Traveling to the outside world is something that many individuals should experience at least once in their lives. Traveling helps to reduce stress levels and forge new memories by discovering new cultures and identities around the world. However, before even thinking of crossing borders, it is important to make sure that all documentation is up to date and at hand.
Passports are vital for any travel, and while many tend to believe that it is difficult and troublesome to get a passport, the process could not be any simpler. The next article will provide an in-deep explanation of How to Get a Passport:
Before starting with the explanations, it is extremely important to remember that applications for new passports should be done months in advance to avoid dealing with any internal time issue that could suddenly change the planning. With that being said, the first step will be completing the application form. There are many applications or forms for all the different cases and situations. The principal ones will be the forms used for applying to get a passport for the first time or the ones used for renewal applications. In this case, the form that should be filled out is the Application For A U.S. Passport. Keep in mind that these forms should be filled using a PDF Editor tool or by the usage of an online Form Filler. It is widely recommended to use the Form Filler tool if the applicant is located in the US. All applications can be found on the US Department of State website which can be found at the next link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html It is extremely important that the application is printed vertically in the portrait format, never print it horizontally as it could cause several delays in the application process. When it comes to viewing the PDF form it is recommended to use Adobe Acrobat, and while filling the application, Form Filler would work better for US-based applicants. Finally, after filling out the application, do not make any handwritten corrections to the form. The Form Filler tool creates a unique barcode for the application, meaning that handwriting on the printed form would delay the processing of the application. There are many special cases and each one of them has its own application. It is vital that the applicant selects the most convenient option that assembles his/her situation. Every single application can be found on the official website of the US Department of State website, do not try to get it from another place. The most common available passport applications are: Proving that the applicant is a citizen of the US is the main reason why all of this documentation is required for the application process. Using a Birth Certificate is the most common choice, but it is important to make sure that it meets the necessary requirements. After successfully proving the identity, what comes next is issuing another form of certification such as a driver’s license or another government-issued ID. Keep in mind that presenting photocopies of the front (and back in case there is one) of the citizenship evidence and every issued ID are required for the application process. First of all, it is important to note that the photocopies must be legible and be on a white 8.5″x11″ standard paper that is single-sided. Also, it is not possible to submit any digital evidence of the US citizenship everything must be physical for the application for a US passport. Finally, keep in mind that not providing a photocopy or a second certified copy of the citizenship evidence could delay the passport processing as it is vital to determine the origins and nature of the applicant at all costs. For more in-depth information about the primary and secondary citizenship evidence as well as other tips for the documentation, check this page of the US Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/citizenship-evidence.html It is incredible how one of the most complicated steps of the whole application procedure might be taking the perfect photo for the passport. There are strict requirements for the passport photo as it will be the main source of verifying the veracity of the identity during travels, so a photo that covers all the details of the applicant’s face and features should be provided with the previous documentation. Even though it is possible to take a passport photo without any aid, it is extremely recommended to take the photo in photo departments that can be found in many chain pharmacies or copy shops. Just like it was said before, passport photos follow strict requirements, so it will prove to be worth it to understand the basics. First of all, the submitted photo must be in color and taken in the last months. Next, it is important to provide a clear image of the applicant’s face and avoid at all costs using filters like the ones used on social media platforms. Taking a selfie is not ideal even if the photo looks good to go. Instead, have someone else take the photo or visit copy stores. Take all gadgets off the face and use a plain white or off-white background. Never try to cheap out the used paper, for passport photos always use matte or glossy photo quality paper. The photo must be in top condition, avoid submitting a damaged photo with holes or creases. Finally, face the camera directly and have a neutral expression or a natural smile, it is extremely important that both eyes are open at all times. To check more tips and details about the passport photo, it would be wise to check the US Department of State website. This page, in particular, has all related to this part of the procedure: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html After successfully obtaining all the documentation and evidence, it is time to pay all the involved fees for the passport procedure. First, the applicant must pay an application fee (which is paid to the US Department of State) and then an execution fee (which will be paid to the facility that receives the application). There are many price ranges due to the multiple age and shipping methods available, but a first-time applicant must pay between $135 and $165 in the case that the standard-return shipping option is used. Luckily, thanks to the usage of a fee calculator and charts it is possible to determine the whole cost of the application fees by using all the tools that can be found on the US Department of State website. Check this link to obtain more details about the passport fees and pricing: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html Finally, the time has arrived. After confirming that the applicant has everything listed and all the requirements have been met, it is time to submit the application in person. At least in the case of first-time applicants, the application must be submitted in person at an authorized facility. It is important that the applicant show how quickly the passport is needed by selecting the type of application. There are Emergency, Urgent Travel, Expedited and Routine. Every single one of those cases has different types of services and processing times. Depending on the type of application, the applicant should apply in an Acceptance Facility or in a Passport Agency and while their end goal might be the same, they work in a different way. Here is where the normal processing takes place. There are more than 7,400 convenient locations around the US. Applying in one of these locations is required if the applicant is not traveling within 3 weeks. Routine or expedite services are offered in these Acceptance Facilities and some of them have walk-ins while others work under appointments. Here is where emergency processing takes place. There are only 26 agencies across the US, so finding one in the area might be difficult. The applicant must apply here if an urgent trip within 14 days will take place, just keep in mind that a $60 expedite fee must be paid. They only work under appointments and they require proof of travel in order to process the application. While a passport application might sound tedious and troublesome, the process is kind of simple to follow when the requirements and correct documentation are at hand. Try to follow the tips and certified recommendations to avoid causing any sort of delay in the application and be honest about the application type. For more information do not hesitate to check the official website of the US Department of State where everything about the application can be found in a more technical way: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html
Complete the Application:
Recommended Measures while Filling the Application:
What are the Most Common Passport Applications?
Gather All Required Documentation:
Tips for Submitting the Documentation:
Obtaining the Ideal Passport Photo:
Requirements of the Passport Photo:
Paying the Fees:
Submit the Application in person:
What is an Acceptance Facility?
What is a Passport Agency?
Final Thoughts: