Getting Your American Passport For The First Time Won't Have To Be Hard
There was a time when traveling to places like Canada or Mexico was as simple as hopping in the car and going, but those days are long gone. Now, anyone crossing a border is looking at getting a new passport for the first time in their lives. Anyone who has never had to do this should know right off the bat that it is not something that can usually be handled in a few minutes.
When getting a passport for the first time, there are some basic tips that will go a long way in making sure that the process only has to be gone through once and that it takes place as fast as possible. While there are forms and such that can be downloaded over the Internet, this is mostly an in-person process. Knowing where go and what to have is half the battle.
First, the U.S. Department of State website is the best place to find up to date information regarding the new U S passport application process. The State Department website is the best place to begin any passport application process. Any first time applicant should check out the State Department's passport page prior to the application.
The first thing that needs to be done is to get a passport photo. This can be done at a variety of places and some passport application centers also offer this service. The pictures are generally very cheap to get done and are usually returned on the spot in the right size to be submitted with the passport application.
Passport photos are supposed to be done in a very specific manner. For instance, no uniforms are permitted to be worn in the picture. The applicant should wear clothing that would be similar to what they would travel in to avoid any questions when the passport is used. If they wear glasses or any other devices, it is best to have them on in the picture to show the exact likeness that will be portrayed when traveling.
Next, it is important to acquire all of the relevant documentation. The applicant must bring one ID card to the application center. The following are valid forms of ID: a driver's license, a military card, or any other government issued ID card. The applicant must also bring a copy of this ID card. Next, the applicant must provide a certificate of citizenship. This is normally a valid birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization. The applicant must also bring a photocopy of this document.
When all of the materials are gathered, then it is time to go to the actual processing center. A quick search on the Internet will show all application centers, but many people just use their local post office. Make note that not all post offices process passport applications, but most major locations will do this. All of this information is available right on the USPS website.
