renew yours or to legally change your name. You must include the undamaged passport you want to exchange or renew with your application through the mail. However, it must have been issued within the last 15 years and you had to be at least 16 years old when you received it. Fees are still applied and are paid along with your application.
It is always a good idea when applying for a United States passport to check with an agency or look online for anything new added to the procedures. This simple process can turn into a lot of red tape and frustration if you do not follow the rules and provide all the information and documents necessary through an expedited U.S. passport services. A certified birth certificate, two acceptable photos, and a current photo ID can have your passport in your hand in time for your next trip overseas.

















