Anyone Who Is Planning An International Trip Should Know United Says Passport Stipulations
By Advisor. Filed in Florida |
Getting a first passport is a rite of a passage, one that used to be experienced primarily by the well-to-do. Prior to the horrific events of 9-11, the United Says and many other countries had fairly lenient travel document requirements with other recognized friendly countries. While documenting one’s identity and applying for a passport is more detailed and now required for almost all travel abroad, the process is actually pretty straightforward. Let us take a look at what is necessary to meet passport requirements.
It is now a requirement that all first time applicants apply in person to receive their first official travel documents. For the majority of US citizens, this means a trip to the local post office. In addition, there are some other factors that necessitate an in-person application. These include: any child under 16, replacing a stolen or lost document, a name change without documentation to support it, or renewing a document that’s over 15 years old.
Form DS-11 is the Holy Grail when it comes to meeting passport requirements. This is the document that contains all of the applicant’s key identifying information. While it is entirely permissible and advisable to finish the document before hitting the post office, do not, under any circumstances, sign it before appearing it person. One of the purposes of the in-person visit is to do a live signature in front of an official US government agent.
One of the documents that are required is proof of citizenship. For many people, this is just their birth certificate. If the applicant is an immigrant, they will need their official immigration and naturalization papers. These documents are a must and nothing will be processed unless they are present.
Some people like to get cute with things like their birth certificate and laminate them so that they do not get ruined. This is completely unacceptable and they’ll send anyone who walks in with laminated documents right out the door. It mustn’t be covered in any way and must also have the raised seal on it. Also, all documents must be photocopied.
A minor will always have to get their passport in person. All above documentation must be brought with them along with their parents. If the parents are divorced and sharing custody, they have to both still be present. The only situations where only one parent need be present are when there is sole custody or a parent is deceased.
The parents will also need to have current ID with them. This is another must have as the agent can’t process the documents for the minor without the parents checking out first. If the parents have a passport, this is the best piece of ID that they can use. In addition to all of this documentation, two passport photos will also be needed for each applicant.
The majority of time involved in meeting U S passport requirements is gathering the required documentation from home files or safe deposit boxes. Once the agent has verified all of the presented information and reviewed the DS-11 form for accuracy, the process is almost complete. Open up the checkbook, pay the fee and sign the form in front of the agent. That is all that is needed and the documentation process is complete with very tiny pain and very little time at the USA passport office.
Tags: American passport requirements, New passport requirements, Passport requirements, U.S. passport requirements
