On April 5, 2005 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative which requires all U.S. citizens to have a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or re-enter the United States. Don't worry if you don't understand how to get a US passport. With a few hints, you'll have your passport in not time.
Initially, the passport requirement was limited to air travel outside the United States, but as of January 1, 2008 it includes travel by land and sea if you're arriving from places other than Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Don't have your passport yet? Don't worry. With a little bit of planning, you'll be set to travel world and make sure you can get back home.
Applying in Person
You'll need to apply for a passport in person if this is your first application for a U.S. passport; your previous U.S. passport has been lost, damaged or stolen; your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago or was issued when you were under 16 years of age; your name has changed and you don't have a legal document formally changing your name.
All persons must have a U.S. passport, including infants. Children under the age of 16 must have both parents' or guardians' consent to apply for a U.S. passport.
Most U.S. post offices are able to process passports, making it easy to pick up your application, have an agent answer any questions you may have and get your photo taken. Some post offices require that you make an appointment for passport applications, so be to call ahead or go online before you venture out.
For a list of U.S. passport agencies, visit the Department of State online.
Applying by Mail
First-time U.S. passport applications must be submitted in person. U.S. passport renewals may be submitted by mail, but only if your current passport has not been damaged in any way, was issued within the last 15 years, you were at least 16 years of age when your U.S. passport was issued; and you still have the same name as is shown on your passport.
Documents You Need
First-time U.S. passport applicants need a Form DS-11 which is available for download online on the U.S. Department of State's Web site or your local passport agency. You can search for a U.S. passport agency near you by visiting the U.S. Department of State online.
Do not sign your application until a U.S. passport agent instructs you to.
Along with your U.S. passport application, you'll need proof of your U.S. citizenship. Common acceptable forms of proof of citizenship include:
Certified birth certificates have a raised or embossed registrar's seal, registrar's signature and the date that the birth certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within one year of your date of birth. Short form or abstract versions of birth certificates may not be acceptable for U.S. passport applications.
If you don't have a certified birth certificate or previous U.S. passport, you will need a Letter of No Record issued by the state with your name, date of birth. The letter must detail which years were searched for your birth record, in which state and that there is no birth certificate on file for you.
If you are applying for a U.S. passport with a Letter of No Record, you should provide as many of the following forms of identification as possible:
Social security cards, voter registration cards nor military discharge papers are not acceptable forms of identification.
Your Photo
When you apply for a U.S. passport, you'll submit two photos of yourself with your application. Not just any old picture will do. Your U.S. passport applications photos must meet the following criteria:
Do yourself a favor: leave the passport photos to the experts. There's no shortage of businesses that will snap a regulation passport photo for you. If you're getting your passport at the post office, you can usually have your passport photo taken there.
Have Your Fees Ready
Passport application and execution fees for adult passport books are about $100. For a current list of passport processing fees, visit the U.S. Department of State's online.
If your circumstances require you to apply for an expedited passport, plan to add $60 to the application and execution fee for that service.
Check with the location where you're submitting your U.S. passport application for a list of acceptable forms of payment.
You will also be asked to provide your social security number. Failure to do so may result in a $500 penalty from the Internal Revenue Service. For questions regarding this policy, contact your local IRS office.
In 2007, the United States implemented a program which changed, significantly, the way in which Americans travel into and out of the United States. |
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