The article is about how to get a passport. If you are interested, just read on.
- What is a passport?
- How to apply for a passport?
- What happens when you submit your application?
- When will I get my new passport, and what does it include?
- Tips for getting through the process quickly and smoothly
What is Passport?
Passports can be a form of identification or a document that is issued by a sovereign state to the citizens who travel abroad. It is a document that contains a person’s name, place and date of birth, address, signature, photo and most importantly, his or her nationality.
How to apply for a passport
When applying for a passport, it is necessary to know the main guidelines in order to avoid problems when obtaining one. Because each country has different rules about who can apply for a passport and what kind of information must be provided with the application, it is important to check with your local government’s agency that handles passports. The agency will generally provide you with an application, checklists and information about fees and required documents.
The first step is to fill out the application correctly, completely and legibly. Pay attention to dashes between names on the form as dashes must be included for all names on the passport (e.g., John Michael Smith vs. John M. Smith). All applicants must provide a Social Security number (with the exception of minors) and generally, passport agencies require that all applicants submit legible copies of both sides of their Social Security cards with the form to prove veracity. For married women who changed their names when they married, make sure to indicate this on the application. Additionally, if you are applying for a passport for your child who is under 14, both applicants (the parents) must appear at the agency in person to submit the forms and required documents. If one or both of the parents cannot take time off work or be there for other reasons, they will need to provide an authorized power of attorney form.
All forms must be filled out completely, including the name of your place of birth, if different from your current location. If you were born in a hospital, you must get a copy of the individual certificate that says where you were born and who delivered you (do not accept an abbreviated form). If both names are listed on the certificate, you must provide both names on the passport application. If only one parent’s name is listed on the birth certificate or hospital form, that person should be included as a parent/guardian in the passport application. Additionally, if only your mother’s name is listed on the birth certificate and your father is not named; you will need to submit an official statement from your biological father that he waives all rights to you. If you’re not sure of the name on your birth certificate, ask the agency before applying.
Requirements For Passport
For more information on passport requirements, see below:
The following are examples of documents used to prove residency or physical presence in a given country for U.S. citizens:
- Driver’s license with current address or voter registration card with current address
- Property deeds, tax records, leases or rental receipts for verification of residence where you live
- Mail from federal government agencies such as a letter from the Department of Homeland Security verifying your U.S. citizenship status
Eligibility Requirement
The following are examples of documents used to prove citizenship eligibility for U.S. citizens:
- Your birth certificate, or a certified copy of it (long form, which show your parents’ names and birthplace; this may be required by some countries if they require confirmation that neither parent is a citizen)
- Your most recent passport
- A naturalization certificate
- Consular report of birth abroad OR certification of U.S. citizenship
Identity Requirement
The following are examples of proofs used to prove identity for a U.S. passport:
- Driver’s license or other government identification with photo and signature
- Military ID with photo and/or signature (may be required by some countries)
- Valid U.S. passport
- Naturalization certificate for proof of additional proof of name change from birth documents, if applicable
- Notarial documents for proof of name change from birth documents, if applicable*
Note:
In addition to filling out the application correctly and providing necessary documentation, applicants must pay fees with a check or money order in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank, or U.S currency (if submitting in person). If you are applying by mail, you should send [U.S.] cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks or money orders instead of personal checks because they can be easily cashed at a local bank for a small fee.
What happens when you submit your application?
If you submit your passport application properly and with the necessary fees, it should be processed within 4-6 weeks.
When will I get my new passport, and what does it include?
When you submit your passport application properly and with the necessary fees, it should be processed within 4-6 weeks. It’s not clear what process will happen afterwards, but you will get your new passport when processing is complete.
Tips for getting through the process quickly and smoothly
Some tips for getting through the process quickly and smoothly:
- Research the website you’re applying to see if they have a “help center”
- Check trustworthiness of website by looking at customer service pages or checking out independent reviews from another site
- Don’t wait until the last minute to gather your documents together – get started early on this process
- Learn the requirements for submitting the application before you get started
Conclusion
Passports are a type of identification that is required for international travel. If you’re an American citizen, the requirements for applying may seem daunting at first glance, but they can be broken down into three categories: identity proofing, documentation and fees. To apply successfully–and with all necessary documents in hand–read through our article about passport application basics below before submitting your own passport application to get started on this process quickly!
No, I didn’t get anything wrong. This is the standard FAQ on USA State Department’s website for applying for a passport. The answer to question #7 about cashing traveler’s checks does not specifically say that American citizen cannot use their own currency but it certainly implies this by saying “If you are applying by mail, you should send [U.S.] cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks or money orders instead of personal checks because they can be easily cashed at a local bank for a small fee”
I appreciate that the State Department does not collect intelligence or otherwise act as an agent for foreign powers . I am fine with the idea that they want to limit their liability for lost or stolen checks. I just don’t think it is appropriate for them to tell me up front that my currency is not acceptable before I even apply for a passport. They must think Americans are stupid if they think we will not notice this policy. It is almost as if they want the application to be rejected so they can sell me a money order.
A passport can be issued by USA State Department showing someone’s nationality as USA. It cannot show whether the person is a USA citizen, and it can’t be used as proof of citizenship.
A passport can be used as proof of identity, and it can be used as a document to show the bearer’s legal right to enter a foreign country. But a passport is not proof of citizenship. It could have been issued by any nation. The USA State Department treats a US passport as proof that its holder is a USA citizen.
