Traverse The Globe With Your New US Passport

International travel can be an incredible experience, but in order for it to be successful a considerable amount of planning must be done in advance. Applying for your new pasport or replacing an expired one is absolutely essential just to get off the ground. Today, it is not possible to travel outside of the United States, even to Canada or Mexico, without a passport so everyone should have one on hand. The process is not difficult, but it has to be completed correctly or else the application will not be accepted.

In the event that someone is applying for their first passport, they must apply in person. To do this, visit one of the various application facilities across the country. There are numerous pieces of paperwork and ID that must be presented to complete the process so it is best to be prepared when going to the passport office.

The three primary items that are needed for the application are the required forms, proof of citizenship and a primary form of identification. To prove citizenship, applicants may present a birth certificate or previously issued passport. As for primary identification, acceptable forms include a naturalization certificate or a current driver's license. Applicants must also submit a photocopy of their identification.

There are multiple pieces of paperwork that must be submitted with an application for a new passport. They can be printed in advance from the website for the Department of State. However, applicants must remember that if they sign the forms before they are in the presence of an acceptance agent, they will not be valid.

If a passport needs to be renewed because the expiration date has passed, the applicant may be able to do so without visiting the office. To renew by mail, it required that the expired and undamaged passport is submitted with the application. To be eligible for renewal via mail, the expired passport cannot have been issued more than fifteen years prior and the applicant must have been over sixteen when it was issued. It must also feature the applicant's current name or include evidence of a name change.

The processing time for a passport is typically four to six weeks. It is possible to receive it in two to three weeks with expedited service for an additional charge. Those who are traveling within fourteen days should make an appointment at a passport agency. If someone has already applied for their passport application forms, they should contact a National Passport Information Center representative seven days before their travel date.

Of course, there are fees attached to the passport application. An adult passport application requires a payment of one hundred dollars for the passport and the execution fee. A passport for a child costs eighty-five dollars for the same services. If a passport needs to be processed with expedited service, each application will incur an additional charge of sixty dollars.

The paperwork and identification that must be collected to get your first time US passport may seem like a bit of a pain, but following the steps carefully is necessary. One missing piece of information could cause the agency not to accept the pasport, which could potentially destroy upcoming travel plans. A little time in the present will save a lot of trouble in the future and ensure years of amazing travel adventures.