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.
To obtain a passport book if you already have a passport card, you will need to apply for a passport book through the same process as a first-time applicant. This involves completing the DS-11 form, providing necessary documents, such as proof of citizenship and identification, submitting a passport photo, and paying the applicable fees. You can apply in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency.
No, you cannot obtain your passport number before your passport is delivered to you.
How a forgeiner can obtain a swaziland passport?"
Yes, you can obtain a temporary passport while renewing your regular passport.
No, you cannot obtain your passport number before receiving your physical passport.
No, a child does not have to be present to obtain a passport.
You can obtain a passport at any age, even as a newborn.
Yes, if you have a passport card, you can obtain a passport book at any time. It is not an upgrade - - it is a separate document. It is possible to have one or the other, or both.
Yes, if you have a passport card but need to travel internationally by air, you will need to obtain a passport book.
No, a minor cannot obtain a passport without parental permission.
You can obtain a passport card at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or a county clerk's office.
No, it is not possible to obtain your passport number before actually receiving your physical passport.