subject: Don't Miss That Trip Abroad - Get A United States Passport [print this page] A passport is a necessary form of identification for any U.S. citizen looking to travel abroad. Individuals who decide that they now need to get a passport should not worry, as it will not be very difficult, though it will be a process. A quick search online will provide all the information necessary for individuals looking to get a pasport.
Passports are forms of identification mainly used for traveling abroad, but sense they are a form of identification, they can be used for other reasons, as well. This is one reason why it would not necessarily be a bad idea to get a passport, even if an individual is not planning a trip abroad anytime soon. The trip will come at some point and passports will take a few years to expire.
When an individual decides it is time for a passport, he or she will need to fill out Form DS-11. This form, as well as other documentation, must be submitted in person at a designated government facility. One of these government facilities is the post office, which falls under the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services and Customer Service.
Before an individual appears at the government facility, he or she should organize all the documentation needed for the passport process. For instance, an individual needs to prove his or her United States Citizenship. This can be done with a birth certificate or with other forms of proof. For a complete list of the acceptable proofs of citizenship, check the government's Web site.
Present identification will also be needed for individual who would like to get a passport application. Similar to proving U.S. citizenship, there are several different forms of documentation that an individual can use for present identification. One such document is a driver's license that is still valid. If an individual does not have any of the primary forms of identification, then he or she should look online for an acceptable list of secondary identification.
The next step involves photography, so get ready to smile and show those teeth. People will need to present two identical pictures for the passport process. There are other specifications for how big the pictures need to be, so for all the guidelines and stipulations, ask a local government official trained in the matter or go online.
Unfortunately, since people will be working and need to get paid, there are fees involved in the process. The fees differ depending on exactly what the individual is looking to do. For instance, individuals have the option to acquire a passport book, a passport card, or a passport book and card. Those looking to renew a passport still have to pay fees, but not as much as those looking to attain a passport for the first time.
