Obtaining And Completing new Passport Application Forms
Not surprisingly, there are several different varieties of passport application forms. Depending upon the prospective traveler’s needs, age, work situation and even name, there is likely to be a form for each. While not nearly as cumbersome as the awesome amount of federal government tax forms, sometimes it is helpful to employ a private firm to help weed through the paperwork.
An intelligent traveler will want to get as much information as they can about these forms before taking on this monumental task. To get the most up to date information, the State Department website is probably the best bet. However, there are also plenty of private agencies that will provide this information as well as offer services to complete the forms.
Because this is a big business, it is always good to make sure that the passport agency that is being used is approved by the State Department. If they are, they will be registered with the US Passport Agency. In order to get this approval, they will have a long standing history of proper filings. Be sure to use only these registered companies if the need to go outside of normal government channels arises.
There are several standard US Passport application forms for the majority of private and business travelers. The DS-11 is the form for first time applicants, while the DS-82 is for renewals of valid US passports by mail. Those who have a document but require a name change due to marriage or divorce must use DS-5504. Those desiring a travel document for minors under age 16, need to complete the DS-3053.
With all of these DS forms, it is possible to become confused and those submitting the wrong form will receive an official rejection and need to start the process all over again. That is why a private passport agency can be a god-send, they certainly are well aware of which form is needed and what type of documentation is required to go along with it. The forms involving visas can be even more complicated than standard passport forms.
In addition to just filling out the forms, these agencies are actually there to provide expedited services. At times, the need to get a passport quick arises. Things such as emergencies or just being absent minded and not realizing that your passport has expired or that there is even the need for one.
Naturally, there are costs associated with using these private companies. After all, they are profit-oriented businesses. However, there are many instances where a bit of additional cost in no way compares to the time and sometime aggravation that can be involved in a federal government form process. Fees vary from company to company, but most are under $200 for even the quickest 24 emergency turnaround situations. If the traveler can wait about a week, a very reasonable fee of $75 is possible. Do bear in mind that these fees are above what the government charges for the actual federal processing.
Government forms have a way of creating frustration for everyone and new passport application forms are no different. The fact that there are services out there that can make this a much easier process is great news for those of us that would rather pull out our nails than spend an afternoon running around trying to figure out how to fill out the government forms. If the need arises, hire a passport agency and sit back and relax why they to all of the hard work, it will be money well spent.
