If you are a frequent traveler to other countries, chances are that you already have a passport.
However, if you are traveling for the first time, the first thing that you need is a passport. If you live in the US, then there are certain things that you need to keep in mind before you can get your passport.
In this article, we shall take a look at the US passport application process along with all the documents and paraphernalia you need to submit in order to get your passport. Take a look:
#1. Necessary Documentation
Before you apply for a US passport, there are certain documents that you need to keep handy. These documents include a Proof of Citizenship and a Proof of Identity. The documents that can suffice for the former are a previous US passport or a birth certificate. If you are born outside the US, you need to produce a Consular Report of Birth Abroad along with a Naturalization Certificate.
Proof of Identity includes documents like a previous US passport, driver’s license, military or government ID or a Naturalization Certificate. If you don’t have these documents, you need to fill two forms called ‘Secondary ID.’
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#2. Get A Passport Photo
This might not sound like a big deal, but the photo on your application actually has a lot to say. Make sure that the photos you’re attaching meet the requirements in terms of size. Your face should be clear in the photo. Your best bet would be to visit a professional photographer who specializes in clicking passport photos.
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#3. Fill Out Forms
Technically, the application form that you have to fill is called DS-11. You can either fill the form by hand or online. You have to get a printout of the DS-11 form if you’ve filled it online. The form will ask for your personal details like your name, your place of birth, height, and eye color among other things. You need to fill your SSN too.
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#4. Submission
Once you’ve filled the DS-11 form, you now have to submit it. In almost all cases, you have to do that in-person. You can visit your local passport authority or some other designated location to submit your forms. Also, remember that making a passport is not the cheapest thing. You have to pay a sum of $135 in order to initiate your passport building process. However, if you’re planning to drive to Canada or Mexico, you can opt for a pass card instead, which is a bit cheaper.
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#5. The Wait
You have to wait for around 4-10 weeks before your passport arrives. So, start your application process well in advance to your trip abroad.
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So, there you have it. All you had to know on how to make a US passport. If you found this article informative, let us know in the comments below.
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