Your Complete Guide to Getting a Passport: Why It Matters and How to Apply

As you prepare for your international vacation, one of the most important steps is making sure you have your passport well in advance. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to secure your passport and travel with peace of mind.  

First, you have the choice to get a passport book, passport card, or both.  

A U.S. passport book allows international air, land, and sea travel worldwide, while a passport card is a smaller, cheaper alternative that is only valid for land and sea entry/exit from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Regardless, it is crucial to have a passport to go on your international adventure.  

The very first thing you need to know is that you can’t apply for a new passport for the first time online. You must go to an authorized passport acceptance facility, including a post office, or another government office. The passport agent will verify your ID, give you an oath, and have you sign the application.

You must bring all of the following documents to the passport acceptance facility. They must be physical copies. A picture will NOT be accepted.

• Start by printing out the DS-11 form and fill in your information.

  • The DS-11 form can be found here: DS-11 Form

• Birth Certificate 

  • Must have the original, official seal or stamp of the government office which issued it.

• Photo ID

  • Fully valid driver’s license with photo

  • If you don’t have a driver's license you must bring 2 of the following: 

    • An employee work ID 

    • A student ID 

    • Social Security Card 

    • Medicare or other health card

    • You must also bring a photocopy of citizenship evidence and photocopy of front and back of your photo ID

• Passport Photo 

  • You must provide one passport photo with your application. This can be done at any business which offers photo services, or you can choose to do it yourself. However, the following rules apply, or your photo will not be accepted: 

    • Must be in color 

    • Taken in the last 6 months 

    • Have a clear image of your face 

    • Can’t be changed using photoshop or artificial intelligence 

    • Look directly into the camera 

    • Take off eyeglasses 

    • Have a white or off-white background 

    • Mouth closed, eyes open

Next, there will be a couple of fees that you are required to pay. You will need to pay 2 different fees. One to the U.S. Department of State and one to the facility where you submit your application.

The facility acceptance fee will be $35, and if you are just getting a passport book, the passport application fee will be $130. If you are getting a passport card, that fee will be $30. If you are getting both, that fee will be $160.

Finally, your passport should arrive within 4–6 weeks.

If you are in need of a passport for a child under the age of 16, you must fill out a DS-11 form for them, as well. You will also need to get their birth certificate, a photocopy of the birth certificate, and a passport photo, just as you did for yourself.

Renewing Your Passport

If you’ve had your passport for more than 10 years, it is time to get it renewed. You can either renew it online or by mail. Renewals must be made 6 months prior to traveling, so make sure you renew in plenty of time!

It is very important to know that there are many websites that claim to help you renew, but will be quick to scam you. These sites often charge unnecessary fees or collect your personal information without actually processing your application. To stay safe, always use the official U.S. Department of State website or going in person to your authorized passport acceptance facility to ensure that nothing goes wrong. 

You must have your most recent passport to get it renewed. You must also make sure that it is or was valid for 10 years.

Online Renewal

Your passport is only eligible for renewal online if:

• The passport you are renewing is expiring within 1 year or has expired less than 5 years ago

• The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years

• You are 25 years of age

Once you have confirmed that your passport is eligible to be renewed, you must create an account on MyTravelGov. Then you will hit the “Go to Passport Renewal” button in the center of your screen. From there, you will begin an application. You will enter your information as it was printed on the passport you are renewing. You have 7 days to complete your application after you start it.

You will also need to take an updated photo for your application to go on your renewed passport. The same rules apply as your previous passport.

For more information on how to renew online, click here: Renew Online.

Renewing by Mail

First, you must fill the DS-82 which can be accessed here: DS-82 Form 

You must send the DS-82 form along with your previous passport, your new photo, and a check or money order for the application fee.

Mailing goes out to the United States Postal Service.

If you live in these states, California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, or Texas, mail your documents to the following address:

National Passport Processing Center

Post Office Box 640155

Irving, TX 75064-0155

If you live in any other state or in Canada, mail your documents to the following address:

National Passport Processing Center

Post Office Box 90155

Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

Securing your passport doesn’t have to be stressful—it just takes a little planning. By gathering the right documents, selecting the type of passport that fits your travel needs, and paying the necessary fees, you’ll avoid last-minute setbacks and be ready to explore the world. Don’t wait until the last minute—apply early so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind. Once your passport is in hand, the only thing left to do is plan the adventure of a lifetime!

For more information on how to renew by mail, click here: Renew by Mail.

Source

Travel.State.Gov - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/