Easy and Straightforward Tips to Applying For A US Passport
December 15th, 2009 by Benjamin McLee, under Travel and Leisure. 1 Comment
Applying for a United States passport can be one of the most exciting moments in your life or one of the most tedious. It can be exciting since a passport allows you to travel outside the United States. As a citizen, you know a Passport Application is not required for state-to-state travel; however, you need one if you want to travel to other countries. Your passport proves your identity, as well as your citizenship, two important pieces of information needed by all immigration officials all over the world.
Perhaps some friends of yours who travel have given you the idea that the passport application process is something to worry about. It does take a bit of time and you will need to fill out a US passport application and provide other required documents, bring all this paperwork to your local passport agency or acceptance facility. A little patience in this process goes a long way.
You also need to appear in person in the following conditions: Is this your first passport or are you under 16? Is your current passport more than 15 years old or were you under 16 when your first passport was issued? Are you replacing a stolen, damaged, or lost passport? Has your name changed and you don’t have legal documentation for the change? Any one of these conditions would require that you appear in person.
Now you also need to fulfill other requirements when applying for a Pass Port, such as providing proof of your identity and submitting regulation US passport photographs. Once you’re done with all that, the processing period begins. This can seem lengthy, but don’t let it worry you because everyone goes through the same process.
How long does it take to get a passport? The actual processing time before you get your passport would vary. Normally, however, it takes around four to six weeks for your passport to arrive via routine passport services.
If you’re wondering how to get your passport sooner, there’s the option to use an expedited passport service. If you use this service, you will be able to receive your passport in just two to three weeks. This is the option you have should use if you need to travel in less than a month.
Obtaining a US passport is quite inexpensive for what it allows you to do. The current rates for a passport application are $95 for applicants under 16, and $120 for people 16 and above. For expedited passport services, additional charges will apply.
Planning for the time it takes to get a United States Passport Application when making your travel plans quickly eliminates any worry. Grab your new US Passport and get going!
RushMyPassport on December 15th, 2009
Using a private passport expediting service like RushMyPassport.com is even faster than using the government’s expedited service. In fact, with RushMyPassport, you can get your passport application processed in as little as 24 hours!