naturalization certificate

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.

Applying For United States Passports – What You Should Understand

When applying for a passport for the first time, the rules you must follow are very specific. The first time applicant must provide information and follow a procedure that is different from the process to renew an expired one. Rules will also vary based on the age of the applicant, especially those aged under the age of 16 and those aged 16 and 17 years old.

Apply In Person

Applicants must apply in person for their first one if they live in the United States. You must also apply in person if you are currently under age 16,received your original one before age 16, if it was issued more than 15 years ago or if it has been stolen, damaged or lost. You should also plan to apply in person if your name has legally changed and you cannot provide legal documentation of this change.

Child Passports

Regardless to age, everyone in the United States is required to have a passport when traveling out of the country. Minors that do not have the required ID can apply for theirs with the assistance of a parent or legal guardian provided the guardian has the appropriate photo ID. Handwritten or other types of parental or guardian consent will typically be required.

Form DS-11

As an adult filling out your first application, you must apply in person. You will begin by filling out the necessary form known as DS-11. This form can be found on the Internet and filled out and printed or it can be filled out by hand. Do not sign the form until you apply and the agent asks you to sign it. You must provide your social security number to prevent any delays or potential denial of your application.

Proof Of Citizenship

You will also need to provide proof of United States citizenship. This may include a birth certificate that has been certified, certificate of citizenship or a naturalization certificate. Bring these items with you when you appear to file your application. If this is not your first application you may also use your old passport provided that it has not become damaged.

Valid ID

A valid form of ID, preferably with a photograph, will also be required. If a driver’s license or military ID with a photo is not available, items such as a credit card, employee ID, or library card, when used in conjunction with each other, can be suitable as replacements. Another option, the DS-71 form, can be filed by a friend. If this form is used, it must be filled out and signed in front of an agent when you apply.

Fees

Application fees will be due and payable at the time that the application is filed. These fees depend on the type of application and age of the person applying. Additional fees may also be due. These may include execution fees and optional fees such as fees for faster delivery.

So, applying for a U S passport can be a lengthy process. If you know that will need one soon, you should apply as soon as possible to avoid paying extra fees to receive it quickly. Many locations offer expedited US passport services including local post offices.

Everything You Need To Be Aware Of Concerning Passports For Children

If you need to get a childs passport for your son or daughter, you need to know what the rules are for applying. All children, even infants, need to have a passport for traveling abroad. There are extra requirements if the child is between 16 and 18.

Children under the age of 16 must apply for their passports in person, accompanied by both of their parents/guardians. Proof of U.S. Citizenship must be supplied and will be returned. Acceptable proof includes a previous and undamaged U.S. Passport, official proof of birth or citizenship in the U.S. A social security number must also be provided.

The accompanying parents or guardians need to prove the relationship they have to the child applicant. This proof may be in the form of a foreign or U.S. birth certificate, a decree of adoption, or a court order that establishes guardianship or custody.

If any furnished documents are in another language, they must be translated. It can be formally or informally translated. Both original and English translation must be submitted with the passport application.

You cannot use previously issued passports to prove your relationship with the child. If a name has been changed since the issuing of the original documents, you need to submit proof of that legal change. For example, you can submit a copy of your marriage certificate. Also, current identification must be shown by the parents or guardians, like a drivers license, an undamaged USA passport, a naturalization certificate, or a military/government ID.

Both parents need to consent for a child below 16 years of age to get a passport. They must appear with the child when making the application. If they are not both able to appear, at least one must go as the form needs to be signed in front of the passport agent. Meanwhile, a Statement of Consent for the other parent must be turned in. This form needs to be notarized within the last three months.

If complete custody is with only one parent, that parent must go with the minor to the passport agency and sign the form before the agent. Proof of sole authority must also be furnished. This can be a birth certificate or consular report of birth abroad, which lists only the one name. Alternative proof may be an adoption decree, a court order, an incompetence declaration, or a death certificate.

If necessary, a third party may apply for the minors passport. This person must appear with a notarized statement from both parents or guardians. If there is only one parent or guardian, proof of sole custody must also be furnished.

Besides the application and evidence for identification, custody, and relationship, you must supply two photos and pay a fee. If the child is between 16 and 18, he or she will also need to show a photo id. If none is available, the photo identification of the parents or guardians can be substituted. Whichever is used, a copy must also be submitted with the application. As with any passport, a child passport should be applied for before it is a necessity.

Kids Passports: Their Key To The World

International travel is a great way to show your kids the world first-hand. However, just like an adult, your child will need a passport. There are some topics about passport for minors that receive many questions, and by knowing a little bit about these concepts, you can feel confident when you travel around the world with your children in tow. More →