How to Get a US Citizen Passport
A passport is a travel document that allows an individual to not only prove his citizenship status, but also allows him to travel internationally. U.S citizens needing to apply for a U.S. passport can do so at many authorized passport centers across the nation. According to U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, passport applicants must provide proof of their U.S. citizenship status by providing a "previously issued, undamaged U.S. Passport, Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship."
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Instructions
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Visit the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs' "Passport Acceptance Facility Search page" to find an authorized passport application center near you. To go to this page, see the resources section.
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Choose the zip code search option by selecting the dot next to the phrase "Search By." Provide your 5-digit zip code, then decide whether you would like to see a listing of all the facilities that are closest to your zip code, or a listing of all the facilities within a certain radius of your zip code. You can also choose to search for facilities that are accessible to the disabled and/or facilities where passport photos are taken on-site.
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Find a passport facility by clicking on the "Search" button. You will be redirected to another page containing a listing of all facilities matching your preferences.
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Click on the name of the facility you are interested in visiting, then copy its address and phone number.
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Find a professional photographer to have your passport photos taken; you must provide two passport photos to apply for a U.S. passport. According to the U.S. Department of State, "your photographs must be identical, in color, 2 x 2 inches in size, taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance, full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background, between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, and taken in normal street attire."
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Visit the passport facility, taking proof of your U.S. citizenship status. For a list of acceptable documents, see reference 1. All approved passport facilities have printed copies of Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport; you will need to fill one out upon approval at the passport facility. Nonetheless, if you would like to fill one out and take it with you to the facility, see the resources section to print a copy of the form.
Upon providing an acceptable proof of your U.S. citizenship status, you will be asked to take an oath certifying that the information and documents provided are true and accurate. You will also be asked to pay the passport-processing fee. For a listing of all 2009-passport fees, see the resources section.
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Tips & Warnings
To minimize the chances of having your passport photos rejected, it is highly recommended that you visit a passport facility that offers an on-site passport photo service. Be sure to select the "Photo On-site" option when using the "Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page."
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs discourages the use of vending machine photos for passport services, as these photos generally do not meet passport photo requirements.
