Jul 18 2010
Learn How To Fill Out A Passport Application Form
When traveling outside the United States, it helps to have a passport. Even if you dont plan to travel anytime soon, having a passport can make your life much easier. In order to get your passport, you first have to fill out a United States passport form. There are two options, one for those applying for the first time and one for those just renewing.
Hard copy applications can be obtained at your local library and most post offices. Some post offices also have set hours when they process applications including taking the required two pictures for placement in your passport. To find out if a post office near you offers these services, call ahead or research the internet. All you need to do is type in your zip code and a list of available locations and service options will appear on your screen.
You can also get an application, print it and fill it out without leaving your home. Just go to your computer, type in United States Passport on your computers internet search engine and several sites, government and non-government, will pop up. Those that are not affiliated with the U. S. Government may ask you for a fee to download a guidebook and application. It is up to you whether you feel you need additional guidance to apply. However, basic instructions and applications are free and can be downloaded easily via postal service and state department sponsored websites.
You must apply in person if you have never applied before or are under 16 years of age. Along with bringing the filled out application, you will need pictures and identification including a birth certificate. Review the instructions to find out the approved forms of identification to bring with you. If you are renewing a passport and it has not already expired or was issued within the last 15 years, you simply need to send in the application, your fee and the original passport.
Not planning to travel for several months? We suggest you submit your application through routine processing. It will take four to six weeks or, during busy summer travel season, up to 10 weeks. However, if you just found out about travel and need a passport super fast, there are ways to speed up your application. For those traveling in less than four weeks, there is an expedited process that includes overnight delivery to your home or office within two to three weeks. Are you traveling in less than 14 days? You will need to schedule an appointment to visit one of the passport agencies in person. Most major cities across the U.S. have a agencies for USA passports.
All applications, routine or expedited, first-time or renewal, require a fee. Once issued, your passport is valid for 10 years if you are over 16 and five years if younger. Traveling has become more and more complicated today and having a passport will make things much easier. Even crossing the border to Canada or Mexico, flying to Bermuda or the Caribbean, you need a passport.
There are additional costs involved in expediting your applications. These include sending it through an overnight, certified delivery service and fees for the processor to expedite the application. If you are traveling on official government or corporate business, your agency or administrative officer will walk you through or even complete the process for you. When you have to handle it yourself, any expenses paid personally should be reimbursed by your agency or company.
Having a passport is positive in many ways. Not only are you able to travel whenever and most anywhere you want, it may help when you are required to present photo identification. When you are applying for jobs or various government benefits, you are required to present one or more forms of identification. Often if you show your passport, this will count as two forms of I.D. given the initial process you go through to get one. As the world becomes more and more accessible by plane, train, ship or auto, you will be glad you filled out and submitted that USA passport form.
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