Everyone That's Planning An International Trip Should Be Familiar With United States Passport Requirements
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 States 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 pasport requirements.
If the applicant has never had a passport or their last passport was issued over 15 years ago, get ready to head to the local United States passport office. Minors also always have to be present, as well as their parents. Anyone that has lost their passport of suffered the theft of their passport will also have to go in person to get a new passport.
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 complete 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.
Anyone that has had their passport laminated for protection will have to get another one. This is absolutely forbidden and basically makes the birth certificate useless. The agent must also be able to see the raised stamp on the birth certificate. If that stamp in not present, they will send the applicant on their way to get another one. Everything will also have to be photocopied prior to arriving at the passport office.
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 must 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 parent or parents that are with the child will also have to have the appropriate ID in order for the minor's application to be accepted. Everything will be checked, so make sure that everything is valid and current. The best bet is to bring their current passport as it is the be all and end all of documentation. Also, 2 passport photos must be presented with all of the documentation for the applicant.
