DS-11 Form

In order to start the process, the parent/guardian must first download and fill out a DS-11 form from the Internet. With the document in hand, they will need to collect additional documentation that will be required. The minor must accompany the adult to the office where the acceptance agent is located. There are also forms for expedited passports available.

Birth Certificate

A birth certificate containing the full names of both birth parents will be required in order to begin the process. If the certificate cannot be located,parents/guardians can use old passports from the children instead. In the event there are no old passports or the birth certificate cannot be located,additional information such as postnatal records from the doctor who treated the child can be used.

Proof Of Citizenship

Upon collecting proof of US citizenship, the next step is to produce documentation from the parents/guardians. This is usually a form of photo identification such as a driver license or any other form of Identification and in some states, a secondary piece of ID is required as well. One copy of the requested identification has to be submitted per minor application.

Photo ID

It is very important that the photocopy be placed on an 8 1/2 x 11 inch piece of paper and will need to contain the front and back of the parents identification. If multiple identifications are going to be submitted, it is best to use more than one piece of paper because only the front is to be used. The paper cannot have any other markings on it prior to and after the copying process or it will be rejected.

Secondary ID

When a credit card is used as a secondary piece of identification, a photo is not required for security reasons. Caregivers for the disabled can apply for passports on their behalf and will be required to submit the normal documentation along with their own identification. If a person takes on the role of an identifying witness, they will have to fill out an additional DS-71 form.

Child Passports

The parents will need to provide consent for authorizing the passports issuance by appearing in person with the minor. If one parent has sole custody,they will be required to submit evidence for sole custody. If a third party is submitting the application for a minor, they will need a notarized affidavit from the parents giving the third party permission to apply on their behalf.

So applying for a pass port on behalf of a minor is a bit more involved than going through the process for an adult. Because there are some really nasty people out there, the government needs to be extremely careful. The process for children over the age of 16 does not require the accompaniment of guardians or parents. There are also expedited US passport services available.

Apply In Person

In the United States, it is required that first time applicants apply in person instead of through the mail. Also, if you are under the age of 16, your original passport was damaged, lost or stolen or if it is over 15 years old, you must also apply in person. Often name changes can be processed through the mail however, if there is not any legal documentation of the change, you must also apply in person.

Child Passports

All minors from newborn to age 17 must have their own when traveling. If the minor child age 16 or 17 does not have their own photo identification, the parent or guardian will need to present their photo ID when applying. Written parental consent may also be required. This consent may be included as part of the application but if not, handwritten consent may be needed to complete the application.

Form DS-11

Regardless to your age, if this is the first time you have filed this application, you must appear in person. The required DS-11 form can be printed from the Internet and filled in before going into the office. Be sure to include your social security number and wait to sign the form until you are in front of agent. Following these two rules will ensure your application is not denied or delayed.

Proof Of Citizenship

Another requirement is to provide proof of citizenship. USA born citizens can provide a certified copy of their birth certificate as valid proof. Citizens that were born outside of the United States can provide either a citizenship or naturalization certificate as proof. If this is a replacement passport, bring the old one as valid proof unless it is damaged.

Valid ID

Valid identification such as a valid driver’s license or military ID card must be provided. In cases where a primary ID is not available, a combination of other items may be accepted. These items include a combination of a credit card, employee identification card, a social security card or a library card. A person that has known you for a minimum of two years can file form DS-71 on your behalf to verify your identity. This form, available only at a passport agency,must be filled out in the presence of one of the agents at the time the application is filed.

Fees

Any fees due, including application and execution fees, are due and payable when the application is filled out. Fees vary based on the age of the person and the type of application that needs to be filed. Additional fees for options including expedited shipping may also be required.

So, applying for a pasport is not difficult although the wait to receive it can be time consuming. If you will be traveling, it is best to apply as soon as possible. If you delay you may force yourself into having to pay extra fees for expedited American passport services to ensure a timely delivery. Planning ahead will be beneficial in saving you some money.

The first step is getting an application, which can be done through agencies like an expedited U.S. passport services, post offices, and courthouses. You can even print out your application from the State Department’s website. It is important that after you fill out the application, you do not sign it until you are instructed to. Making sure you fill in all required information, including your social security number, will help to avoid delays or denials of your request.

There are several ways to apply, either in person or through mail. However, you must apply in person if it is your first time, you are under age 16, or your previous one was issued when you were under age 16. For those who have had a lost, stolen, or damaged one, they will also need to apply in person as well as those who have not had one issued in more than 15 years.

You are responsible for bringing two photographs with you to send along with your application. Those photos must follow regulated guidelines. Proof of citizenship is also required and can be easily done with a certified birth certificate issues from the country, city, or state of birth. Certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, and undamaged previous passports are also acceptable forms of proof.

The other document you will need to bring along is a photo ID. Several different forms are acceptable, with a valid driver’s license being the most popular. You can also use current military or government ID as well as an undamaged, previously issued passports or naturalization certificate.

There is a processing fee involved and depending on where you apply, other fees can also be included. It takes between six to eight weeks for your passport to be approved, created, and sent to you. It is strongly suggested that you apply no later than eight weeks before you plan to travel. However, you can request expedited processing which carries an additional fee.

Certain individuals are able to apply through the mail but only if they don’t fall into any category above where they must apply in person. Usually, renewing or legally changing your name can be done by mailing everything in yourself. There is still a processing fee included and you’ll need to send that and your previously issued passport along with the application when you apply.

It is always a good idea when applying for a passport to check with an agency or look online for anything new added to the procedures. This simple process can turn into a lot of red tape and frustration if you do not follow the rules and provide all the information and documents necessary through an expedited pass port services. A certified birth certificate, two acceptable photos, and a current photo ID can have your passport in your hand in time for your next trip overseas.

Apply in Advance

If you begin planning for your travel in advance, you should also plan ahead to acquire your passport. The standard application can take as long as six months, especially if there are any complications in the process. The time required will vary somewhat, depending on such factors as where you live, the time of year you apply and where you plan to travel. You can get an expedited passport in less time, but it will be more expensive.

Passport Application Offices

The application process for a passport usually begins at a passport application facility. These offices can be located in post offices, county officials’ offices, or libraries. In metropolitan areas, there may be an office that only deals with passport applications. When you prepare to apply, you will need to make an appointment to process your application form. A preliminary telephone call is an excellent idea.

The Application Form

The application form itself is government form DS-11. You can get a copy of the form at the Passport Office or online. If you complete the form online and fill it out, you can then print out the form and take it with you to the application center. If you must use a handwritten application, it should be completed in black ink and must be printed rather than in cursive. It’s a good idea to make an extra copy for referral purposes during the process.

Required Documents

Documentation to prove identity is a part of the passport application process. You must submit copies of photo identification such as a driver’s license or state ID card. Alternative photo documentation could be an employee badge or military identification. Birth certificates needed for identification must be signed and certified and have a government seal.

Passport Photos

You will need properly sized passport photos that are clear enough to identify the bearer. You can now have these photos taken at many passport offices. Applicants can also prepare and print their own passport photos.

Why Passports are Refused

If you owe the IRS for back taxes, a passport will be denied. The Department of Health and Human Services will block the issuing of a passport when the applicant owes more than $2,500 in overdue child support payments. If you fall into either category and want a passport, you are advised to resolve the back payment issues first.

Applying For A U.S. Passport can be as simple as deciding you want to travel. Just keep these common sense tips in mind and allow plenty of time. Make sure the appropriate fees and documents are submitted and the passport application form is signed. You should see your passport in plenty of time to enjoy your trip with a little pre-trip planning.

In this article, we’ll help make applying for passports a lot easier for you. We’ll provide you with every basic bit of information you need to know about US passports. That way, you’ll only have to do things once because you did them right.

Let’s begin with the forms. Depending on the type of passport application you’re doing, there will be an appropriate form for each. There are several types of these forms, but for your convenience, let’s just talk about the ones that you’re likely to fill in. Let’s begin with the most basic form, the Form DS-11.

If you’re getting a passport for the first time, you’re going to need to fill in Form DS-11. While it is the form used by all first-time applicants, its use isn’t only limited to this group of people. This is also used by anyone who needs to make a personal appearance for their passport application. That includes people who were issued their passports over 15 years ago, and those who were under 16 years old when their latest passport was issued.

What if you’re not required to appear in person for your passport application? Then you have the option of sending your application by mail. To do this, you’ll fill in a different form, Form DS-82. This is the form that you’ll need if you want a convenient way of sending your passport application to the passport office.

What if you lost your passport or if it was stolen from you? You’ll likely want to know how to replace a lost or stolen passport. You’d need to report the loss of your passport first either by calling the US Department of State’s Passport Services office or by mailing them Form DS-64. This form is a Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport.

You can combine your report of loss along with your application for a new passport. To do this, you simply need to appear in person at the passport office and then submit the appropriate forms. You’ll need to accomplish the DS-64 to file a report, then the DS-11 to apply for a new passport.

After reading this article, we’re pretty sure now that you already know that Applying For An American Passport isn’t that difficult or complicated. The same thing goes with renewing your American Passport, or even reporting your lost or stolen passport. You’ll realize that applying for a passport is easy and stress-free if you need to know how to go about the process.

How Long Does it Take?

You should allow plenty of time for the application process and the document processing to be completed before you are due to leave on your international journey. In most cases, six months prior to your departure date is adequate time. If you live in certain areas, or if you apply during certain times of the year, the process may be delayed. Where you plan to travel can have some effect on the processing time. If you need the passport in a hurry, extra charges apply.

Find the Nearest Passport Agency

The application process for a passport usually begins at a passport application facility. These offices can be located in post offices, county officials’ offices, or libraries. In metropolitan areas, there may be an office that only deals with passport applications. When you prepare to apply, you will need to make an appointment to process your application form. A preliminary telephone call is an excellent idea.

Complete the Application Form

The application form itself is government form DS-11. You can get a copy of the form at the Passport Office or online. If you complete the form online and fill it out, you can then print out the form and take it with you to the application center. If you must use a handwritten application, it should be completed in black ink and must be printed rather than in cursive. It’s a good idea to make an extra copy for referral purposes during the process.

Additional Documentation

Other documents to be submitted with the DS-11 include at least one document that has photo ID. This can be a military ID card, a state driver’s license or ID card or an employee badge. Copies of the appropriate documentation must be submitted with the application. A birth certificate must be certified and signed. A government seal from the issuing organization is mandated.

Photos

You will need properly sized passport photos that are clear enough to identify the bearer. You can now have these photos taken at many passport offices. Applicants can also prepare and print their own passport photos.

Denials

Occasionally a passport application will be denied. If you know in advance that you owe the IRS back taxes or that you owe more than $2,500 in child support payments, you should be certain that the issues are resolved before your application is submitted. Failure to do so could mean you can’t make your trip.

Applying For A United States Passport is just part of the preparation process when traveling internationally. If you remember to complete the United States passport application form according to instructions and submit them to the proper agency, you should have no problem receiving your passport in time to enjoy your travel. You will need to remit the necessary payments and fees along with your documentation.