A passport is a very important document. It allows one to travel in and out of foreign countries in addition to allowing them to re-enter their country of origin. Often, federal forms are very complicated and tedious to fill out, however getting a passport today is quite easy. There are many resources out there that will explain how to obtain a passport, by following guidelines and ensuring all documentation is filled out properly, your passport will be well on its way.
Qualifications
Due to the importance of this document, there are many requirements in order to obtain a passport. These stipulations include documentation regarding citizenship, proper identification, as well as passport photos. These along with related fees will start the passport process.
1st Step
The application form is referred to as the Ds-11 form. This can be found at any passport service agency. It can also be found online and downloaded. It must be filled out properly and void of errors. When applying for a passport in person it is essential that this document is with you.
Photographs
Passport photos must accompany the application forms. The photos must be recent as they will go on your passport and be used to identify you, as you. You will need two identical full color passports. They are casual head shots and you should not be smiling.
Identification
Because a US passport is an official document of the United States and verifies ones citizenship, it is important to produce identifying documentation that proves you’re a citizen. These documents include a birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization.
Name Consistency
Name consistency is an important factor when applying for a passport. This includes maiden names versus married names as well as nick names and middle names. Often people will go by one name, but their legal name is something different. All forms of identification used to get a passport must contain the same name.
Fees
There is always a fee when it comes to applying for a passport. These fees depend upon the agency by which you are applying. Private agencies tend to have steeper prices, but they can assure your document faster than federal agencies. Be sure to call ahead and see what services are offered and at what cost. Another option is adding U S passport pages.
