Expedited Passports

Applying for passport services is a little bit different if you were born overseas.  Almost all US citizens can get a passport, no matter where you were originally from. However, the documents you’ll need to submit are different than they would be for someone who was born in the US.

For example, if you were born overseas to US parents, you can apply for passport services using a Consular Report of Birth Abroad as proof of citizenship instead of a birth certificate.  Or, you can use a Certificate of Citizenship.

If you were born abroad and adopted by US parents, you can use your adoption decree and a copy of both parent’s US birth certificates as proof of citizenship.

If you are a naturalized US citizen, you can apply for passport services using your Certificate of Naturalization. What if you’ve lost your  Certificate of Naturalization? You can order a replacement, but it may take up to 6 weeks to arrive. So, if you’re applying for expedited passport services, here’s what you can do:

• Submit a letter from USCIS, which verifies the facts of the naturalization and bears the original signature of the issuing official.
• Submit your signed statement giving the details surrounding the loss or theft.

• Submit a receipt (or cancelled check) from the USCIS  to prove that you have applied for a replacement naturalization certificate. (more…)

If you’re applying for a rush passport, it’s important to send in the correct documents the first time you apply.  If you don’t include everything the government needs to process your passport application, your passport could be delayed. To make sure your passport application goes through the first time, here’s a quick tutorial on what the government will accept as proof of citizenship.

When do you need to include proof of citizenship?

You must include proof of citizenship in your rush passport application if any of the following circumstances apply:

• You are getting a passport for the first time
• Your original passport was lost or damaged
• Your original passport was issued more than 15 years ago and/or you were under 16 when it was issued.
• Your name has changed and you don’t have the legal documents to prove it.

If you are renewing your passport by mail and none of the conditions listed above apply to you, all you have to do is send your old passport in with your passport application. (more…)