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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.

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How can someone with a passport card obtain a passport book?

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.


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Can I obtain a temporary passport while renewing my regular passport"?

Yes, you can obtain a temporary passport while renewing your regular passport.


Can I obtain my passport number before receiving my physical passport"?

No, you cannot obtain your passport number before receiving your physical passport.


Does a child have to be present in order to obtain a passport?

No, a child does not have to be present to obtain a passport.


How young can you be to obtain a passport?

You can obtain a passport at any age, even as a newborn.


Can you upgrade from a passport card to a passport book?

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.


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Yes, if you have a passport card but need to travel internationally by air, you will need to obtain a passport book.


Can a minor obtain a passport without parent permission for passport"?

No, a minor cannot obtain a passport without parental permission.


Where can you obtain a passport card?

You can obtain a passport card at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or a county clerk's office.


Is it possible to obtain your passport number before actually receiving your physical passport?

No, it is not possible to obtain your passport number before actually receiving your physical passport.