Anybody That’s Planning An International Vacation Should Know U.S. Passport Requirements
Getting a first passport is a rite of a passage, one that used to be experienced primarily by the well-to-do. Prior to the horrific events of 9-11, the United States and many other countries had fairly lenient travel document requirements with other recognized friendly countries. While documenting one’s identity and applying for a passport is more detailed and now required for almost all travel abroad, the process is actually pretty straightforward. Let us take a look at what is necessary to meet pasport requirements.
It is now a requirement that all first time applicants apply in person to receive their first official travel documents. For the majority of US citizens, this means a trip to the local post office. In addition, there are some other factors that necessitate an in-person application. These include: any child under 16, replacing a stolen or lost document, a name change without documentation to support it, or renewing a document that is over 15 years old.
The first form that will have to be filled out by everyone is the DS-11. There are also quite a few secondary documents that must be presented to the clerk. The clerk will need to check the ID that is presented and actually witness the signature on the application. The forms can be filled out ahead of time, but nothing can be signed until the applicant is in front of the passport agent.
One of the documents that are required is proof of citizenship. For many people, this is just their birth certificate. If the applicant is an immigrant, they will need their official immigration and naturalization papers. These documents are a must and nothing will be processed unless they are present.
Some people like to get cute with things like their birth certificate and laminate them so that they do not get ruined. This is absolutely unacceptable and they will send anyone who walks in with laminated documents right out the door. It must not be covered in any way and must also have the raised seal on it. Also, all documents must be photocopied.
A minor will always have to get their passport in person. All above documentation must be brought with them along with their parents. If the parents are divorced and sharing custody, they must both still be present. The only situations where only one parent need be present are when there is sole custody or a parent is deceased.
The parents or guardians must be prepared to present their identification too. This can be a passport, a government ID card, military ID, or a current and valid driver’s license. If applying for the documents outside of the state of residence, also be prepared to have another form of identification. All applicants must also provide two clear color head photographs that are no larger than 2’ x2’.
A passport can take some time to get, but this is mostly in part to the time that it takes to get everything together. As long as everything checks out, the process can go fairly quick at the U.S. passport office, especially if they work off of appointments. Knowing the new passport requirements and having everything in order can make this a pretty quick day for the applicant.
