Locating A Pass Port Office Is An Easy Task
One of the reasons a passport application is so involved is because a first time passport applicant must apply in person at an official U S passport office. These official offices are normally located inside other government agencies. Although it can be frustrating to have to show up in person, passport centers are often conveniently located at easily accessible community locations.
There is simply no way to get around having to apply person for the first time United States passport applicant. Every form has to be filled out, every i dotted and every t crossed. In addition to all of the forms, there is very specific documentation that must be brought in for the application to be accepted.
This is the only way the government has to track people that are coming in and out of the country so they make sure that it is very thorough. With so many rules in place about national security and international travel, it is no wonder that the government wants anyone that is getting their first passport to go through the process in person. Even though the process can take up some time, the government does try and make it as simple as possible.
People are actually surprised at some of the locations and how convenient that they are. In addition to the local post office, they are also located in other government offices, libraries and county clerk offices. Many times, the passport office is very close to home, but people are not aware that it even exists because they never thought that they would be planning an international trip.
Some of these offices have on site passport photo centers. However, these photo centers are not universal. To be safe, an applicant should always bring passport photos to the office. Normally photo centers are only available at offices that offer expedited services. To check for an office with a photo center in a given region, go on the State Department website and select "photo on-site" in the search filter on the zip-code oriented passport center search page.
Sometimes people have a need to go to one of the regional passport offices. Normally people that need a passport in less than two weeks will have to go to one of the regional offices. These offices are located in major metropolitan cities. Regional offices are located in cities like New York, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and others. A full list of regional centers can be found on the State Department website.
The exception to the in person rule is anyone that is getting a passport renewal. Luckily, the only time that a person has to make the live appearance is when they are getting a new passport. Renewals can be handled online and via the mail. It is advised to use overnight shipping though, just to make sure that the documents are better protected.
