A U.S.-issued passport is valid for international travel from the United States and is needed to re-enter the country. Passports are also required when vacationing in the Caribbean islands and other U.S. territories. Planning ahead is key, as the application process and issuance can be time consuming and vary depending on the time frame of your application submission. Strict requirements to obtain a passport have to be met in advance of travel. Local government agencies can assist in the process.

Determine the time frame needed for the passport. Travel within 14 days will require rush processing; apply through the Houston or Dallas Passport Agency or other local agencies. Expect to pay additional fees for rush processing, which are determined by the agency. If travel is not within 14 days, direct applications to a Passport Application Acceptance Facility in Texas.

Visit the Department of State website (see Resources for a link) to obtain application directions, a list of supporting documents needed and answers to frequently asked questions.

Locate a Passport Application Acceptance Facility (see Resources for a link) in your city of residence. Post offices are the most well-known facilities. Contact a local office to make sure it offers passport services and to determine the hours applications are accepted. Not all post offices have a passport division. Other acceptance facilities include libraries, clerks of court or other government offices.

Gather the supporting materials needed to submit with Form DS-11, the passport application. Obtain passport applications from a passport agent at the acceptance facility or download an application from the travel.state.gov website. Fill out the form. To validate your application, sign the form in front of a passport agent.

Submit the application form, pictures, birth certificate, ID copies and processing fees. The passport agent verifies all information is correct and accepts the application. Get an application receipt and information card to keep track of the application process.

Wait six to 12 weeks to receive the official passport travel document in the mail. Other documents submitted with the application will also be returned in a separate mailing before or after the passport is received. Passport processing times vary. It takes less time to receive a passport in the off peak season and more time is needed in planning during the summer, when travel normally increases.

About the Author

Candace N. Smith is a fashion and business writer in New York. Beginning her writing career in 2007, her work has appeared in various fashion publications including "Kouture Magazine." Graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in fashion marketing from American InterContinental University, Los Angeles, she's taken her experience in fashion, marketing and brand management, and shares that knowledge in her writing.

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