March 12, 2010
Here Is A Guide Book For First Time Applicants In Meeting US 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 ones 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 USA passport 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 us passport 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 one form that everyone has to fill out is the DS-11. In addition to this form, several other pieces of documents must be presented in person. The main reason for this is that the passport agency needs to check ID and make sure that the signature matches the documents that are presented. For this reason, do not sign anything until you actually get to the passport office. The forms can be filled out, but nothing should be signed until an agent is present.
Proof of citizenship is one of the secondary pieces that must be present in order for the documents to be accepted. This is usually just a birth certificate for any US born citizen. If the applicant is an immigrant, they must have their immigration papers at the ready. If these documents are not present, the application will be put on hold.
Anyone that has had their passport laminated for protection will have to get another one. This is absolutely forbidden and basically makes the birth certificate useless. The agent must also be able to see the raised stamp on the birth certificate. If that stamp in not present, they will send the applicant on their way to get another one. Everything will also have to be photocopied prior to arriving at the passport office.
If the person seeking the passport document is a minor, there are some additional requirements that must be followed. The young persons proof of citizenship must accompany him or her, and both parents or guardians must be with the child at the in person visit. If only one adult has legal custody then the non-custodial birth parent does not have to be there.
The parent or parents that are with the child will also have to have the appropriate ID in order for the minors application to be accepted. Everything will be checked, so make sure that everything is valid and current. The best bet is to bring their current passport as it is the be all and end all of documentation. Also, 2 passport photos must be presented with all of the documentation for the applicant.
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.
Filed under Whale Watching Tours by jenny