New Passports for First Time Applicants: Everything You Need to Know
Are you planning to travel abroad for the first time? One of the essential things you need to do is to apply for a passport, which is a travel document issued by the government that verifies your identity and nationality. In this article, we will guide you through the requirements and process of obtaining a new passport for first-time applicants.
What is a Passport?
A passport is a legal document that serves as proof of identity, nationality, and citizenship. It acts as a travel document, allowing you to cross international borders as you visit other countries. It contains essential information about you such as your full name, birthdate, citizenship, photograph, and signature.
In the United States, passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State, which is responsible for issuing, renewing, and amending passports. The department has set different requirements for first-time passport applicants to ensure that only eligible persons are allowed to obtain the document.
Requirements for First-Time Passport Applicants
To apply for a new passport, you need to meet the following requirements:
1. Citizenship – You must be a U.S citizen to apply for a U.S. Passport. If you were born in the United States, you need to present your birth certificate as proof of citizenship. If you were born abroad, you need to present your Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization. U.S. nationals who are not U.S. citizens are not eligible for a U.S. Passport.
2. Age – There is no minimum age requirement to obtain a passport. However, children under the age of 16 must apply in person, and both parents or legal guardians must give consent.
3. Form DS-11 – This is the application form for a U.S. Passport. First-time applicants must complete this form and submit it in person at a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility.
4. Identification – You must present an acceptable form of identification, such as a driver’s license or government ID, when submitting your application.
5. Two recent photos – You need to submit two identical, recent passport-sized photos when applying for a new passport.
6. Fees – There are fees associated with obtaining a passport. The cost of a first-time passport application is $145 for adults and $115 for children under the age of 16. There are additional fees for expedited processing and overnight delivery.
The Passport Application Process
Now that you know the requirements, it’s time to walk you through the process of obtaining a new passport as a first-time applicant.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Make sure you have all the required documents before visiting a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility. This will save you time and avoid unnecessary delays. The documents you need include:
– A completed Form DS-11
– Proof of U.S. Citizenship (birth certificate or certificate of citizenship/naturalization)
– Acceptable identification (driver’s license, government ID, or military ID)
– Two recent passport-sized photos
– Passport fees
Step 2: Visit a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you need to visit a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility to submit your application. These facilities are located in various places such as post offices, courthouses, and libraries. You can find the nearest location to you by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s website.
At the facility, you will be required to do the following:
– Submit your application form (Form DS-11)
– Show proof of U.S. Citizenship
– Present acceptable identification
– Pay passport fees
– Have your passport photo taken
In some cases, you may be required to make an appointment with the facility before your visit.
Note: due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some U.S. Passport Acceptance Facilities may have reduced operating hours or services. It’s advisable to check their website or call ahead of time for any updates.
Step 3: Wait for Processing
After submitting your application, you need to wait for it to be processed. The standard processing time for a new passport is 4-6 weeks. However, you can choose to expedite your application for an additional fee and receive your passport in 2-3 weeks.
If you need your passport urgently, you can make an appointment at a regional U.S. Passport Agency and receive it on the same day. However, this is only available for certain cases, such as life-or-death emergencies and urgent travel within 72 hours.
Step 4: Check Your Passport Status
To check the status of your passport application, you can use the Online Passport Status System. This tool allows you to get updates on the progress of your application and the estimated date of delivery. You can also call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778 for assistance.
Tips for First-Time Passport Applicants
1. Apply Early – It’s advisable to apply for a passport at least three months before your intended travel dates. This will give you enough time to get your passport without any rush.
2. Use a Professional Passport Photo Service – Make sure your passport photo meets the requirements set by the U.S. Department of State, such as the correct size, lighting, and background. Consider using a professional passport photo service to avoid any issues with your application.
3. Keep Your Passport Safe – Once you receive your passport, make sure you keep it in a secure place. This is a valuable document that should not fall into the wrong hands. Also, make a photocopy of your passport before traveling and keep it separate from the original.
4. Renew Your Passport – Your passport is only valid for ten years for adults and five years for children under the age of 16. Make sure you renew it before it expires to avoid any inconveniences during your travels.
Conclusion
Applying for a new passport as a first-time applicant can be an easy and straightforward process, as long as you have all the required documents and follow the steps correctly. Make sure you take note of the tips we have given to avoid any issues with your application and enjoy your travels abroad. Safe travels!
Getting your first passport can be both exciting and overwhelming. However, with a little understanding of the process, you can be well on your way to obtaining your new passport. Here is a guide on how to apply for your first passport.
Eligibility
Before you begin the process of obtaining a passport, it’s important to determine if you are eligible. To be eligible for a passport, you must be a citizen of the country in which you are applying, you must be at least 18 years old, and you must be able to provide proof of identity and citizenship.
Gather Documents
To apply for a passport, you must provide certain documents to prove your identity and citizenship. These documents may include your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, driver’s license or other government-issued ID, and passport photo.
Complete an Application
Once you have gathered all necessary documents, you can begin completing a passport application. Passport applications can be obtained at your local passport agency or downloaded online. The application will require information such as your full name, date of birth, and current address.
Passport Photo
When applying for a passport, you will need to provide a passport photo. Passport photos can be taken at various locations such as pharmacies, photo studios and passport agencies. It’s important to ensure that your photo meets the required standards, such as being 2 inches by 2 inches and taken within the last 6 months.
Pay Fees
The final step in obtaining your passport is to pay the fees. The fee for a new passport may vary depending on your age and whether you need an expedited service. Standard processing time takes 4-6 weeks while expedited processing may take 2-3 weeks. It’s important to note that you may also need to pay additional fees for other services such as correcting an error on your application or adding extra pages to your passport.
Conclusion
Obtaining your first passport can be a complicated process. However, with the right information and planning, the process can be simplified and easy to navigate. By following the above steps, you can be well on your way to obtaining your new passport.
The steps necessary to get a United States passport are generally simple to follow. Getting a United States passport involves proper documentation to show proof of identity and citizenship. Since a passport is used to prove United States citizenship while traveling, one must provide proper documentation of identity and citizenship in order to get a passport. Most citizens will have the documentation readily available as it is often required in order to obtain other legal documentation, such as marriage certificates and drivers licenses. Those citizens that are getting their first passport, must apply in person. Passport renewals
In order to provide proper documentation to get a passport, citizens should be sure to give themselves plenty of time to get any missing paperwork. For example, requests for legal birth certificates can sometimes take weeks to process. In addition, the process involved with getting a passport can sometimes take months. For that reason, it is advised that citizens start the process months in advance of their trip. In fact, the government recommends that all citizens secure a passport, as it is now required for most travel outside of the United States, even when it has previously not been required. For example, passports were not previously required for travel to Canada, but they are now required.
Necessary documentation includes various paperwork to prove identity and United States citizenship. Social Security cards are utilized as proof that a person was born in the United States and that they were issued a social security number. Birth certificates are also required and must have a raised seal from the county in which they were issued. Some people may find that they have to get new birth certificates due to a high incidence of fraudulent activity with birth certificates in certain U.S. jurisdictions. Citizens should check with their jurisdiction to see if this new restriction applies to them. Citizens are also required to get proper passport photos which will be attached to their official passport.
Getting a passport may seem like an overwhelming process. However, citizens that obtain all of the necessary documentation well in advanced of their trip, will find that the process is actually rather straightforward. In fact, should any issues arise, the passport office employees will work hard to rectify the situation and help in any way they can. Passports can sometimes take several months to process and it is a good idea to apply for passports well in advance of any planned trips.
