How to Apply For Your First Time Passport
So you are looking for some information on how to apply for a passport for the first time.
This must a very exciting time for you.
Well let me take you through a few steps that will help you to get the ball rolling on how to apply for a first time US passport.
First time applicants must appear at the local post office in person to have an acceptance agent verify your documents.
If you fall into one of the categories then you qualify:
If you were born in the United States, all you need to submit for proof of identification is your original birth certificate.
Keep in mind that if you no longer have your original then you can get a certified copy and that will legally replace your original birth certificate.
Other forms of showing proof of ID are:
Don't worry about the fact that you have to submit your original documents instead of copies.
When the Agency sends you back your first time passports, they will also ship back your original documents to you.
Fortunately, it is rare to have situations where the originals are lost or misplaced.
When you are at the post office, the acceptance agent can take two color photos of you that have been taken against a white back ground and are 2 X 2.
If you have to wear special head apparel or eyewear in the photos then you need to provide official letters stating the reason or purpose.
Before getting to the post office, you should first fill out the online DS-11 application or a recent PDF version.
Or you could wait until you are at the post office to get an application there.
Although, it will take longer to complete the acceptance process if you have to fill out the application in person.
But if you are still unsure on how to get a passport for the first time, then it would definitely benefit you to do the application there so you can ask questions to the acceptance agent.
You will also need a personal check or a postal money order that you can get for applicable fees.
Your passports should arrive to your home or your specified place in about 4 to 12 weeks after submission.
Now that you will soon possess a passport, you will have the freedom to travel this awesome world.
The possessor of a US passport has so many privileges afforded to them in so many countries around the world.
Remember to keep your passport safe and out of harm's way.
New ones are harder for a thief's to duplicate and or use.
Look it over to ensure that all the information listed on it is correct.
Sign it immediately because in the event of theft or loss, no one will be able to sign it and impersonate you.
This must a very exciting time for you.
Well let me take you through a few steps that will help you to get the ball rolling on how to apply for a first time US passport.
First time applicants must appear at the local post office in person to have an acceptance agent verify your documents.
If you fall into one of the categories then you qualify:
- If you had a passport before when you were under 16 years of age.
- If you had one and it was accidentally lost, damaged or even had it stolen from you.
- If you were given a passport well over 15 years ago when you get your passport first time.
If you were born in the United States, all you need to submit for proof of identification is your original birth certificate.
Keep in mind that if you no longer have your original then you can get a certified copy and that will legally replace your original birth certificate.
Other forms of showing proof of ID are:
- Certificate of Naturalization if you were not born in the US.
- Certificate of Birth Abroad if you qualify as a natural born citizen but were not born within the 50 states.
- Military ID and accompanying documents proving American military service.
Don't worry about the fact that you have to submit your original documents instead of copies.
When the Agency sends you back your first time passports, they will also ship back your original documents to you.
Fortunately, it is rare to have situations where the originals are lost or misplaced.
When you are at the post office, the acceptance agent can take two color photos of you that have been taken against a white back ground and are 2 X 2.
If you have to wear special head apparel or eyewear in the photos then you need to provide official letters stating the reason or purpose.
Before getting to the post office, you should first fill out the online DS-11 application or a recent PDF version.
Or you could wait until you are at the post office to get an application there.
Although, it will take longer to complete the acceptance process if you have to fill out the application in person.
But if you are still unsure on how to get a passport for the first time, then it would definitely benefit you to do the application there so you can ask questions to the acceptance agent.
You will also need a personal check or a postal money order that you can get for applicable fees.
Your passports should arrive to your home or your specified place in about 4 to 12 weeks after submission.
Now that you will soon possess a passport, you will have the freedom to travel this awesome world.
The possessor of a US passport has so many privileges afforded to them in so many countries around the world.
Remember to keep your passport safe and out of harm's way.
New ones are harder for a thief's to duplicate and or use.
Look it over to ensure that all the information listed on it is correct.
Sign it immediately because in the event of theft or loss, no one will be able to sign it and impersonate you.
