What To Know About Making A Passports Application Forms

Nowadays, it appears as if the world is compressing at an ever-faster pace. People are able, for example, to jump on a plane in Los Angeles and be in Moscow in a matter of hours. In almost every instance like this though, a passport will be a necessity. Understanding the steps involved in passport application forms therefore may come in handy when it's time to get one.

First of all, realize that the US State Department handles all applications for a US passport. And even though the process might seem a little complicated at first, it really isn't all that hard to obtain an official passport. Generally speaking, applicants also have several different ways of getting one, including on their own or by hiring an expedited passport service to do so for them.

For those people who are at least 16 years of age and who need their initial (meaning first-time) passport, there are a number of steps that have to be taken. This includes making an application is person at a passport agency or servicing center. In some cases, they can use expediting services. Many passport agencies can be found at US post offices.

In addition to having to make the application in person, it'll be necessary to fill out the right form. Currently, for first-timers, this is government Form DS-11. It's also known as an Application for US Passport. There are a couple of other different documents that have to be submitted along with it and it has to be signed in front of a passport worker. Documents include proof of citizenship and identity.

When it comes to proof of citizenship, homeland security regulations are very strict as to just what evidence is acceptable. Generally, an official birth certificate with a raised seal, a naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship is required. There are exceptions if these documents are unavailable and secondary evidence such as a baptismal certificate is all that can be supplied.

As well, there are a number of different documents that can be used to prove identity, by the way. These include valid driver licenses, military identification cards and state, city and federal identification cards. When it comes to secondary-type identification, a library card, credit or debit card and a Social Security card combined with those two can be accepted in certain instances.

Passport issuance fees for adults 16 years of age and up can run from $20 to $95. In addition, there's an execution fee of $25 that has to be paid as well. Methods of payment can include debit and credit cards, cash, postal money orders or personal checks. Check with the passport agency where application will be made for just what form of payment is acceptable.

The first thing to do, of course, is to visit the passport section of the State Department website. Of course, one can always take on the services of an express new passport service. These businesses can make the whole process go very easily and quickly.