Easy Steps To Getting Your Most Important Travel Document

Getting a passport is a critical need for most people. You will need a passport if you are to pass through any port of call outside the country. An adult passport will be valid for up to 10 years, but it is preferable to renew at least 9 months before the expiration date since many countries only accept visitors whose passports still have a remaining 6-month period of validity. However, since getting a passport can be a challenge, a 3-month allowance will put you on the safe side. To get a passport, you will need the following:

Proof of citizenship

* Birth certificate - You can get this from the state where you were born.
* Consular report of birth abroad - This is required in case you were born in another country.
* Your old passport (for renewal)
* Naturalization certificate - This is required if you are a naturalized citizen.

Two passport-sized pictures - There are several establishments that can provide you with the necessary pictures; ask them for the right size. If you are applying for a passport along with a Visa to another country, you may need more photos.

Completed passport application form - This can be downloaded and printed out from the State Department website. It is provided in Adobe PDF format. After printing out the form, carefully fill in all the required information.

Payment - You may pay via cash, credit card, or check. Costs vary depending on your age. The total fee will include the passport application fee and execution fee.

* Adults age 16 above - The passport application fee is $75, and the execution fee is $25. Total charge is $100.
* Children under age 16 - The passport application fee is $60, and the execution fee is $25. Total charge is $85.
* Passport renewal - If you are only renewing a passport, the renewal fee you need to pay is just $75.
* Special expedited service - You can also pay an additional $60 for each application if you want to avail of the special service that processes your passport faster. This is ideal if you have an upcoming trip or will need your passport in less than a month. A passport application will usually take you a minimum of one month.

Once all the requirements are prepared, you are to mail the application in an envelope to a specified mailing address. You can find the mailing address in your state information; it varies based on your location.

Look for and visit the nearest passport acceptance facility, which include federal, state, and probate courts, public libraries, municipal offices, county offices, and some post offices. Do not enclose your payment in the envelope. You will pay it separately when you submit your application to these offices.

However, if you are taking advantage of the expedited service, you should go straight to any of the 13 regional passport agencies where they can provide you with a passport within 2 weeks. However, they may ask for proof that you are about to travel, so you need to bring along tickets and an itinerary. Since these are regional offices serving larger areas, you will need to make an appointment.