Obtain An Online Passport Quickly From Home

by garrett on April 5, 2010

It is amazing how much more efficient we have become since the invention of the computer. Letters that used to take hours to type on a typewriter can now be produced in minutes with the use of word processing software. Travel to stores to find the perfect gift has been replaced by a quick Internet search. Even the passport application and renewal process has been simplified because people can now obtain an online passport.

Gone are the days of traveling to the post office or U.S. Passport Agency to obtain a passport. Passport applicants can now go to the U.S. Department of State Web site in order to download and complete the required documents to obtain a passport. Passport renewals may be accomplished entirely via mail in certain situations. There are even independent companies that offer expedited processing of passport applications and they can be found online as well.

These independent processing companies charge an additional fee, but they also offer people the option to obtain a passport within one to two business days. This is a blessing for anyone who needs a passport within a shorter processing timeframe than that offered by the federal government. The independent companies have well-established relationships with the relevant government agencies so they are able to expedite the passport process with ease.

The paperwork required for a new or renewal passport is not voluminous. There are just the government form and one or two forms from the provider. Providers house all forms on their Web sites, for easy access and download by passport applicants. The forms should not take much time to complete.

What does take some time is compiling the required documents to prove the applicant’s identity. The providers list the required identification documents on their Web sites, so carefully review the list prior to going on a search to find ID. Applicants who already have a birth certificate on hand will be pleased to know that this is one of the required documents. The birth certificate must contain the official seal in order to be acceptable.

Additional documents such as a driver’s license or state identification card issued more than six months prior will also be required.. Applicants should make photocopies of all required documents and submit these with the passport application. It would be smart to double-check the list of required documents in order to make sure that all necessary paperwork has been gathered.

The applicant must also submit two identical photographs to the processing company. These photographs must measure 2×2 inches and be in color. There are stipulations regarding the face view and whether or not specific eyewear may be worn in the photographs, so check the government or provider Web sites for the requirements.

The applicant should make copies of everything being mailed prior to packaging it to send to the processing company. This will provide a copy of the online passport documents for record-keeping purposes. The package should be sent via a carrier that uses a tracking system, in order for the applicant to verify receipt of the package. Within the desired time, the applicant will receive the new passport.

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