How to Obtain a Passport?

Traveling abroad, then you will need a passport. There are few things to keep in mind when you are making your travel plans to another country, one is whether you need a passport. Mostly likely the answer to that question is yes. Here are a few things you will need to obtain that passport.

The first is Time. It will take some time to get a passport especially if you have never had one before. With the new laws requiring passport to enter the country through the air and the up coming law to need one no matter how you enter the country many people are applying for a passport. The State Department is working as quickly as possible to meet these growing needs but it will still take time to meet the needs of an expected 16 million new applications and that is not counting all the renewals applications. You can have your application expedited which will cost you an estimated 60 dollars, but still these are backed up. Time will be your best friend to get you passport and get you on vacation.

The next thing you will need is Proof of Citizenship. Youwill need one of the following documents to prove citizenship;

Previous U.S. Passport (must be in good condition), Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state (must be dated within one year of birth), Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship. If you do not have any of these documents see www.state.gov for info on other ways to prove citizenship.

You will also need to prove your Identity. For this you will need:

Previous U.S. passport (in good condition), Naturalization Certificate, or
Current valid; Driver's license, Government ID: city, state or federal,or Military ID: military and dependents

If none of these you possess you can also have some one testify to your identity there are strict guidelines for this and the person must do so in person. See website listed above for more information

Next you will need two Photographs. Here again there are strict guidelines to size and quality of the picture I suggest you have them taken for you at a professional place. Many business offer to do passport pictures such as picture studios, travel agents, and even places like your local walmart. This will ensure they are acceptable quality for the passport office and the fee to have them taken is usually minimal.

You will also need to fill out an Application for a new passport or a renewal if you currently have a passport. You can download the application at www.state.gov or get one at you local passport office. A list of passport offices are available at the above website. You must apply for you passport in person and if applying for a minors passport they must be present as well as both parents. There are ways around having both parents present but it requires both parent permission for a passport of a minor. ( See above website for more info)

There is a fee as with everything. The fee for a passport runs about 97 dollars and that is if you don't mind waiting about 2 months or more to get it. There is a $60 fee to have the process expedited. You will also need to present your SSN or the IRS can fine you up to $500.

The final thing is to be Present. You must apply for you passport in person if it is your first time.

The road to traveling abroad can be bumpy especially if you are not prepared to plan ahead and know what you need to get there.Good luck on your adventures in the passport line.

For detailed information on obtaining a passport see www.state.gov
(www.state.gov)