How To Get A New Passport

By Ben Pate


Anyone who wishes to travel outside of the United States will have to apply for passport. If you have never before had a travel document, it will be necessary to apply in person for a new United States passport. There are different requirements for children, teens, and adults. The following is a description of the application process for an adult.

Because you will need to apply in person for an initial adult travel document, find a passport acceptance facility that is near you. These facilities are often located inside post offices, libraries and county clerk's offices. The Department of State will provide a list of the offices so that you can locate one nearest to you, even trying to use an expedited child USA passport service.

Several documents are required as a form of proof of identity, which include a State ID, naturalization papers, military certificate, and driver license. If you have an ID card from some other state, you will have to provide a credit card, social security card, a library card or an alternative secondary identification document. It is a good idea to make copies of the forms of identification before taking them to apply for a travel document.

All applicants also require proof of US citizenship. Proof can be a US birth certificate, naturalization certificate or citizenship papers. A current photograph is also needed for your passport. Although there are a number of establishments were these photos can be taken,most acceptance facilities have the capability of taking the photos. It is convenient to find a facility that does it all.

When you have collected all your documents and have your photo, you are to take them to the acceptance facility or post office. Save time by locating the correct application form on the Internet, printing it and completing it before you visit the agency. The form is not to be signed before an agent instructs you to. The application is always signed in front of the agent as a witness.

At the acceptance facility you work with an authorized agent who will review your documents and take your payment. All payments are accepted in money order or check only. The fees change periodically so it is a good idea to check for the correct fee amount before hand.

After completing the application and providing the documentation required with the required photo, the packet is forwarded to the Department of State for approval. For those who wish to receive their document in three weeks, an extra fee is charged. The normal delivery time for the document will be in about six weeks from the date submitted.




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