How to Apply for a U.S. Passport

By subi

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The US Passport is a travel document that is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. With new requirements about carrying passport identification when travelling to Canada or Mexico, it is a good idea to apply for a passport.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Passport application, form DS-11
  • 2 passport style photographs
  • Original birth certificate
  • Original Naturalzation certificate, if applicable.
  • Proof of identity (driver's license, government ID, etc)
Step1
Get the most recent updated passport application form from the passport website at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/ OR from any of the passport agencies or application centers. If you are applying for a US passport for the first time, use form DS-11. If you are renewing your passport, use form DS-82.
Step2
Fill up the information truthfully.
Step3
Attach 2 recent passport style photographs.
Step4
If you are a US citizen by birth, provide a original copy of your birth certificate. This can be obtained from your local county health records office (where you were born).
However, if you are a US citizenship by naturalization, provide a original copy of your Naturalization certificate.The passport application is now ready.
Step5
If you are applying for a passport for the FIRST time, you have to submit your application in person in one of the accepting centers (district courts, post offices, etc). You can obtain a list of such offices from the passport website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/.
Else you can mail your passport.

Tips & Warnings

  • Be truthful when filling out the form.
  • Attach ORIGINALS of the documents that you are sending. They will be returned to you along with the passport.
  • If you are having planned international travel in the immediate future, pay the expedited fee and request for an expedited processing.
  • Make copies of the originals and your application before sending in your form.

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eHow Article: How to Apply for a U.S. Passport

Article By: subi

subi

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