Passports for Children Adopted Overseas - Expedited Passports

Adopting a child is an incredibly stressful process, especially if you choose to adopt from another country.  Though the reward of giving a child a family is immeasurable, international adoption often requires an intense commitment in the form of time, energy and money.  You’ll also need to pay extra-special attention to your new child’s citizenship status and the associated paperwork. When it comes time to get your child a US passport, additional documentation is often required. Here’s what you need to avoid delays and added frustration when getting a passport for a child adopted overseas:

Citizenship

To qualify for a US passport, the child must be a US citizen. Fortunately, since 2001, children adopted overseas by US citizen parents automatically become citizens, saving adoptive parents time and energy. However, there may still be a few loose ends for you to tie up. If your child’s adoption was finalized in their home country, and you brought them to the US on an IH-3 visa, your child will automatically become a US citizen when you enter the United States, and you will be automatically sent Certificate of Citizenship. This is proof that your child is a US citizen and can be used when applying for their passport.

One the other hand,  if the child came in on an IH-4 visa and the adoption needs to be finalized in the United States, your child will only automatically be issued a green card when you arrive in the US.  After the adoption has been finalized, your child will automatically become a US citizen, but if you want a certificate of citizenship you will have to apply for one (this is handy but is not required).

Documents Needed

Before you apply, gather all of the necessary documents:

• Proof of identity for both adoptive parents, such as a driver’s license or other state-issued photo ID.
• Proof of your relationship to the child- in this case, the adoption decree.
• Proof of the child’s citizenship. If you have a certificate of citizenship for your child, that will do.  Otherwise, you’ll need to show the paper trail by which your child became a citizen, including: a certified copy of the final adoption decree (translated if the original isn’t in English); the child’s passport from their country of origin, showing  the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS) I-551 stamp in the passport; proof of your identity as per above and proof of your US citizenship.
• Parental consent: If the child was adopted by two US citizen parents, both parents have to consent for the passport to be issued. To prove parental consent, either both parents must appear in person or one parent must appear with a signed, notarized consent form signed by the other parent (passport forms available here).
• One passport photo.
• The applicable passport fees. (more…)

Government paperwork is not always written in the most user-friendly manner, and passport renewal forms are no exception.  Unfortunately, if you make a mistake filling it out or you don’t send in the required documentation, your new passport could be delayed. Here’s what you need to know to keep the gears of bureaucracy turning smoothly when you apply:

Passport Renewal Eligibility

Not everyone is eligible to renew their passport by mail. Read through the checklist on the first page of passport renewal form DS-82 to be sure that you are eligible for a passport renewal before you start filling it out.  You need to meet all of the following qualifications:

• Your passport has not been lost or stolen, and you can send it in with the application.
• Your passport was issued to you less than 15 years ago, and it was issued after your 16th birthday.
• You have legal paperwork (such as a marriage certificate or court order) to support a name change request, if applicable.

To clarify, your passport must also be undamaged. “Normal wear and tear” is okay, but what constitutes “normal wear and tear” is left to the discretion of the Department of State. If you have any concerns about the condition of your passport, it’s best to go ahead and apply in person using Form DS-11.

Filling Out the Form

Carefully read through the “Acts or Conditions” section on page 4 of the instructions. If any of these conditions apply to you, you must write a separate, explanatory statement and attach it to the passport renewal form. Having to attach a statement won’t necessarily bar you from getting a passport, but the Department of State will take it into account when they process your application.

Next, go through and carefully fill out the form using black ink, making sure that your writing is legible. Or, fill it out on the computer and print it. (more…)

After 10 years, your passport probably feels like an old friend. Unfortunately, after a decade of accompanying you all over the world, it’s time for your old friend to retire. Applying for a passport renewal in a timely fashion will keep you footloose and fancy free, ready to jet off somewhere exotic at a moment’s notice. Here’s what you need to know to make the passport renewal process go as smoothly as possible.

When to Apply 

You might be tempted to try to milk your current passport for as long as possible, but don’t. The Department of State recommends that you apply for your passport renewal nine months before it expires. This isn’t an attempt to squeeze extra money out of you-many countries actually require that your passport be valid for a full six months or they’ll deny you entry, even if you don’t plan to stay in the country that long.

Where to Apply 

The good news about applying for a passport renewal is that in many cases you can apply by mail. You are eligible to simply mail in your application if all of the following statements are true:

• You still have your current passport in your possession, and it hasn’t been damaged (normal wear and tear is generally okay.)
• Your passport was issued no more than 15 years ago, and it was issued after your 16th birthday.
• If you’ve changed your name since it was issued, you have legal documents like a marriage certificate or divorce decree to support that request.

If any of the statements above don’t apply to you, you need to apply in person, just like the first time. See How to Apply for a New Passport for details.

Required Documents and Fees 

If you are eligible to apply by mail, all you’ll need is a completed copy of passport renewal form DS-82 along with your current passport, one new passport photo and name change documents, if applicable.  Send these in to the address on the form, along with $110 for the passport renewal fees. Add an additional $30 if you would like a wallet-sized passport card in addition to your passport book, and another $60 if you need expedited processing.

Processing Time 

If you applied for regular processing, you may have to wait 6 weeks or longer to get your passport. For expedited processing, you should allow 3 weeks. If you need your passport sooner than that, you have two options. The first is to make an appointment at one of the country’s 24 regional passport agencies. The second is to use a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport to expedite your application, no appointment or additional travel needed. We personally deliver your paperwork to the Department of State, for processing in as little as 24 hours!

Apply for your passport renewal today!

Whether it’s lost, damaged or expired, the sinking feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you realize your passport needs to be replaced fast has got to be one of the worst sensations in the world.

Getting a new passport is generally a fairly straightforward process, but if you are about to leave the country the extra legwork involved in getting the replacement expedited can seem daunting. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your plane doesn’t leave the airport without you.

Passport Replacement Services for Lost or Damaged Passports

If your passport is lost or has been damaged, you’ll need to apply in person to get it replaced. Bring the following documents with you to the passport office :

• Proof of identification (both the original and a photocopy)
• Proof of citizenship
• One passport photo
• Passport application Form DS-11. It’s okay to fill the form out in advance, but don’t sign it until you get to the passport office and are instructed to so.
• Form DS-64, describing what happened to your old passport
• The fee of $135 for a passport book plus an additional $60 fee if you need your passport expedited. (more…)

At one time, children were allowed to travel the world on their parents’ passports. However, that hasn’t been the case in the US for quite some time. All children, no matter how young, need a passport of their own to leave the country.

The procedure for getting a child passport is somewhat different from the procedure for getting an adult passport. Concerns about children being abducted and taken overseas have prompted the Department of State to build safeguards against this practice into the passport application process for minors. While these safety measures are there to protect your kids, they can make getting a passport for them more of an ordeal than you’d expect, especially if you aren’t prepared. Here’s what you need to know to make the process go as smoothly as possible:

Applying in Person

All children must apply for their passports in person, even if the child has been issued a passport previously and you wish to renew it. In most cases, you can simply apply at the nearest passport acceptance office, often a post office or library.

Also, the Department of State won’t issue a passport for a child under the age of 16 without the consent of both parents. To meet this requirement, both parents must appear in person at the passport office with the child. Alternately, if both parents can’t be there, you can provide the appropriate document from the list below to demonstrate that the other parent consents to the passport being issued or to show why consent is not needed. (more…)

Having two passports sounds like a privilege reserved for spies and secret agents. Actually, though, you don’t need a double life filled with dark secrets to get a second American passport. All you have to do is request one, and prove to the Department of State that you actually need it. Here’s how:

Fill Out a Passport Renewal Application

To apply for a second passport, you’ll need to fill out Form DS-82, which is normally used to apply for a passport renewal. You do not need to go to a post office to request a second passport.

When you send in the form, you’ll need to include one new passport photo and your current passport, plus passport renewal fees of $110 for regular service.

Include a Letter of Explanation

You’ll also need to include a signed statement explaining to the Department of State why it is that you need a second passport.  Please note: “I want one” is not a good enough reason. The Department of State issues duplicate passports at its discretion when one of the following conditions apply:

• You travel often, and having just one passport is interfering with your travel plans by preventing you from obtaining the visas you need while you’re home between trips.
• You need a second passport for safety reasons, generally because you travel or are planning to travel to both Israel and anti-Israel states.

For a sample letter requesting a second valid passport, see our example here.

If you need to get a second passport quickly, RushMyPassport can help. Just select “Passport Renewal” and our trained, professional representatives will answer questions and walk you through the application process step-by-step. Especially when you’re doing something unusual like applying for a second passport, this level of assistance is invaluable, helping to prevent common errors that could keep your request from being processed in a timely fashion.

Need a second passport? Apply with us today!

For decades, China discouraged foreign tourism, but in recent years the government has begun to encourage tourism and the world is rediscovering what an amazing place China is to visit.

According to Wikipedia, in  2007 approximately 55 million foreign tourists visited China, drawn by famous attractions like the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army in  Xian. China also has gorgeous natural landscapes that will take your breath away, as well as cosmopolitan cities with world-class shopping and dining.

If you’d like to visit China, your first step is obtaining a passport  or a passport renewal if yours is  about to expire. China won’t let you in if you have less than 6 months remaining before your passport expires, and you’ll also need at least one blank page in the back for your Chinese visa.

Make sure to apply well in advance. Obtaining  a passport takes at least 6 weeks if you apply with normal processing, and at least 3 weeks if you apply with the Department of State’s expedited processing.

If you are traveling within 4 weeks, you can make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency office. However, their are only 18 of these offices to serve the entire country and they operate on an appointment-only basis, so obtaining a passport in this way can be a time-consuming process. An easier option is to use a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport.com.

An expediting company personally delivers your application to the Department of State for processing times as low as 24 hours. Obtaining a passport through an expediting company is quick and convenient.

Once you have your passport, you’ll need to apply for a China visa. Here again, if you are in a hurry or need help navigating the paperwork and the application process, a professional expediting company can be an invaluable resource.

Visiting China? Let us help you with obtaining a passport and a Chinese visa!

There’s almost nothing worse than losing your passport the day before you are supposed to leave on an international trip-except, perhaps, losing it while you are far from home in another country. What should you do if this happens to you? The following process will help you get your lost passport replaced ASAP.

Step 1: Calm Down

Losing a passport in another country can send you in panic mode faster than almost anything else. Panic accomplishes nothing, so the first step is simply to take a few deep breaths and calm down.

Step 2:  Contact the Nearest US Embassy or Consulate

In order to report your passport lost or stolen while you are overseas, you must contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. They will be able to cancel your old passport and assist you in getting a new one.

Don’t have the address or phone number? This site has a list of all of the US embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions in the world, sorted by country for your convenience.

Step 3: Visit the Embassy or Consulate to Have Your Passport Replaced

The next step is to go to the embassy or consulate and apply for a replacement passport. The process will be quicker and easier if you have remembered to bring the following items with you on your trip:

• A copy of the identification page of your passport (the page with all of your personal info)
• A copy of your birth certificate or other proof of citizenship
• Photo ID
• 2 passport photos

That said, if you don’t have all of those documents with you, don’t despair-just call the embassy and they will help you figure it out.  That’s what they are there for.

If you lose your passport while you are in the United States, the process for a replacing a lost passport is a little bit easier. You will need to apply in person at an acceptance facility (often a post office), and you should expect to wait at least 6 weeks for regular service and 3 weeks for the government’s expedited service.

If you are in the US and need your lost passport replaced more quickly, you can either make an appointment at the nearest Regional Passport Agency Office or use a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport.  An expediting company is the quickest, most convenient way to go.

Replace your lost passport today!

Getting a child passport is a bit more complicated of a process than getting a passport for an adult. This is primarily due to regulations enacted to prevent child abduction.  To help you through the process, here is a step-by-step breakdown of what is required:

Step 1- Apply in Person

All minors must apply in person to get a passport, either at a passport acceptance facility (like a post office) or a Regional Passport Agency office (for rush passports, requires an appointment).

Step 2: Gather Documents

To apply for a child passport, the following documents are required:

• Proof of identity for you. You will need to bring the original to the passport office and also make a copy to send in with your application.
• Proof of citizenship for your child.
• Evidence of your relationship to your child, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree with your name on it or a court order establishing custody or guardianship. Nope, it doesn’t matter if little Jane or Johnny is the spitting image of you-the government still needs to see proof.
• 2 identical passport photos

Step 3: Establish Parental Consent

In most cases, the consent of both parents is required for a child to be issued a US passport.  You have a few different options for proving parental consent:

• Both parents can show up in person when the child applies for a passport
• One parent shows up bringing a notarized statement of consent from the other parent (Form DS-3053). The consent form must have been completed within the past 3 months to be usable.
• One parent with sole custody of the child can bring proof that he or she has sole custody, such as  a birth certificate/adoption decree with only that parent’s name on it or a court order.
• If the other parent’s consent cannot be obtained, you must bring a notarized statement explaining why it cannot be obtained. These requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Step 4:  Submit Passport Application with Required Documents and Fees

At the passport office, you will need to submit a copy of passport application form DS-11 along with all of the documents listed above. Don’t sign the form until you are instructed to do so by the passport agent.  You will also need to pay the appropriate fees, currently $85 for a child passport book plus an additional $60 if you need it expedited.  These fees are expected to increase in the near future, so see the Department of State’s web site for current information.

If you need to get a passport for your child in a hurry,the quickest and easiest way to do so is to use a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport.com. We’ve helped tens of thousands of people get their passports, with processing times as low as 24 hours.

Get a passport for your child today!

Your US passport is one of your most valuable possessions, and you are probably very careful with it. However, no matter how careful we try to be, accidents happen. When it comes to passports, the most common causes of accidental damage are pets, toddlers, washing machines and for frequent travelers, normal wear and tear.

Whether your dog chewed it or you accidentally sent it through the spin cycle, you should never try to travel with a damaged passport. Any damage to the passport book makes airport authorities and border officials start thinking about potential fraud, and there is a very real possibility that you will not be allowed to travel.

To replace a damaged US passport, treat it just like you would a lost or stolen passport. Fill out Form DS-64, Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport, and describe how it was damaged.  Then, you can either send your old passport in to be canceled and leave it at that or you can go ahead and apply for a new passport in person at a passport acceptance facility (see How To Apply for a New Passport for details.)

If you currently have a damaged passport, however, there’s a good reason to apply for a replacement now-the Department of State is planning to raise passport fees later this year.

Expect it to take at least 6 weeks to replace your damaged passport if you request regular processing, and at least  weeks if you request the government’s expedited processing.  If you need a passport sooner than that, the easiest way to get one is to use a private passport expediting company like RushMyPassport.com.  We’ll walk you through the paperwork to help you avoid common mistakes that could cause delays, then personally walk your US passport application directly to the Department of State for super-fast processing-often as quick as 24 hours!

Apply for your US passport today!