Posts Tagged ‘united states passport application’

How To Speed Up The Expedited USA Passport Application Process

August 28th, 2010

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, a trip outside of your home country can present some unique challenges. You must understand the travel documents that are required by your home destination countries. If your trip is happening within a short period of time, it might be necessary to complete an expedited United States passport application.

The first step a traveler should take is to understand the requirements to apply for a passport. If this is your first passport the process will be a bit different, and somewhat more involved. If you are renewing an expired passport you will find it a bit simpler because you are known to the agency. You can generally find the specifics on the website of the passport issuing agency.

Knowing which type of passport you are applying for makes it much easier to determine which application form is appropriate for your circumstance. The instructions with each application will explain not only how to complete the form, but also what documentation you must provide with the completed application. At a high level, what you must provide are documents that prove your citizenship, as well as your identity, along with special photos that meet passport requirements. The agency website can guide you as to what forms of proof are accepted. If you are renewing a passport, you are already on file with the agency, so your existing passport is submitted and serves as proof of your identity and citizenship.

If you are short on time before your planned trip, it is important to check how long the issuing agency expects the application process to take. This US passport information, found on their website, will give you an idea of how long you will wait to receive your passport after the agency receives your application. It could range from a few weeks to several months, depending on their workload. You do have the option to include an additional fee, along with the request that they hurry your application because you have a pending trip.



Do not be discouraged if it does not appear that the passport agency can complete your application and get your documents to you prior to the planned departure on your trip. You have other options to consider. There are several private companies that are in business specifically to assist travelers in obtaining their documents quickly. In fact, some of these firms claim that they can get you a passport in as little as eight hours, though an estimation of 24 to 48 hours is more realistic.

While a private company can assist you with getting your travel documents, it does not mean that you do not have to complete the necessary applications or provide the required documentation. In fact, there is a good chance that the company will have forms for you to fill out to request their services. There are several of these companies, and they each have a range of services that they offer. You will pay a fee according to what you need and how quickly you need it.

While a private company can be a great help to you, they cant do everything. In fact, you must start the process at an Acceptance Facility before you can turn your documents and application over to the expediter. The agent at the Acceptance Facility will review your application and supporting documentation. If you have done all that is required, they will then seal the documents in an envelope. This envelope becomes the package that your private representative uses to walk your application through the issuing agency to obtain your passport.

While there are several firms that offer these services, you should consider several factors before selecting one to work for you. Research their reputation for customer service and delivery of passports within the committed time period. If the cost is important, then compare the fees of the various firms. Most have a fee schedule that becomes more expensive as the time frame becomes shorter. The good news is that there is a way to complete an expedited passport application in time so that you do not miss out on your trip.

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U.S. Passport Name Changes: The Principle Procedures

July 10th, 2010

If your name has been legally changed, you are going to need a U S passport name change as well. There are different procedures for this depending on your particular situation, such as how old your prior passport is. Depending on a several factors, there may be a fee involved and you may have to make your application in person.

If the issue date of your current passport is less than a year ago and your name has been changed legally through marriage or a court order, your passport will be reissued without a fee. The passport in your former name, along with a certified copy or original of the proof of name change and the application must be mailed in together. You also need to include two photos which are no more than 6 months old.

If your existing passport in your old name was issued more than one year ago, an alternative form must be used. It too can be mailed if you have the legal proof of your name change. However, in this case, you must also send in a fee along with the legal proof and the recent photos.

If you are unable to supply legal proof of your change in name, you must make your application in person. This situation is treated similarly to applying for a new passport. You will be required to show at least three forms of public records which detail your assumed name along with your birth place and date. They must show use of the name for at least five years.



Children who are less than 16 years of age must also apply in person for their passports and provide the same documents. They must be accompanied by their parents or guardians as well who will need to show legal proof of their relationship. The general requirements for passports for minors should be reviewed so that you have all the necessary documentation when you arrive at the agency.

Keep in mind that it can take four to six weeks, or even up to ten, to receive your new passport. If you have a need for it sooner, it is best to request your United States passport application to be expedited. In this case, you will also need to include the additional fee for this service. This service can be requested for any passport application.

Expedited passports can still take two to three weeks to arrive. If you have an emergency that requires getting your updated passport sooner, you will need to call the National Passport Information Center to make an appointment, or contact a passport expediting service.

As with all passport applications, if you are mailing a pass port name change, be sure that you package everything up securely. It is best to send it in a way that can be traced. It is also best to send in your application as soon as your name changes, rather than wait until you are actually planning a trip.

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Find the Passport Application Online

June 23rd, 2010

A passport is most specifically used as the form of identification necessary for international traveling. There are two different kinds a person can acquire, a booklet or a card, and it is possible to acquire both. A passport card is less expensive than a booklet, and one must pay the fees for each if he or she would like both forms of identification. Either way, a passport application will need to be completed.

Individuals needing to travel internationally on a plane will need a passport booklet. A passport card, on the other hand, can only be used by individuals looking to travel in North America. The card cannot be used to travel on planes, even if the plane trip is from one country in North America to another. Similar to a drivers license, the card will be able to fit into a wallet. The booklet will not fit into the standard wallet, though.

The United States passport application application that most people need to fill out is Form DS-11. This is used for individuals who are looking to get this documentation for the first time. These individuals need to make a visit to a specifically mandated government facility that falls under the Department of States Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services and Customer Service.

One such office that falls under that government department is a local post office. Other government offices can be found by going online and performing a quick search through whichever search engine an individual trusts most. When going to one of these offices, individuals should make sure they have all the documentation necessary to complete the transaction.



Once the proper application has been completed, an individual will need to present a form of proof of U.S. citizenship, a form of primary identification or a combination of acceptable secondary identification, a copied version of the identification, and two copies of the same photograph. As with most things in this society too, an individual will need to pay a fee. For the specific guideline on all of these, go online or call a local government office.

Those individuals who are filling out Form DS-82 do not have to make an appearance in a government-mandated facility. Only certain individual will meet the criteria for being allowed to mail information to renew their U.S. passport. The most recent passport of these individuals will be undamaged and able to be sent with the application, issued when an individual was over the age of sixteen, issued within the past fifteen years, and issued with the individuals current name.

Whether an individual is filling out Form DS-82 or DS-11, he or she will not have a hard time with it. They are rather simple documents that ask such questions relating to the date of birth and social security number.. There are a few questions dealing with family history, so it would be wise to be near a phone in case a family member needs to be called.

A passport is a very useful document of identification that every U.S. citizen should possess. The fees for such a document are not very expensive, but some peoples budgets may not allow such a purchase if the documentation is not necessary. Regardless, filling out a USA passport application will not be a difficult task and such forms can be found online. Youll have your passport in no time.

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