US Passports – Issues To Consider

by garrett on January 25, 2012

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies your identity. In addition, it’s a document that requests another government to allow you to visit their country and be afforded assistance and protection. In the United States, US passports are issued by the US government through the State Department.

When Do You Need A Passport

The first thing to know is why we must have a passport. A passport is necessary when traveling outside the US boarders. Aside from other countries, it is also required when traveling to Canada or Mexico to provide proof of your identity and citizenship. A valid passport will allow a US citizen, including children, to travel outside the “border zone”.

Passport Application

How does one go about getting a US Passport? The first step is applying for one. Forms for passport application can be found online as well as at the US Department of State. The website lists specific instructions for first time applicants and for those who simply need to renew their passports. As of August 2007, the US has only been issuing e-passports. These are the same as the traditional ones with the added inclusion of a small computer chip.

Download Your Application

You can complete the required form after downloading and printing it. Apart from the website and the US Department State office, you can also apply at the US Post office, libraries and at online passport assistance sites. One thing to remember after filling out the form is to wait for the instruction of an official passport agent to put your signature on it. Never sign without being given the instruction and you signature must be witnessed by an agent.

Primary Documents

The application must be submitted in person, even by minors under 16. These can be submitted to any of the passport acceptance facilities and passport agencies. These locations can be found through an online search. Evidence of US citizenship must be presented. This can be through a certified birth certificate or a previous passport. If you don’t have the primary documents, secondary evidence may be submitted.

Secondary Documents

Acceptable identification must also be submitted such as a driver’s license or an undamaged, previously issued US Passport. Government or current military identification is also accepted as primary identification. Once again, if you don’t have a primary identification document, there are several secondary ones from which to choose.

Secondary Identification

A witness who identifies you may also be presented as a primary form of evidence. This witness must fill out an “affidavit of identifying witness” form in front of a US passport renewal agent. This witness will swear to your identity so it must be someone who has known you for at least two years and also must be a US Citizen or permanent resident. You also have to provide a photocopy of your identity card along with passport photographs.

If you need a passport quickly, there are ways to expedite the process, which are explained on the State Department website. The US passports are valid for ten years, for minors, five years or until they are sixteen. Once you receive your passport, you are free to enjoy your travel plans! Special instructions for American passport renewal can be found on the official website along with information regarding lost or stolen passports.

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