How to Get a Passport

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Have Passport, Will Travel

A passport is a document that verifies the nationality and identity of its bearer. You must have a passport to enter and leave most foreign countries, as well as to re-enter the United States. You can obtain a passport by following these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Two passport photos
Proof of citizenship
Proof of identity
Passport application and fees

Step 1

Fill out the Application for Passport, Form DS-11. You can download this form online and bring it with you when you apply for your passport.
Step 2

Get two passport photos taken. The identical photos must be 2 inches by 2 inches. The pictures must offer a full, frontal view of your face, from the top of your head through your shoulders. The photo must be taken with a plain white background. Many post offices, photo studios and mail box locations take passport photos for a nominal fee.
Step 3

Bring one of the following to the Passport Acceptance Facility to prove citizenship: previous U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship.
Step 4

Bring proof of identity. A current driver's license, government or military ID are the most common forms of identification. You can also bring a previous U.S. passport or naturalization certificate.
Step 5

Locate the Passport Acceptance Facility nearest you. Use the U.S. Department of State Web site to find the nearest facility. You simply input your zip code and the Web site will generate a list of acceptance facilities in your area.
Step 6

You must pay both a passport application fee and an execution fee to get your passport. You will turn in these fees when you file your application. It takes about six weeks after filing to receive your U.S. passport. If you are traveling soon, you can pay an additional fee for Expedited Service and get your passport within two weeks.

Comments

joyirene said

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on 8/21/2008 Be sure that if you ever used more than one last name in your life, such as a first marriage, they will want the particulars on that person as well as your current marriage partner. I had to return home to check out particulars on my first marriage partner and go back to the post office in order to complete the forms. It was so long ago, I didn't have ready answers to the questions.