Directions Must Be Followed When You Apply For A Passport

by erin on July 7, 2011

The attacks perpetrated against the United States were totally without cause. They were the work of terrorists who needed to prove they could do what they did and get away with it. Since that infamous day of Sept. 11, 2001, borders are protected with vigilance. Due to this, all U. S. Citizens have to apply for a passport. A few areas are allowed to cross using an enhanced license that contains all pertinent information about that individual.

Legal Documents

Crossing borders by any other means requires legal documentation. Whether by plane or boat, it has to be done. The first document you will be asked for is your birth certificate. It must be an original with an easily identifiable seal. Persons born in another country will be required to show naturalization or citizenship papers. Again, they have to be originals as copies will not be accepted.

Passport Services

Forms are easy to obtain by going to a designated office or downloading them on the Internet from the United States Department of State. Extra copies may come in handy if you should inadvertently make an error. The DS-11 Application for a Passport must be error free or it will be rejected. Never sign the application until you appear in front of an official agent.

Identification

Other documents needed would be a drivers’ license, a military ID, or a government ID. Measuring two by two inches in size, you will need two photos taken with certain specifications. You can have them done by someone of your choice or at the application office. Cost is generally in the $10.00 to $20.00 dollar range. All papers should be sent by certified insured mail.

Time Period

When the U. S. says it recommends that everyone have a passport, that includes children and infants. For an entire family, the cost can seem exorbitant but each passport is good for a ten-year period. In that light, a $100.00 fee seems most reasonable.

Mail Submission

A small minority of people can apply through the mail. These include only those that had a valid passport no more than fifteens years old with no changes required. If you got your document before the age of 16 or if you are applying for the first time, you must appear. Failure to produce an old document or if you think your documents were lost or stolen, you must also appear in person before an official agent.

Passport Office

The quickest way to get your papers is to appear in person. Even in an area where a long wait in line is required, it is still the best way to go. Most documents are delivered to your home within three to four weeks. An expedited application will arrive even sooner. Keep this documentation locked up in a safe or some other very secure area.

Application

Any personal documents that have to be sent in with your application will be returned to you. They will be given top priority by the government to guard their safety. When you apply for a passport and send your papers in, it might be a good idea to insure them along with the certified return receipt. Future stolen passport replacements are much easier to obtain and they are less expensive ,too.

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