subject: How To Choose The Right Online Passport Application [print this page] The online passport application document for initial application differs from the application for passport renewal via mail. Both documents may be obtained from a local U.S. Post Office location, a Passport Acceptance Facility, or U.S. Passport Agency. The online application may be found on the U.S. Department of State or private processing service Web sites. The passport renewal process may be conducted entirely via mail only in certain circumstances.
Obtaining the application online is by far the easiest way and for those who are more computer-savvy, completing the application online is recommended. Once completed, the application should be printed out and submitted in-person to the proper agent in order to be processed. Additional documentation must be provided with the application.
The documentation required for a U.S. passport includes proof of citizenship and identity. Documents such as a birth certificate and driver's license will fulfill the requirements. These documents must either be shown to an authorized agent, provided in photocopy version, or both.
The birth certificate must be a certified version containing the registrar's seal, signature, and date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office. The birth certificate may be issued by the city, county, or state of birth. The driver's license must still be valid and must be submitted in person by the first-time applicant. A copy of the driver's license must also be provided. Should the applicant not have a driver's license, a current government or military ID may be substituted.
For those individuals that do not have a driver's license or state issued ID card, there are secondary forms of ID that are acceptable. The criteria for these are that they must contain either a picture of the applicant or the applicant's signature. These can be a simple school ID if the applicant is still attending to a copy of a utility bill or even a cancelled check, provided that it is from a currently held account that is over five years old.
The private service providers and the government list all of this information on their Web sites. There is a wealth of detail on these sites, so read through everything carefully. The Web sites also contain information regarding the various government fees and additional charges established by the service providers. Different providers charge different fees, so some research will be required in order to obtain the best deal.
The applicant should then make an in-person visit to the post office or passport agency for application verification, if required, and then package all documents and sent them off for processing. The package should include two photos that will be used in the new passport. These photos must adhere to certain specifications, so check the provider or government Web site for guidance.
