U.S. Passport Requirements
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Getting a first passport is a rite of a passage, one that used to be experienced primarily by the well-to-do. Prior to the horrific events of 9-11, the United States and many other countries had fairly lenient travel document requirements with other recognized friendly countries. While documenting one's identity and applying for a passport is more detailed and now required for almost all travel abroad, the process is actually pretty straightforward. Let us take a look at what is necessary to meet US passport requirements.
Do You Know The Requirements To Obtain A Passport?
Any first time applicant will have to make a personal appearance at a government passport office. There are also several other situations that will require the person to go to the office in person. Minors will always have to be presented at the office and anyone that is trying to replace a lost or stolen document will have to go to the passport office.
Form DS-11 is the Holy Grail when it comes to meeting passport requirements. This is the document that contains all of the applicant's key identifying information. While it is entirely permissible and advisable to complete the document before hitting the post office, do not, under any circumstances, sign it before appearing it person. One of the purposes of the in-person visit is to do a live signature in front of an official US government agent.
Come to the visit prepared with evidence of U.S. Citizenship. It is a required part of the interview process and all of the documents will be given back to the owner. Several items can be used a proof of citizenship with a certified or officially stamped birth certificate being the most common for first time participants. Other acceptable paperwork includes a certification of birth from a Consulate, a certificate of citizenship or a naturalization certificate. Submitting a social security number is also a necessity.
Some people like to get cute with things like their birth certificate and laminate them so that they do not get ruined. This is absolutely unacceptable and they will send anyone who walks in with laminated documents right out the door. It must not be covered in any way and must also have the raised seal on it. Also, all documents must be photocopied.
If the person seeking the passport document is a minor, there are some additional requirements that must be followed. The young person's proof of citizenship must accompany him or her, and both parents or guardians must be with the child at the in person visit. If only one adult has legal custody then the non-custodial birth parent does not have to be there.
The parents or guardians must be prepared to present their identification too. This can be a passport, a government ID card, military ID, or a current and valid driver's license. If applying for the documents outside of the state of residence, also be prepared to have another form of identification. All applicants must also provide two clear color head photographs that are no larger than 2' x2'.
The majority of time involved in meeting US passport requirements is gathering the required documentation from home files or safe deposit boxes. Once the agent has verified all of the presented information and reviewed the DS-11 form for accuracy, the process is nearly complete. Open up the checkbook, pay the fee and sign the
passport form in front of the agent. That is all that is needed and the documentation process is complete with very little pain and very little time at the United States passport office.
Form DS-11 is the Holy Grail when it comes to meeting passport requirements. This is the document that contains all of the applicant's key identifying information. While it is entirely permissible and advisable to complete the document before hitting the post office, do not, under any circumstances, sign it before appearing it person. One of the purposes of the in-person visit is to do a live signature in front of an official US government agent.
Come to the visit prepared with evidence of U.S. Citizenship. It is a required part of the interview process and all of the documents will be given back to the owner. Several items can be used a proof of citizenship with a certified or officially stamped birth certificate being the most common for first time participants. Other acceptable paperwork includes a certification of birth from a Consulate, a certificate of citizenship or a naturalization certificate. Submitting a social security number is also a necessity.
Some people like to get cute with things like their birth certificate and laminate them so that they do not get ruined. This is absolutely unacceptable and they will send anyone who walks in with laminated documents right out the door. It must not be covered in any way and must also have the raised seal on it. Also, all documents must be photocopied.
If the person seeking the passport document is a minor, there are some additional requirements that must be followed. The young person's proof of citizenship must accompany him or her, and both parents or guardians must be with the child at the in person visit. If only one adult has legal custody then the non-custodial birth parent does not have to be there.
The parents or guardians must be prepared to present their identification too. This can be a passport, a government ID card, military ID, or a current and valid driver's license. If applying for the documents outside of the state of residence, also be prepared to have another form of identification. All applicants must also provide two clear color head photographs that are no larger than 2' x2'.
The majority of time involved in meeting US passport requirements is gathering the required documentation from home files or safe deposit boxes. Once the agent has verified all of the presented information and reviewed the DS-11 form for accuracy, the process is nearly complete. Open up the checkbook, pay the fee and sign the
passport form in front of the agent. That is all that is needed and the documentation process is complete with very little pain and very little time at the United States passport office.
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