How to Get a New Passport in the U.S. for First Time Applicants

Whether you are applying for passport for the first time or you are applying for a passport for your child, here are a few tips on how to get a new passport in the U.S.

First time applicants are people that are applying for US passport. At present, there are no online passport applications. You must apply in person if this is your first passport, you are under the age of 16, if your previous US passport was issued when you were below 16 years of age, your previous US passport was lost, damaged or stolen, your previous US passport as issued more than 15 years ago, if there are name change since your last US passport and if you are unable to legally document your name change.

Applicants should submit an application for new passport in US. Fill out Form DS-11 (Application for a US Passport document), submit completed DS-11 form in person, submit evidence of US citizenship. Provide present identification; submit a photocopy of the identification document submitted, payment of an application fee and one piece of passport photo.

Remember the following:

• Fill out Form DS -11 by hand. Complete all the required fields.

• You should never sign the application form unless instructed by the acceptance agent.

• You should provide your social security number which is in accordance with 26 USC 6039E. If you fail to provide all the requested information along with your social security number, your application will be delayed or denied.

• There are special submission requirements for minors that are younger than 16 years of age. All special requirements should be accomplished and submitted otherwise delays or even denial of your application could also happen.

• Along with an accomplished application form is the submission of evidence of US Citizenship. You may submit any of the following: previous undamaged and valid US passport certified US birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad or Certificate of Birth, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship.

Securing Passport for Adults and Minors

Passports are travel documents that allow an individual to enter a foreign nation. They act as an identification document. The application usually needs several documents that serve as proof of birth and identification.

Adult Passports

The requirements for an adult passport are actually applying, proof of nationality or citizenship, birth certificate, and government issued proof of identity. There are instances when photos are required and photos must adhere to strict guidelines. Once these documents have been handed in proper filling-out of the application form must follow.

Passports for Minors

Children passport is subject to the same procedure, but with additional requirements. Consent from both parents is needed. If only one parent has the sole custody, then the consent of this parent will suffice the requirement. Photos and the intent of traveling are also required. Minors who are under 16 years of age cannot apply for passport alone. They must be accompanied by parents or guardians. The minor must be present.

Different Passport Services

There are different services relating to passport like passport name change, renewal, addition of pages. Renewals are for passports that had expired or nearly expiring. Renewals are only applicable for adults. Children’s documents have validity for five years. After the five year expiration term, children must apply for a new passport. Name changes are for those who have changed their name due to divorce, marriage, etc. Additional pages are given so that the current passport can still be used.

Passports usually take about 6-8 weeks to arrive. Sometimes, this period can be long, especially for rush needs. Thus, expedited services have been offered by some companies. Private agencies can secure passport documents in less than a week and someone within 24 hours like 24hourpassportandvisas.com. Different companies have different prices for expediting passport. Sometimes the price ranges according to the urgency of the document.