Learn How To Fill Out A United States Passport Application

You can also get a passport application, print it and fill it out without leaving your home. Just go to your computer, type in United States Passport on your computer's internet search engine and several sites, government and non-government, will pop up. Those that are not affiliated with the U. S. Government may ask you for a fee to download a guidebook and application. It is up to you whether you feel you need additional guidance to apply. However, basic instructions and applications are free and can be downloaded easily via postal service and state department sponsored websites.

If this is the first time you have applied or are under the age of 16, you will need to submit your application in person. As part of the process you will need to bring two pictures, and valid forms of identification. Consult the instructions for a list of acceptable methods of verifying your identity. If you had a passport previously but it has expired and the original issue date is more than 15 years ago, you will also have to apply in person. If you just need to renew one not already expired, or one less than 15 years since issuance and there have been no name changes, you can send your application by mail along with your fee and original passport. A new one will be issued and mailed to you.

There are several levels of processing depending on when you will be traveling. If you don't have to travel out of the country for a month or more, you can pay the standard fee and follow the routine process. It generally takes between four to six weeks to receive your passport and possibly longer during summer when more people travel. If a trip abroad came up unexpectedly and it is less than four weeks away, apply under the expedited process. This will require an additional fee for overnight delivery with tracking capability. The U.S. passports will be sent in the mail within two or three weeks, and arrive via overnight delivery. If a family or work emergency requires you to travel even sooner, you must set up an appointment at a passport agency. These are located in most major cities.

There is a standard fee to process your application and for the passport booklet, or card. The fee varies depending on whether it is your first time applying or if you are renewing. Having the freedom to travel whenever you want and to almost anywhere in the world you would like is well worth the small investment. Also, once you receive your passport, it is good for 10 years if you are over the age of 16. If younger, it is valid for five years.

Of course expedited or direct agency processing will cost you more than the routine method so plan ahead or make sure you really have to travel on your desired dates. When you travel for work, whether it be a private company or government, you should be able to ask for reimbursement. Often your agency or company will have a person on staff with the expertise or duty to help you.

Having a pasport is positive in many ways. Not only are you able to travel whenever and most anywhere you want, it may help when you are required to present photo identification. When you are applying for jobs or various government benefits, you are required to present one or more forms of identification. Often if you show your passport, this will count as two forms of I.D. given the initial process you go through to get one. As the world becomes more and more accessible by plane, train, ship or auto, you will be glad you filled out and submitted that US passport application form.