Requirements for Receiving Passports in the US: What You Need to Know
Introduction:
A passport is a vital document that allows US citizens to travel internationally. Obtaining a passport requires submitting certain types of documentation to the US Department of State. This article aims to explore the requirements for receiving passports in the US.
Proof of Citizenship:
The first requirement for obtaining a US passport is proof of citizenship. Documents such as birth certificates, naturalization certificates, or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad are acceptable forms of proof of citizenship.
Identification:
To obtain a passport, the person applying must provide identification. This includes a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or military ID.
Passport Photo:
Passport photos must meet specific requirements set by the US Department of State. They must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show the applicant’s full face in front of a white or off-white background.
Application:
To apply for a passport, the person must fill out Form DS-11, which is available on the US Department of State’s website. The form must be signed in the presence of an authorized acceptance agent.
Fees:
The US Department of State charges fees for the issuance of passports. The amount varies depending on the type of passport being issued and the age of the applicant. Additionally, expedited services may incur extra fees.
Additional Requirements for Minors:
Children under the age of 16 must apply for a passport in person with both parents or legal guardians present. Parents must bring a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and provide consent for the passport application.
Conclusion:
Obtaining a passport in the US requires specific documentation and identifying information. The process of obtaining a passport can take several weeks. It is essential to gather all necessary documents and fill out the application correctly to avoid any issues or delays. By understanding the requirements for receiving passports in the US, individuals can ensure a smooth and efficient process when seeking to obtain a passport for international travel.
Valid passports are required in any country, in order for citizens to gain entry, or for travelers to gain entry. Passports also need to be produced should border patrol require identification for an individual they suspect to be a non citizen, even if they have already gained entry into the country. American citizens can not receive passports unless they meet very specific requirements. Not only do the passport applicants need to be a United States citizen, they must also be able to prove it. Passport applications will specify which documentation is necessary for an individual to receive a valid United States passport.
In order to receive a valid United States passport, citizens must file the appropriate application. The necessary proof of identity and citizenship must also accompany that application. Citizens can utilize an old passport as proof of these facts, but only if it undamaged, readable and has been expired for less than five years. A valid birth certificate with the raised seal of the county of birth, is also required for passport applications. It is also a good idea to carry additional proof of identity along with a valid passport, should border patrol question the validity of a passport.
Travelers have often been approached by law enforcement in many countries and they often require more than one point of proof, including travel itinerary. Individuals that do not have proper proof of facts, can pay an additional fee of sixty dollars, which allows the passport agency to conduct a background search to prove the applicants identity and citizenship. However, is the search does not provide proper documentation, the passport application will be denied until the applicant can find sufficient proof.
Minors can only receive passports if they have the required proof of identity and citizenship, in addition to signatures from any and all individuals that have custody rights to the child. In some cases, passport agencies will not issue passports to minor children because court orders prevent either parent form taking the child out of the country. These requirements are meant to protect children from kidnapping, child trafficking and other child related crimes. They are also meant to protect the rights of custodial parents. This type of crime has been increasing in incidence and severity. There are in fact, countries that will not send the children back to the United States, even when the custodial parent is in the United States and the action constituted kidnapping.
Border patrol will check individuals passports at the point of border entry in each country. American citizens crossing through border patrol in the United States, must also have a valid passport to gain reentry, except in cases where a passport card is acceptable.
