Nov 22 2011
Facts To Consider For Anybody Who Is Applying For First Time American Passport Online
There are certain things that you need for international travel and proper documentation is one of them. You can go to your local passport office or you can check out applying for first time passport online. Since you no longer need to apply in person, you may want to hire a service that will act as your agent and who has couriers who will walk your application package through the process for you and return it to you quickly.
Form DS-11
Whatever company you choose to hire, there are certain documents that you need to provide. Form DS-11 is issued by the US State Department and if for those applying for the first time. Form DS-82 is required for applicants who have held a passport before. Both of these forms can be found online, either at the government site or from a link on the company’s site.
Proof Of Citizenship
Proof of United States citizenship is required. A local, county or state birth certificate with an official raised seal is ideal. You may also use a Report of Birth Abroad that was issued by a United States consulate office or Naturalization Certificate. Without one of these, you will need to offer more than one form of other proof accompanied by Form DS-10, a Birth Affidavit.
Identification
You must also provide proof of your identification. Many documents are acceptable and they include a valid driver’s license, a military or other government primary or dependent ID or a Naturalization Certificate. Again, if you are lacking these documents, you can submit various other types of identification along with an Affidavit of Identifying Witness, Form DS-71.
Two Photos
Two pictures are also going to be necessary. There are sites, including post offices that can provide you with these photos. You may want to have them taken there since there are restrictions. These pictures must be identical and not older than six months. They must show your full face from the front with the facial portion measuring one to 1 3/4 inches from the crown of your head extending to the bottom of your chin. It should measure 2″ x 2″ and have a white or off-white background.
Contact Information
You will, of course, be asked for your contact information, birthday and email address. You will need to provide your itinerary or the information that it contains if you don’t have one. This includes your destination and travel date. You must also need to sign a letter authorizing your agent to discuss the details of your application on your behalf.
Processing Time
You will also be asked how quickly you need your documents. If you need your application processed quickly, you will be asked for an expedited processing and delivery payment. Fees vary and are dependent on the online provider you use. This will be in addition to the government fee, which is currently $170.
You may want to consider obtaining a U S passport card as well. While these documents cannot be used for international air travel, they can be used for trips to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada. So, Applying for first time American passport online can an easy and convenient way to get ready for your trip, no matter where you are going in the world.
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