Posts Tagged ‘USA passport application’
The Passport Application Process Made Easy
April 6, 2010
When the time for an individual to get a passport arrives, the individual should not worry as completing all the necessary tasks will not take an extraordinarily long period of time. The individual who will only be traveling in North America should consider acquiring a passport card only, as it is less expensive than the booklet. Those traveling on plane or anywhere other than North America need to acquire a passport booklet before doing that. Either way, the individual will need to complete a pass port application.
Individuals will need a passport booklet for all international travel, while a passport card can only be used for those planning to travel strictly within North America. The card will not be accepted for those traveling by air to these places, though. The card will look similar to a driver’s license, while the book is like a small pamphlet with a blue cover, unless an individual is a diplomat or a citizen-employee of the United States who happens to be working abroad.
The US passport application that most people need to fill out is Form DS-11. This is used for individuals who are looking to get this documentation for the first time. These individuals need to make a visit to a specifically mandated government facility that falls under the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services and Customer Service.
Usually, local post offices have the ability to perform the passport processing. The only way an individual can know for sure, though, is to go online and check. Once online too, an individual will be able to electronically fill out the proper form. The individual also has the option to print out the appropriate form and complete it using a pen.
With Form DS-11, an individual will need to provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, an original copy of primary identification, a copy of that primary identification, two copies of one photograph, and the financial means to pay for the fees. There are specific stipulations that are required for each of these, so it would be wise for individuals to check online to see what these stipulations are.
Those individuals who are filling out Form DS-82 do not have to make an appearance in a government-mandated facility. Only certain individual will meet the criteria for being allowed to mail information to renew their U.S. passport. The most recent passport of these individuals will be undamaged and able to be sent with the application, issued when an individual was over the age of sixteen, issued within the past fifteen years, and issued with the individual’s current name.
These forms are not difficult to fill out, but they will take time. Individuals should most likely fill it out at home, as it will ask information that may require additional research. Questions on such forms will range from name and social security number to family information and previous residences. However, be sure not to sign the form until you are in front of the agent for processing.
Ffilling out a US passport application will not be a difficult task and such forms can be found online. You’ll have your pass port in no time.
Which Is The Correct United States Passport Application For You?
February 28, 2010
When it comes to international travel, the passport is the first item that should be on the to-do list. However, many travelers do not realize that there are actually a variety of forms to choose from that depend on the situation that the applicant is trying to address. Special circumstances require that different pass port application forms are filled out. It is important to make sure that you indeed have the right ones.
The majority of people that need a passport are business travelers who find themselves going abroad for work. There are the occasional travelers that will need to have one also and they both may be needed quicker than anticipated. For some, the entire process of getting a pass port may be daunting, but there are service providers to assist in this that may be found online.
Anyone that is looking for a passport application can either head to their local passport office or just download it off of the Internet. While there are other sites that provide this source, it is generally best to stick to the state websites to make sure that there are no issues with a form being downloaded improperly. There should also be a FAQ that will go over in detail how to fill out the form.
The private providers have a list of the correct forms needed depending on the situation. If the applicant is a first timer, then it is one simple form and some proof of identification. There are applications also for under age and lost or stolen passports too. Any of these applications will need to have supporting documents sent along with them to assist in the approval process.
The website should have complete instructions for every form that is needed and what form applies to what situation. It is at this point that a private agency may come into play, especially if there are expedited services that are needed. Many of these agencies can handle filling out and submitting the paperwork for the applicant, depending upon their overall category.
In most situations, the normal turnaround time for a passport is about six weeks. They also offer expedited service for an additional $60 of two to three weeks, however, this time frame is not guaranteed. Anyone who is traveling sooner than that or that just wants their passport quicker, must use one of the private offices that can get a passport back to an applicant in as little as 24 hours.
When all of the correct forms have been filled out, the last item that will be needed is the passport photo. It is very important that the photo meet the size requirements (2″x2″) and that it is of a high quality. In other words, you are going to have to spring for something a little better than the sit in photo booth. Many passport offices will actually provide this service for an extra fee.
The last and final step in the process of getting a U.S. passport is to ship everything off. The only extra that we suggest here would be to make sure that a reputable overnight service is used to ensure safe delivery of your USA Passport application and corresponding documentation.
Applying For An American Passport Fact Sheet
January 28, 2010
Applying for a new passport can be an overwhelming task for many people. There are many rules and regulations involved with applying for a passport. Below is a list of the five most important things everyone applying for a passport must know before applying. These five things you must know about the pass port agency will save you time and money, as well as loads of frustration in the end.
This process does not have to be as daunting as it seems. Knowledge can be found in many places that will help you to prepare for the application process. The government offers a large amount of information on passports and passport applications on their websites. It is also good to know exactly what documents will be needed before starting the process.
Passport application fact number one: You will have to apply for your new passport in person. It is important that you make the trip to the U. S. Passport agency yourself to submit the application. Your identity must be confirmed when the passport application is submitted for processing. This is an important step in the process.
Passport application fact number two: Several possible fees are required when you submit your passport application. The total basic fees for a passport application is $120.00. If your application is not approved you will still be responsible for the $95.00 application fee. Other fees may be added in some situations.
Third important passport fact: You will be required to verify your citizenship in the American passport agency process. A birth certificate, social security card, or certificate of naturalization will be needed. You citizenship can be verified by the government if you cannot provide these documents, but there will be additional fees for this service. The fee is normally $60.00 for verification through a government search.
Fourth passport fact: Photocopies must be submitted of all documentation at the time the application is submitted. Not all passport agencies will offer copy services so be sure to bring copies with you, ready to submit. Also remember to make all copies on standard paper and do not shrink the document size. Making the copy bigger is acceptable.
Fifth passport fact: The only remaining thing you must know is that making changes to a passport is not difficult or expensive. All changes can be made at passport agencies and most of them do not have fees. There are simple forms available for making these changes. These forms are available at the U. S. Passport agency or on the Internet.
This list may help you to feel less anxiety over the passport application process and also help you be prepared when you arrive at your closest USA passport agency. Good luck with your USA passport application.
Various U.S. Passport Applications Need Different Documentation
December 25, 2009
Depending on the type of passport-related transaction you need to do, there will be a corresponding form you have to fill in. So whether it’s applying for a new passport, or reporting your lost or stolen passport, you can expect to fill in a passport for those. But you don’t really have to memorize them all, since they’re number-coded, and you’ll probably have to deal with only some of these forms. So if you want to learn more about new passport application forms, you’ve come to the right place. Read on.
Let’s start with the most common type of form, the DS-11. It is arguably the best recognized form as this is the form used by practically everyone who has applied for a passport for the first time. However, the use of this form isn’t just exclusive to first-time passport applicants. The DS-11 is also used by other types of applicants such as those whose last passport was issued when they were under 16 years old, or those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago.
One tip in knowing whether you’re going to need the DS-11 or another passport is that you need to submit the DS-11 in person. In case you are told to personally submit your application documents, then you’re likely to fill in the DS-11. In most instances, you will be told not to sign the form until you submit it personally. So to be sure, don’t sign the form yet until you are told to do so at the passport office.
In case you are not required to submit your new passport application form in person, you have the option of sending your application by mail. This option is of course more convenient than having to go to your nearest passport office to apply. In instances where you need to send your application by mail, you’ll have to accomplish the DS-82 form. So if you’re after the convenience of submitting your form through the mail, you’ll need the DS-82. However, some circumstances may restrict you from sending your application by mail, so contact your local passport office first, just to be sure.
What if you lose your passport, or if it was stolen from you? Then you will need to submit another form altogether. You’ll need to fill in Form DS-64. When filling in this form, make sure that you submit this as soon as possible to the nearest passport office. Just like the DS-82, you can send this form by mail.
However, if sending the DS-64 by mail is not an option, you can always submit it in person. You can do this if you are already planning of applying for a new passport in place of the one you lost. What you need to do is simply to pay the passport office a visit, and then submit Forms DS-64 and DS-11.
Sending your DS-64 by mail is fine if you are not planning on applying for a passport anytime soon. However, if you need to have one as soon as possible, then submit the form by hand with your DS-11. Doing this will let you hit two birds with one stone.
There are other pass port application forms that you might encounter, depending on what you need to accomplish. However, the ones that we mentioned above are those that you will be dealing with more often than not. These are the forms you’ll need to apply, mail, or report the loss of your USA passport.