How to obtain a USA Passport
The first step for a U.S. citizen to travel the world is to apply for a passport. It used to be that passports were not essential for some travel. But recent legislation means American citizens now face stricter requirements to come and go between Mexico and Canada. Some people may not bother to travel because they think the process to obtain a passport is so difficult. It isn't; but it is necessary to plan ahead and give plenty of time for the bureaucracy to work.
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Instructions
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You have to fill out a form first as with any other document Complete the passport application. Download the form from the Department of State website or pick it up at the post office. Don't sign the application until you are asked to at the Post Office.
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Remember to say cheese Have a passport photo taken. Some post office locations will take the photo for an extra $15. Other places will do it for cheaper. Many pharmacies offer this service as do stores such as Mail Boxes Etc., Kinkos, Federal Express and photo stores.
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Bring one of the following documents as proof of U.S. citizenship: previous undamaged passport, Certified Birth Certificate, Consular report of a Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. Without a birth certificate proof such as early pre-natal care from a physician combined with early school records, early age census report, early hospital care may be acceptable.
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Bring documentation of identification. Applicant must present one of the following items: valid driver's license, government ID card, Naturalization Certificate, or a Current Military ID. Without one of these documents a combination of a library card, social security card, credit card, and employee ID card may be acceptable.
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Turn in the application, documentation, application fee, and passport pictures to a post office for processing. As of June 20011, it costs $135, and it takes approximately four to six weeks for delivery.
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Tips & Warnings
Expedited service cost $60, and takes about two to three weeks.
Get started on the passport application way in advance of any scheduled trip to avoid stress.
Beginning in April 2011, the names of both parents must to be on the birth certificate. It will be necessary to get a new one if this information is not on the existing one.
Some countries, such as Vietnam and Cambodia, also require a visa along with a passport. Do your research; this step can take an additional couple of weeks.
References
Resources
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