Filling out a US passport application is a process whereby one applies to get a passport in order to be able to travel outside of the US. Each and every citizen has to hold this document if they wish to travel to destinations out of the US. There is a variation of requirements though for those below the age of sixteen, those who are sixteen and seventeen and those above the age of seventeen.
Requirements
A person who has never had the document must apply for the document. For those who had been issued with one when they were below sixteen years of age must also apply. Passports are only valid for a period of fifteen years so when this period elapses one should apply to renew it. In case it has been stolen, it has gotten lost or has been damaged in any way one has to get a new one too. Someone also needs to file changes to a US passport when they have a name change, such as a name change due to marriage or going back to a maiden name. This ensures all documentation has the same name.
Validation
Proof of citizenship has to be provided on application. It may be a birth certificate, an undamaged passport, a certificate of naturalization, a birth report if one was born abroad and a citizenship certificate. If any of these are questionable, the passport agent may ask for more documentation.
Witness
The application form has to be filled with the right information. It cannot be signed unless there is an agent representing the passport facility present. This means that signing cannot be done at any time before visiting the issuance facility. After visiting the facility one can now sign it in the presence of an authorized agent.
Pictures
Two photographs have to be submitted for the application. They must be identical two by two inch full color photos. They have to be taken while in casual wear within the last six months. The face must be in full view and the distance between the top of the head and the bottom of the chin must measure not less than an inch and not more than an inch and three eighths. The background can only be either white or off white. No head gear is allowed in this photo. Medically prescribed items such as glasses and hearing devices have to be worn when taking the picture.
Filing An Application
There are certain circumstances that allow for online application filing or through mail. This normally includes a renewal, or a passport name change. However, filing in person is a good way to go, this way you’re confident that all paperwork submitted was proper and you’re not missing information that could delay the process.
The procedure for a passport application has to be done with a lot of care. If not it can be long and tiresome. The requirements are simple and if followed to the letter one will have an easy time. It is also advisable to begin the process early so that it is ready in time for travelling. Other services are available as well such as expedition and pasport renewal. These can all be accomplished quite easily.
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