How to Obtain a Passport for the First Time?

Answer 1

Now, more than ever, it is important for a United States citizen to have a current passport. In the past, short jaunts over the border to Mexico or Canada or aboard a cruise ship didn’t require a passport. But after September 11th, 2001, the laws changed and every citizen must now present a passport or passport card when re-entering the United States. There are a few other documents accepted under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative such as a trusted traveler card, but for the ordinary traveler, it is important to have a passport.

If you have never had a passport before, here are the steps you will need to obtain one. These guidelines are for applicants who are over the age of 16.

A first-time applicant must fill out the application for a United States passport, Form DS-11 -- available at the U.S. Department of State’s travel.state.gov website -- and apply in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency. There is a list of these facilities on the travel.state.gov website. An applicant also needs to provide his social security number and proof of U.S. citizenship. This proof can be a certified birth certificate, consular certification of birth or report of birth abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship. If you cannot provide any of these, there is a list called the Secondary Evidence of U.S. Citizenship available at travel.state.gov. You will also need to bring a photocopy of the identification document you will be presenting with your application. The photocopy must be on white 8 1/2 by 11-inch paper and must show both sides of the identification.

When you apply, you will be expected to pay a fee and provide two photos that were taken within the last six months. The photos must be in color, be identical and 2 inches by 2 inches in size. The photo must be of your full face and you must be facing forward.

Remember to apply for your passport at least two months in advance of a trip. The State Department recommends that you expedite your application (which costs more) if you need your passport in less than ten weeks.