subject: Making A Passport Application Forms Go Smoothly [print this page] Nowadays, it appears as if the world is compressing at an ever-faster pace. People are able, for example, to jump on a plane in Los Angeles and be in Moscow in a matter of hours. In almost every instance like this though, a passport will be a necessity. Understanding the steps involved in a passport application forms therefore may come in handy when it's time to get one.
The first thing to understand is that in the United States, the State Department is the issuing authority for all US passports. And while it might seem daunting at first glance to obtain a passport, it actually isn't. In general, people have a couple of different ways of doing so; either on their own through passport centers run by the government or by hiring a expedited US passport service.
Anybody 16 years of age and older who needs a passport for the first time will need to follow certain steps before receiving it. Generally, those who are first-time applicants will also have to apply in person at a passport agency or service center. They may also be able to use an expediter, in certain cases. Passport agencies include many US post offices, generally speaking.
"In addition to an in-person application, it's necessary the application be on the government's Form DS-11. This is also known as the ""Application for a US Passport"" and it has to be submitted along with a number of different documents. Keep in mind it's necessary to sign the form in front of a passport worker. When it comes to documentation, proof of identity and citizenship and a Social Security number will be needed."
When it comes to proof of citizenship, homeland security regulations are very strict as to just what evidence is acceptable. Generally, an official birth certificate with a raised seal, a naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship is required. There are exceptions if these documents are unavailable and secondary evidence such as a baptismal certificate is all that can be supplied.
As well, there are a number of different documents that can be used to prove identity, by the way. These include valid driver licenses, military identification cards and state, city and federal identification cards. When it comes to secondary-type identification, a library card, credit or debit card and a Social Security card combined with those two can be accepted in certain instances.
Passport issuance fees for adults 16 years of age and up can run from $20 to $95. In addition, there's an execution fee of $25 that has to be paid as well. Methods of payment can include debit and credit cards, cash, postal money orders or personal checks. Check with the passport agency where application will be made for just what form of payment is acceptable.
