Foreign travel has become very popular. When you travel anywhere, you have to be prepared ahead of time. This will include documents and you need to know about the US passport requirements.
A Passport Is Essential
A passport is a necessity today. We can no longer just drive across the border into another country. Even for those who have been living outside of the US borders, to return, a passport is required. In order to do that, certain documents will be needed.
DS-11 Form
For your first passport, you have to apply in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency. This could be a Post Office or library designated to accept applications. The application form, the DS-11, is available online and can be filled out on your computer or by hand.
Passport Agencies
One thing you need to keep in mind with your application form is the signature. Do not sign the form until you are at the acceptance facility. Your signature will need to be verified by the person accepting your form.
Documents Required
You will also have to have with you, proof of US citizenship. There are several documents that are acceptable. A certified birth certificate issued by your state of birth, a certificate of naturalization or a consular report of a birth abroad certificate are all acceptable forms of identification.
Other Documents
Early public records along with a letter of no record will work as secondary evidence if you do not have your birth certificate. Some births are not recorded in a timely manner, within a year of birth, but delayed birth certificates are available. Again, this will be secondary evidence.
Kids Passports
If you are born in a foreign country of an American parent, you will need to have your birth certificate from your country of birth, translated into English. You will also need evidence of citizenship of the American parent. Along with that, you will need your parents wedding certificate and a statement about the parents time and residence in the United States before going abroad.
Copy Of Documents
Photocopies of the required documents will also be needed. Copy on one side of the page only and be sure that nothing else is on the paper. Be sure to copy both sides of all of your documents.
Passport Versions
Choosing which type of passport you are applying for will determine the cost. You can choose just the passport book or a passport card or both. When in the States, you can also have the passport expedited for an additional fee. Fees for persons under sixteen years old are lower.
Passport Photographs
You will need to have a photo taken or can use one that has been taken within the last six months as long as it meets strict protocols. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you understand what they require. If you use a photographer, be sure to tell them that it is a passport photo. The photographer will already know of the background colors and size requirements.
The passport requirements are all available online. As well as the complete list of documents that you will need. When you have your documents, photos and your money ready, you can go to the facility that you have chosen and make your passport application application. Four to six weeks later, you should receive your passport.
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