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Posts Tagged ‘american passport application’

Five Things You Must Know About The Applying For A Pass Port

January 27th, 2010 No comments

Applying for a new passport can be an overwhelming task for many people. There are many rules and regulations involved with applying for a passport. Below is a list of the five most important things everyone applying for a passport must know before applying. These five things you must know about the American passport agency will save you time and money, as well as loads of frustration in the end.

Applying for a passport does not have to be an overwhelming process, but it can be if you rush in without all of the facts you need. These facts can be found in a variety of places. It is a good idea to start on government passport websites to find out exactly what to expect and how much your application will cost. There are also many documents needed and it is important to have these ready before applying.

First important passport fact: An in-person application is required by the government for all passport applications. The only way to apply for a passport is by going into a passport agency and applying yourself. You identity must be verified and this can only be done face to face. The accuracy of identity determination would be significantly less without the in-person aspect.

Second important passport fact: There are a few fees involved when applying for a passport. The standard application fee for a new passport is $95.00, plus the added $25.00 if the application is approved. The $25.00 will not need to be paid if the application is denied. Other circumstances may lead to having to pay more fees as well.

Third important passport fact: You will be required to verify your citizenship in the USA passport agency process. A birth certificate, social security card, or certificate of naturalization will be needed. You citizenship can be verified by the government if you cannot provide these documents, but there will be additional fees for this service. The fee is normally $60.00 for verification through a government search.

Passport application fact four: Copies of all required documentation must be included with your application when it is submitted. It is the best idea to have all of these copies made and ready to submit when you arrive at a U. S. Passport Agency. Be sure to use a standard 8.5 in. x 11 in. paper and do not shrink the image down from the original size.

Fifth Important Passport Fact: It is normally affordable and simple to make changes to your passport after it is issued. Changes can be made at passport offices or through the mail in most cases. The necessary forms can even be printed of the Internet and mailed in with any necessary fees.

This list may help you to feel less anxiety over the passport application process and also help you be prepared when you arrive at your closest passport agency. Good luck with your passport application.

How To Get Your American Passport Application Approved

January 6th, 2010 No comments

When travelling outside of the United States, you need to present a valid US passport. It is necessary to have a US passport even if you are traveling to bordering countries such as Canada and Mexico. The process involved in assembling and submitting a US passport application can be daunting, but with attention to detail it is simple enough.

The first thing you need to do in your quest for a passport is to visit a post office and pick up an application form. Alternatively, you can download the application from the Internet and print it out. If you do print it, you need to do so in black ink on white matte paper. The dimensions of the paper that you use must be 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches. Glossy paper, other colors or different sized paper will not be accepted by the office.

An essential part of the new passport application application is being able to provide proof of US citizenship. Documents that you can give for this include a certified US birth certificate, a citizenship or naturalization certificate. Along with your proof of citizenship you may also have to show other ID such as a valid driver’s license or old passport.

An important part of the application are the passport photos. These are one of the main reasons that passport applications are rejected, so be sure to have yours done correctly. The regulations regarding passport photos state that no headwear or eyewear can be worn in the photo, civilian clothes must be worn (no uniforms), you must be looking straight at the camera and there are specifications about the lighting and sizing of the photos. It is best to have the photos done at a store that specializes in this sort of thing.

If you are planning to travel, then it is best to apply for your passport as soon as possible. Due to a heavy workload, there are times when the issue of passports can be delayed. The issuing agent in the United States recommends applying for your passport around 12 weeks before you intend to travel. This will give you time to correct any potential errors in the passport application too. If you need to, you can pay extra to have the passport issued more rapidly than normal.

After you have sent your application to the US passport office, you can keep an eye on its progress through the Internet at the state department’s website. It is very important that you fill in the application forms carefully and thoroughly. If information is missed, not filled out correctly or false, then the application will be rejected or delayed. Your passport is current for 10 years upon issue.

Costs involved in getting your passport are as follows: adults $100, children $85 and the fee for an expedited passport is an extra $60. If you are applying for your first US passport, then you cannot mail the forms but need to present them in person as well as filling out form DS-11.

If you take the time to fill in the US passport application carefully and submit any required paperwork with the forms, then you are likely to have your passport quickly and with no fuss. Applying for and getting your U S passport does not have to be a complex process.

Don’t Be Confused By All The Various US Passport Application Forms

December 18th, 2009 No comments

Performing any passport-related transaction requires you to fill in a particular form. There are different types of forms for different types of transactions. While you don’t have to memorize all of them, it will be helpful to be familiar with some of the most basic and most important forms you’re going to need to deal with. Fortunately, they are number-coded so you can easily distinguish them. Now read on for everything you need to know about pass port application forms.

Let’s start with the most common type of form, the DS-11. It is arguably the best recognized form as this is the form used by practically everyone who has applied for a passport for the first time. However, the use of this form isn’t just exclusive to first-time passport applicants. The DS-11 is also used by other types of applicants such as those whose last passport was issued when they were under 16 years old, or those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago.

One thing you should know about working with the DS-11 is that you need to submit it in person. So if you are required to personally submit the form along with the other requirements, then you know that you’re dealing with the DS-11. Also remember not to sign the form until you are told to do so when you submit it at the passport office.

In case you are not required to submit your american passport application form in person, you have the option of sending your application by mail. This option is of course more convenient than having to go to your nearest passport office to apply. In instances where you need to send your application by mail, you’ll have to accomplish the DS-82 form. So if you’re after the convenience of submitting your form through the mail, you’ll need the DS-82. However, some circumstances may restrict you from sending your application by mail, so contact your local passport office first, just to be sure.

What if you lose your passport, or if it was stolen from you? Then you will need to submit another form altogether. You’ll need to fill in Form DS-64. When filling in this form, make sure that you submit this as soon as possible to the nearest passport office. Just like the DS-82, you can send this form by mail.

You can mail the DS-64 to the passport office in order to report your lost passport. Alternatively, you could also submit this form in person along with your application for a new passport. That said, you’ll need to submit in person a DS-11 form along with the DS-64 to the passport office.

The option in the previous paragraph is advisable if you want to accomplish two things at one time. You’ll be able to report your loss as well as apply for a new passport. Besides, you will need to have your lost passport replaced anyway, so it’s better to just do them both at the same time.

Keep in mind there are other new passport forms for different passport-related transactions. The ones we discussed here are by far the most commonly used by a lot of people. Now you know everything you need to know about us passport application forms.