Know The US Passport Requirements Before Trying To Get A New Passport
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 one’s 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 pasport requirements.
If the applicant has never had a passport or their last passport was issued over 15 years ago, get ready to head to the local office. Minors also always have to be present, as well as their parents. Anyone that has lost their passport of suffered the theft of their passport will also have to go in person to get a new passport.
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.
One of the documents that are required is proof of citizenship. For many people, this is just their birth certificate. If the applicant is an immigrant, they will need their official immigration and naturalization papers. These documents are a must and nothing will be processed unless they are present.
A birth certificate to be considered as being certified must have an embossed or raised seal from the registrar in the state or county of birth, along with that person’s signature. It must also have been filed within one year of the birth date on the certificate. Some shorter, or what are known as abstract versions of the certificates may not meet passport requirements. Be prepared too, to have a photocopy of both sides of the document that can be given to the agent.
If the person seeking the passport document is a minor, there are some additional requirements that must be followed. The young person’s 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 parents or guardians must be prepared to present their identification too. This can be a passport, a government ID card, military ID, or a current and valid driver’s license. If applying for the documents outside of the state of residence, also be prepared to have another form of identification. All applicants must also provide two clear color head photographs that are no larger than 2’ x2’.
One of the reasons that acquiring a passport takes so long is because of the all of the documents that are needed to get approved. Sometimes a birth certificate cannot be found and a new one must be ordered. It is unlikely that current passport photos are lying around and this means another trip. However, as long as all US passport requirements are met and the photos are current (within 6 months), everything should go smoothly at the U S passport office.
