When applying for a USA Passport for the first time, the rules you must follow are very specific. The first time applicant must provide information and follow a procedure that is different from the process to renew an expired one. Rules will also vary based on the age of the applicant, especially those aged under the age of 16 and those aged 16 and 17 years old.
Apply In Person
In the United States, it is required that first time applicants apply in person instead of through the mail. Also, if you are under the age of 16, your original passport was damaged, lost or stolen or if it is over 15 years old, you must also apply in person. Often name changes can be processed through the mail however, if there is not any legal documentation of the change, you must also apply in person.
Child Passports
Every person from newborn to adult, regardless of their age, is required to have one when traveling. Minors ages 16 and 17 without the proper identification can obtain theirs with the help of their legal guardian. The guardian will need to present their photo ID. Many times the application will include a section for parental consent. Applications that do not include this section may require handwritten consent by the parent or guardian.
Form DS-11
Regardless to your age, if this is the first time you have filed this application, you must appear in person. The required DS-11 form can be printed from the Internet and filled in before going into the office. Be sure to include your social security number and wait to sign the form until you are in front of agent. Following these two rules will ensure your application is not denied or delayed.
Proof Of Citizenship
Another requirement is to provide proof of citizenship. USA born citizens can provide a certified copy of their birth certificate as valid proof. Citizens that were born outside of the United States can provide either a citizenship or naturalization certificate as proof. If this is a replacement passport, bring the old one as valid proof unless it is damaged.
Valid ID
A valid form of ID, preferably with a photograph, will also be required. If a driver's license or military ID with a photo is not available, items such as a credit card, employee ID, or library card, when used in conjunction with each other, can be suitable as replacements. Another option, the DS-71 form, can be filed by a friend. If this form is used, it must be filled out and signed in front of an agent when you apply.
Fees
Payment of the processing fees will be due at the time of application. Application fees vary based on the age and type of application being filed. An execution fee must also be paid at this time along with any desired optional services such as expedited pasport services.
Apply In Person
In the United States, it is required that first time applicants apply in person instead of through the mail. Also, if you are under the age of 16, your original passport was damaged, lost or stolen or if it is over 15 years old, you must also apply in person. Often name changes can be processed through the mail however, if there is not any legal documentation of the change, you must also apply in person.
Child Passports
Every person from newborn to adult, regardless of their age, is required to have one when traveling. Minors ages 16 and 17 without the proper identification can obtain theirs with the help of their legal guardian. The guardian will need to present their photo ID. Many times the application will include a section for parental consent. Applications that do not include this section may require handwritten consent by the parent or guardian.
Form DS-11
Regardless to your age, if this is the first time you have filed this application, you must appear in person. The required DS-11 form can be printed from the Internet and filled in before going into the office. Be sure to include your social security number and wait to sign the form until you are in front of agent. Following these two rules will ensure your application is not denied or delayed.
Proof Of Citizenship
Another requirement is to provide proof of citizenship. USA born citizens can provide a certified copy of their birth certificate as valid proof. Citizens that were born outside of the United States can provide either a citizenship or naturalization certificate as proof. If this is a replacement passport, bring the old one as valid proof unless it is damaged.
Valid ID
A valid form of ID, preferably with a photograph, will also be required. If a driver's license or military ID with a photo is not available, items such as a credit card, employee ID, or library card, when used in conjunction with each other, can be suitable as replacements. Another option, the DS-71 form, can be filed by a friend. If this form is used, it must be filled out and signed in front of an agent when you apply.
Fees
Payment of the processing fees will be due at the time of application. Application fees vary based on the age and type of application being filed. An execution fee must also be paid at this time along with any desired optional services such as expedited pasport services.
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So, applying for a pass port is not difficult although the wait to receive it can be time consuming. If you delay you may force yourself into having to pay extra fees for expedited USA passport services to ensure a timely delivery.
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