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What You Should Have To Get A US Passport Application

What you will need to get a passport application processed requires some work on your part. A few identifying items have to be supplied along with the form to apply. The first time you apply, it will be in person. Any time you leave the United States or its territories, it is a good idea to have a passport.

The first time a person applies for a this document, it will require to do it in person, but not for a replacement U.S. passport. There are acceptance facilities, which are chosen by the Bureau of Consular Affairs. The sites will be in government offices. Post offices, libraries, and clerks of court are commonly used for this purpose. An online search will give you locations, days and hours and if an appointment is needed.

For children under the age of 16, both parents need to be with the child when they are applying. If only one parent or a guardian is available, there are other more in-depth requirements that must be met. The parents should have a recent photo ID of the child.

The agency allows five kinds of documents to serve as primary ID. Naturalized citizens can present the certificate of naturalization. A driver's license that is current is acceptable and a military or government employee ID is valid. If you don't have any of these, you will have show several forms of ID to prove you are who you say you are.

The form used to apply is a DS-11, which originates from the Department of State. This can be found and filled out online or it can be printed and filled out by hand. Do not sign this form until you are told to do so at the appropriate office. You must submit this form in person.

If you have an old U. S. Passport that is in decent condition, it can be submitted for proof of citizenship. Alternatively, you will have to show a certified birth certificate from the state in which you were born. If you don't have one, you can request one from your birth state. It must be dated no more than a year past your birth date and be signed and stamped by the registrar.

All identification that is to be presented must also be photocopied both front and back. This is submitted with the Form DS-11 and is to be on a plain standard-sized eight by eleven inch white piece of paper. Do not include any other markings or images. The images may be larger than the original size but they cannot be smaller.

The payment of fees will be expected when you apply. Accepted payments can come from credit or debit cards, personal or bank checks or money orders or exact cash. These will vary by office, as will how the fees are charged. The two fees may need to be paid for separately. Call the agency before your appointment to understand their policies.

The photo used on the document will have to be presented by you. Some offices will have photo services available. There are also businesses that will provide this service and make sure your meet the requirements. The pictures are to be two inches square, color, and look like you on any normal day.

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