You Need To Understand How To Get A United States Passport
February 8, 2010 1:38 am EnglandIf you have dreams about taking that dream vacation abroad, one of your first steps should be to get a passport. Need to know how to get a passport for that dream vacation? With some preparation and a little effort, the process should not be too frustrating or complicated.
You can get a passport application at a post office or you may download one from the U.S. State Department online website. You should follow the directions exactly and completely fill out the form. The correct form is a DS-11. You will need to have this in your possession when you apply for the passport.
The next step is to gather together any proof of U.S. Citizenship. You need to obtain a certified birth certificate from the municipality in which you were born. The certified birth certificate is the ultimate proof of citizenship.
If you have problems obtaining a certified copy of a birth certificate, you will have more difficulty applying for a passport. You will need to obtain a letter of no record. You can get this from your birth state. This letter of no record states that there isn’t a birth certificate on file for you. Other records you can obtain include baptismal records, hospital records, hospital birth certificate and early school records. An older blood relative can sign an affidavit of birth form. This form needs to be notarized and signed.
If your birth occurred in another country to one or two U.S. Parents, you need to obtain a foreign birth certificate. You should also obtain proof of citizenship for your parents. They can also sign an affidavit which details their places of residency for various time periods before and around your birth. The steps you follow on how to get a new passport also require you to prove you are who you say you are. Your identity can be proven by providing a previous passport, a valid drivers license, or a government issued ID card.
Your next step is to get two photos taken. Take the photos in normal clothing. Do not wear anything on your head or a uniform. Check your local yellow pages as many places take passport photos. The photos should be identical, in color and full face. Though most merchants know the proper requirements, you should also know the requirements to make certain they are done correctly. You do not want them taken incorrectly as this will make the process take longer.
You should also have your social security number. Find out the application fees and any surcharges so you know in advance the total cost. Once you have all this you should be ready to get a new passport.
Do an online search to locate the closest passport acceptance facility. There are over 7000 facilities across the country. They include courts, post offices, public libraries and many county offices. Also do a search for the government pages that will instruct you on how to get a U S passport. Subsequent to following exactly all the necessary steps, your new USA passport should arrive sometime between fourteen days to two months. If you want to get it in less time, you can spend $60 or more to get it rushed out to you. Once you have your passport, you can pack your bags and go explore the world!