If you plan on doing any traveling abroad it is a good idea to get a passport. The passport is a document that identifies your identity and your nationality and is required if you enter a foreign country. It is also required when you re-enter the country that you departed from. The passport process can take from six to eight weeks depending on the demand during the time you begin the application process. There is a passport expedited process which can take anywhere from one day to one week to complete. Before you begin the application process it is important that you get all your supporting documents in order. These documents will help to verify your identity and speed up the application process. You must have the required documents or your application could be denied and the process will start all over.
Visit the state departments website and search for the passport application. The application can be downloaded and needs to be brought with you the day you apply for your passport. The supporting documents that you will need to successfully apply for the passport are proof of citizenship which typically is your birth certificate. The next thing you will need are two passport photographs that will be used on your passport. In addition to the passport application be certain to bring with you a personal check that has your name and address printed on them.
When it comes to the photographs for your passport you have several options available to you. If you plan on taking the photographs yourself you must abide by the guidelines set forth on the states website for photographs. These pictures must be two inches by two inches and be positioned on a neutral background. Your picture has to offer a clear full view of your face, and hats, scarves, and sunglasses may not be worn. The picture should be a clear image of your face showing the top of your head all the way to the tops of your shoulders. If you are having difficulties taking the photographs there are many places in your town that will take those pictures for you for a nominal fee. Places like your local copy center, the post office, and photography shops will gladly help you with your photographs.
When you visit the application center to apply for your passport, the best form of identification you can have with you is a drivers license of at least four months old. To prove your citizenship you can bring with you your old passport, a birth certificate that has been certified, and a certificate of citizenship. To prove your identity in addition to the drivers license you may way to bring a copy of your military or government identification.
To find the nearest facility to process your application for the passport you can visit the state departments website and do a search for a facility near your zip code. You will be given a list of all the nearest facilities that can process the application for you and the times that they are open each day. Choose a location that is convenient for you either near your home or near your work that you could visit on your lunch break if possible. There will be two fees associated with the passport application that you must pay that day in order to process the application correctly. The first fee is the application fee which covers all the costs involved for processing the application. The second is called an expedite fee and is for applicants who need their passports in a timely manner. This process can take up to a week but normally occurs in a few days.
The authorization process is done after you have completed the application process. You will need to visit an acceptance agent to verify all the supporting documents you enclosed with the application. The acceptance agent can either be found in the main branch of your post office or a court clerk. The agent will then verify all your information and make certain that you filled out the application completely and correctly. If you have chosen to apply for the passport on your own the passport agency will mail you your passport when the process has been completed.
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