US Passport Application

The most important step in order to obtain a new U.S. passport is submitting a properly filled out U.S. passport application. The government uses this to not only gather the required information about the applicant, but also to assess his 'intention' of traveling.

Depending on the form of request, there are various application forms available. The most common one, the 'DS-11' form, is available when applying for a new U.S. passport. This form should be used only when you are applying for the first time. A certain criterion has to be met in order to fall into the 'first-time applicant' category. 'DS-82' forms are used when one has to apply by mail, in cases of renewal of an existing passport. For an amendment or validation of the passport, application form 'DS-19' should be presented. It is used when there is a modification in the printed information of one's passport. In case of a lost or stolen passport, the form 'DS-64' is submitted, along with the DS-11 form. And to obtain a passport for a minor under the age of 14, the form 'DS-3053' along with the DS-11 application form is submitted.

ONLINE APPLICATION

The time taken to obtain a U.S. passport is normally two weeks. However, it may take a little longer during spring and summer, as they are the busiest periods. Also with the U.S. passport application, it is required for the applicant to submit proof of U.S. citizenship and identity, two passport-sized photos and the applicable fee to obtain a U.S. passport. The total fee charged is for citizens above 16 years of age, and for those who are under 16- a very low price indeed to obtain your right to travel.

US Passport Application

ONLINE APPLICATION

Find a Passport Application Form Online

It would be best for each member of a family to have passports before leaving for the airport for that vacation abroad. Whether the family member is renewing a passport, correcting data for it, or getting a passport for the first time, the passport application form can be found online and will not be extremely difficult to complete. An individual will either fill out From DS-11 or Form DS-82, depending on his or her situation.

Since these are documents for traveling internationally, the government places mandatory rules on the acquiring of passports. Even though Form DS-11 can be completed digitally, an individual will still have to make an in-person appearance at a designated government facility. All of the additional paperwork must also be brought to the office for verification.

ONLINE APPLICATION

An easy way for an individual to find out what facilities will perform these functions is to go online and search for a Passport Acceptance Facility near the individual's home. Most local post offices can perform these duties, but it would still be wise to check online, or if an individual does not have computer access, he or she should consider calling the post office. These places should also have the proper application should an individual not have Internet access.

Passport processing can take a decent amount of time, so individuals should consider doing this process far in advance. For those individuals who no longer have the option of completing the process far in advance, the government offer expediting services that will push the application through the process a little quicker. For those that really need the document quick, an independent expediting service can perform the duty in one day.

As well as the application, an individual will need to bring additional documentation to the facility of his or her choosing. The purpose the additional documents serve is to act as proof of an individual's citizenship and proof of an individual's identity. An individual will also need a recent photograph and a copy of the recent photograph.

One of the most used proofs of citizenship has been the birth certificate. Other proofs, such as a certificate of citizenship, can also be used. For a complete list of all acceptable proofs, go online and check the government's stipulations. For proof of identity, a driver's license will work. Again, other documentation will work, so it would not be a bad idea to go online and check.

Form DS-11 differs from Form DS-82 in that an individual filling out Form DS-11 will need to appear at one of the governmental facilities and the individual completing Form DS-82 will be renewing his or her passport via the mail. Both of these are passport application forms. Each form will ask basic things, such as name and social security.

Find a Passport Application Form Online

ONLINE APPLICATION

Passport Application Online

Great news for travelers! You can now fill out your passport application online. The US Department of State has put together on their website a new system in which you can make your passport application online, which will save you a lot of time and hassle over having to fill out many pages of forms by hand.

When doing the application, the Online Passport service will automatically send you to the correct form depending on your individual circumstances, such as whether this is your first time applying for a US passport, your passport was lost or stolen, you want to renew an existing American passport, or the data contained in your existing passport has changed or is no longer accurate.

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The process itself is fairly simple, you first proceed to entering your data on the secure website, such as your name, date of birth, place of birth, occupation, etc.

Once you have finished filling out the form, you then need to print out the papers and take the oath at a passport acceptance facility. Do not sign the application before taking it to the passport acceptance facility, as your signature would need to be witnessed by an official from there.

You also need to submit your passport photographs as well as supporting documentation to prove US Citizenship, such as a birth certification or certificate of naturalization. To avoid any undue delays in getting your new passport, make sure you submit all the necessary documents and that the information contained in the application that you filled out is complete and accurate. It is also important that the passport photographs that you submit meet all the requirements set forth in the Department of State website. This is why it is recommended to use a professional photographer's services in order to get your photographs taken.

The processing times vary, however completing your passport application online has the advantage of making processing times quicker than filling out a manual form like before. If you choose the regular service, you can expect to receive your passport in about three weeks. If your travel needs require you to get your passport sooner, in that case there is an expedited option, in which the process of sending in the application, and returning your passport to you by overnight delivery can take less than two weeks from the date you submitted the application.

The Department of State has a tool that allows you to check the status of your application directly on their website. That way, you can have a better idea of what the status is and when you can expect to receive your new passport. You can use this tool after 5 to 7 days have passed since your application has been submitted. All you have to do is enter your last name, social security number and date of birth on their site.

Passport Application Online

ONLINE APPLICATION