How To Get A New Passport
An official US travel identification document is not only a completely unassailable form of personal identification, it’s also needed if you want to visit any other country. The process to follow on how to get a passport is not difficult but they are exacting. The process outlined below applies to adults who are looking for a new passport rather than needing a renewal.
Process
The definition for a “new” passport is actually a fairly broad category. Obviously, if you’ve never had one and this is your first application, this procedure applies to you. However, you are also considered to be getting a new passport if yours has been stolen, damaged or lost. “New” also applies to you if your old one was issued more than 15 years ago or if you’ve changed your name since your current passport was issued, but you can’t legally document your name change.
Online Forms
You will have to fill out federal from DS-11, which you can download off a variety of government websites. You’ll find the instructions for filling it out directly on the form. This is an application, so if you want yours to be accepted, it’s probably best to fill out this form and fully and accurately as possible. Of course, you also want to be completely truthful on it as well. There’s a different form for renewing passport.
Forms Of ID
In addition to the DS-11 form, you’ll also have to provide proof of your identity. You can’t bootstrap this process to get your sole identification documentation. It will only be issued if you can already proved you are who you say you are. The best option is to include a copy of a piece of primary proof of identity. This sort of proof could be your driver’s license, naturalization certificate, current military ID or other current government issued ID.
Certificates Of Citizenship
You will also have to prove that you’re an American citizen. If you’re a born US citizen, you’ll have to include a citizenship certificate, certified copy of your long form birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. If you’re a naturalized American citizen, the naturalization certificate your use to prove your identity will also suffice as proof of citizenship.
Photos
The last two pieces you’ll need are a color photo, sized exactly at two by two inches. The photo can’t be more than six months old and your face must be fully visible. You’ll also need to include a check for the passport fees. The exact fee you’ll have to pay can vary based on your application, so you should check the online schedule of relevant fees.
Application Packet
After you have all this documentation together, you’ll be ready to submit your application. To do that, you’ll have to visit one of the thousands of authorized US passport offices somewhere in the country. There is a full directly of these offices online, so you can find the one most convenient to you. You’ll generally find them located in public buildings frequented by the public, like a courthouse, post office or library. Call before just showing up as some offices require a scheduled appointment before they’ll meet with you.