Are you ready to get out of the United States for a while? If you don’t have a passport already, you’ll need to apply for a new passport before you leave. When you apply for a passport, knowing what you need before you apply will simplify the process for you.
Here’s how the passport application process works:
Unless you are renewing your passport, you will need to fill out your passport application form in person. (If you are renewing your passport, you may be able to renew by mail-read this post to see if you qualify.) Passport applications are accepted at passport acceptance facilities, usually places like libraries, county court clerks and post offices. You can find the nearest one here.
Next, you’ll need to gather the required documents:
- Proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or an undamaged US passport).
- Proof of identity (usually a driver’s license or state-issued ID card)
- Photocopy of the ID you submitted.
- Form DS-11, an application for a new passport (it’s okay to fill this out in advance. but don’t sign it until you get to the acceptance agency and an agent gives you the go-ahead. If you are applying through RushMyPassport, we require you to fill the form out online and print it, to ensure that poor handwriting does not hold up your application.)
- 2 passport photos.
You’ll also need to pay the required fees:
- For adults, a $75 application fee plus a $25 execution fee.
- For children under 16, a $60 application fee plus a $25 execution fee.
- For expedited service, a $60.00 expediting fee plus $14.95 for overnight delivery (optional, but recommended).
Currently, it takes about 6 weeks for a normal passport application to be processed and about 3 weeks for an expedited application. If you need your passport more quickly, a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport.com is the easiest way to go. We can have your application processed in as little as 24 hours!
Tags: new passport, passport application
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