Make Sure You Are Ready Before You Go To Get Your New American Passport

Regardless of the type of passport-related transaction you’re going to do, you should always make it a point to know the requirements on getting a new pasport. This is important because knowing what you need to do beforehand helps you save a lot of time. It becomes even more important when you need to make a personal appearance at the passport office. You don’t want to travel there only to waste half of your time trying to figure out what to do next.

In this article, we’ll be dealing with getting a new passport. So if you want a quick and easy guide to understand this subject, then you have come to the right place. Read on and learn more about it.

First, let’s deal with those applying for a new us passport. If you’ve never had a passport before, then you will be required to fill in the DS-11 form. Your requirements don’t stop here, of course. You will also have to submit other pieces of information for your passport application.

For one, you need to establish your US citizenship. When establishing your citizenship, you have to present US-issued documents such as the following: your birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, and certificate of naturalization. Or, if you were born abroad, the consular report on your birth would suffice. Present any of these documents along with the DS-11. Your document will then be returned to you along with your US passport. Other times, your document may be mailed separately.

Aside from the DS-11 and your proof of citizenship, you’ll also need to present an ID when you appear in person. In addition, you need to have that ID photocopied and submit it with the other requirements. You will also have to submit two passport photos. And finally, you will need to pay the applicable fees.

Now let’s deal with renewing your US passport. You need to have your passport renewed once it expires. You can then request for passport renewal by mail if you fill in Form DS-82. However, if you are based abroad, you will have to visit the nearest US embassy or consulate to have your passport renewed. Simply submit it to them and they will help you with what you need.

Finally, there’s the passport card. You can use the passport card when traveling to these Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative areas: Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico. If you currently have a US passport, or at least were a previous passport holder, then you can apply for a passport card by mail. Simply fill in Dorm DS-82 then send it by mail. Otherwise, you will have to submit the DS-11 form in person.

In sum, there are just two types of passport forms you need to be familiar with when you apply for a new United States passport. First is the DS-11, which you’ll use when you are applying for a passport for the first time. On the other hand, the DS-82 is meant for passport-related transactions you can conduct by mail. The same rule applies when you are applying for a passport card.