7 Steps to Getting a Passport

Are you planning on traveling abroad soon? Then you need a passport. A passport serves as your official identification when traveling to other countries. Without a valid passport, you may be denied entry to your desired destination.

Obtaining a passport can be a bit tedious, but with the right guidance, the process can be a breeze. In this article, you will learn the seven steps to getting a passport, everything from the initial application process to picking up your travel document.

Step 1: Gather all the necessary documents

Before submitting a passport application, ensure that you have all the necessary documents. The documents differ based on whether you are applying for your first passport, renewing an old one, or replacing a lost or stolen passport.

If you are applying for your first passport, here are the documents you must have:

1. A completed DS-11 form
2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship
3. A government-issued photo ID, such as your driver’s license
4. A passport photo
5. Payment for the passport fees

For a passport renewal, the following documents are required:

1. Completed DS-82 form
2. Current or recently-expired passport
3. A passport photo
4. Payment for passport fees

To replace a lost or stolen passport, you need to have:

1. A completed DS-64 form
2. A completed DS-11 form
3. Evidence of U.S. citizenship
4. A government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license
5. A passport photo
6. Payment for passport fees

Step 2: Complete the application

Fill out the relevant application form. The Department of State provides two forms through which you can apply: Form DS-11 and Form DS-82.

Complete Form DS-11 when applying for your first passport, replacing a lost or stolen passport, or renewing an expired passport that has been invalid for more than 5 years. This form requires that you apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, such as certain post offices, county courthouses, or libraries.

On the other hand, form DS-82 is used when renewing a passport that has been expired for less than 5 years. As long as your old passport was issued when you were 16 or older, you can mail the form back to the State Department.

Step 3: Pay the fees

To get a U.S. passport, you must pay a fee to the U.S. Department of State. Your payment options include personal checks, bank checks, or money orders. It’s important to note that the fees vary depending on the type of passport application you submit.

There is a $35 execution fee for DS-11 applications, and the standard passport book fee is $110 for adults. Renewals are subject to a $110 fee plus an additional $60 expediting fee if you need your passport within four weeks.

Step 4: Submit your application

After completing the application and attaching all the necessary documents, you will submit the package at a passport acceptance facility. You must submit the package in person if you are applying for the first time or if your old passport has been lost or stolen. In such cases, you need to present identification, such as a valid government-issued ID.

It is important to know that appointments are mandatory when submitting an application at most passport acceptance facilities. Therefore, it’s important to schedule an appointment before heading out to the facility.

For passport renewals, you can submit your application through the mail. If you decide to mail in your application, ensure that you use a secure mailing method, such as USPS Priority Mail with delivery tracking. You must also include a check or money order for the appropriate fee amount.

Step 5: Wait for processing

The time it takes to process a passport varies depending on several factors, including the time of year when you applied and how busy the processing center is. According to the U.S. Department of State, passport processing times range from 4-6 weeks for routine processing to 24 hours for expedited services.

If you need your passport sooner, you can pay an additional fee to receive expedited processing. Expedited service ensures that your passport is processed within 24 hours, and it also includes much faster shipping times.

Step 6: Check the status of your passport

You can check the status of your passport by visiting the Department of State website. You’ll just need to enter the application number that was provided to you when you first submitted your application.

If for some reason there are issues with your application, the U.S. Department of State will contact you by email or postal mail and provide further instructions.

Step 7: Pick up your passport

Once your passport is ready, you need to pick it up in person if you applied for it in person. If you sent an application by mail, your passport will be sent directly to your address.

It’s important to inspect your passport while you’re at the acceptance facility or when you receive it in the mail. Ensure that it has all the correct details, including your name, photograph, and birth date.

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind that a passport must be valid for up to six months after your expected departure date. Renewing your passport well in advance is highly recommended, as obtaining one urgently before a trip can prove challenging.

If you have any questions about the passport application process or need further assistance, you can visit the U.S. Department of State website. They have provided many resources that make the process seamless.

A passport is a recognizable travel document which is authorized by the United States’ Federal Government to legally identify and allow an individual to travel to and from the United Sates.

To obtain a passport the applicant must follow these steps:

1.    You must first obtain all the necessary government forms to prove citizenship in the United States or proper identification. A passport application can be obtained at your local post office or other municipalities in your area.

2.    The applicant will be required to submit Form DS-11 if any of the following characteristics are true: You have never been issued a U.S. passport; you are under the age of 16 years old; you were under the age of 16 when your previous passport was issued; your most recent U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago; your most recent U.S. passport was lost or stolen; or your name has changed since your previous U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change.

3.    If he above statements does not apply to your situation you can continue with the generic filing requirements. You must gather a proof of U.S. Citizenship in the form of any of the following documents: A Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state government within the state which you were born. The birth certificate must contain a notary seal. Records of birth abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship are also acceptable documents to prove birth.

4.    In addition to these documents, the applicant must be ready to prove their identity with any of these documents: A previously issued U.S. passport, a naturalization certificate, or a valid Driver’s license, Military ID, or Government ID.

5.    Upon delivery of the aforementioned documents the applicant must have two photos taken; during these photos the applicant must wear normal, everyday attire.

6.    At the time of the passport application, the applicant must also supply the municipality with a valid Social Security Number. Once this information has been supplied the applicant should be prepared to pay application and execution fees. Typically these fees hover around $100, but will fluctuate depending on which proves the applicant chooses. If the applicant needs to obtain their passport immediately, additional fees will be required to file for the expedited process.

7.    When all the documents are offered and the applicant fills out the passport application (the application is short and requires basic information concerning identity and the individual’s intended traveling plans) he or she must locate the nearest passport office. Given regular execution, the passport will be delivered within two to eight weeks upon completion and filing of the passport application.