Nov 4 2011
American Passport Requirements Plus Your Documents
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 A Good Idea
Gone are the days of just crossing borders as we travel. We are now required to have a valid passport to enter or leave a foreign country. And for that to happen, we have to meet certain requirements.
Form DS-11
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 Offices
After you have filled in your application form with everything but your signature, take it to either a Post Office or an acceptance facility. At that time, they will collect your documents and verify your signature. You will also pay for the passport at this time.
Paperwork 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.
Passports For Children
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 Varieties
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
Photos can now be taken at home rather than just by a photographer but there are still strict requirements in place. Before having the photo done, make sure that you understand all of the procedures that need to be met.
When you have all of your documents and your United States passport application application assembled, you are ready to go to the designated facility. At the designated facility they will verify your signature and be sure that you understand the USA Passport requirements. After you have paid your fee, all that is left is the wait, usually four to six weeks.
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