An official US travel identification document is not only a completely unassailable form of personal identification, it's also needed if you want to visit any other country. The process to follow on how to get a United States passport is not difficult but they are exacting. The process outlined below applies to adults who are looking for a new passport rather than needing a renewal.
Process
New encompasses a broader scope of circumstances than just getting one for the first time. You are also considered to be applying for a new one if your last one was lost, damaged, or stolen. You also fall into this category if your last one was issued more than 15 years earlier. If you've changed your name since you last received one, but can't legally document your name change, these application rules also apply to you.
Federal Forms
The starting point of your application is filling out federal form DS-11. You can find this official document on many government websites and just download it from there. The form itself contains all the directions for filling it out correctly. It's in your interest to fill out as much that's asked of you as possible. It's also important that all your answers be entirely truthful. There's a different form for renewing pasport.
ID
With your DS-11 form, you'll have to show proof of your identity. While you'll be able to use this travel document as ID once you get it, you can't use this process to establish your identity. You'll have to show the government first that you are exactly who you say you are before you can get further additional documentation. The easiest way to prove your identity is by including a copy of what's called primary proof of identity. This category includes a current military ID, driver's license, naturalization certificate, or any current government issued identification.
Citizenship
You will also have to prove that you're an American citizen. If you're a born US citizen, you'll have to include a citizenship certificate, certified copy of your long form birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. If you're a naturalized American citizen, the naturalization certificate your use to prove your identity will also suffice as proof of citizenship.
Photos
Lastly, you'll need to include a photo and your application fees. The photo must be color and two by two inches in size. It must have been taken within the last six months and must show your full face as a close up. The specific amount you'll have to pay as your application fee will vary based on your specific situation. You can consult the online fee schedule to find out what you'll have to pay.
Application Packet
After you have all this documentation together, you'll be ready to submit your application. To do that, you'll have to visit one of the thousands of authorized US passport offices somewhere in the country. There is a full directly of these offices online, so you can find the one most convenient to you. You'll generally find them located in public buildings frequented by the public, like a courthouse, post office or library. Call before just showing up as some offices require a scheduled appointment before they'll meet with you.
Process
New encompasses a broader scope of circumstances than just getting one for the first time. You are also considered to be applying for a new one if your last one was lost, damaged, or stolen. You also fall into this category if your last one was issued more than 15 years earlier. If you've changed your name since you last received one, but can't legally document your name change, these application rules also apply to you.
Federal Forms
The starting point of your application is filling out federal form DS-11. You can find this official document on many government websites and just download it from there. The form itself contains all the directions for filling it out correctly. It's in your interest to fill out as much that's asked of you as possible. It's also important that all your answers be entirely truthful. There's a different form for renewing pasport.
ID
With your DS-11 form, you'll have to show proof of your identity. While you'll be able to use this travel document as ID once you get it, you can't use this process to establish your identity. You'll have to show the government first that you are exactly who you say you are before you can get further additional documentation. The easiest way to prove your identity is by including a copy of what's called primary proof of identity. This category includes a current military ID, driver's license, naturalization certificate, or any current government issued identification.
Citizenship
You will also have to prove that you're an American citizen. If you're a born US citizen, you'll have to include a citizenship certificate, certified copy of your long form birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. If you're a naturalized American citizen, the naturalization certificate your use to prove your identity will also suffice as proof of citizenship.
Photos
Lastly, you'll need to include a photo and your application fees. The photo must be color and two by two inches in size. It must have been taken within the last six months and must show your full face as a close up. The specific amount you'll have to pay as your application fee will vary based on your specific situation. You can consult the online fee schedule to find out what you'll have to pay.
Application Packet
After you have all this documentation together, you'll be ready to submit your application. To do that, you'll have to visit one of the thousands of authorized US passport offices somewhere in the country. There is a full directly of these offices online, so you can find the one most convenient to you. You'll generally find them located in public buildings frequented by the public, like a courthouse, post office or library. Call before just showing up as some offices require a scheduled appointment before they'll meet with you.
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Now that it's clear how to get a US passport, get started. There's a different process for renewing passport.
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