If you are a citizen of the United States and you want to travel outside the country, you will need a passport. In past years, you could travel to Canada and Mexico without a passport, but they are required now for extended stays. Even if you are under the age of 14, you are still required to possess a passport. Before beginning the process, you should know where to get a passport and all the steps involved.
Obtaining a passport is a fairly simple procedure. However, there is required information that you will need. Proof of citizenship and proof of ID are required. You will also need to fill out a government application form and supply some passport photos.
Don’t procrastinate. Start the passport application as early as possible. The process can take some time. You need to gather the information, get the photographs taken, fill out the forms, and get to a passport acceptance facility. This all takes a little planning and time.
How long will the entire process take from beginning to the end? The average time varies but it is usually around 6 weeks. If you want to give the government a little extra cash, approximately $60, you can request expedited service. This cuts the time down to around two or three weeks. There may be a few other fees so check before requesting this service. You don’t want to spend all your money before you leave!
Your next step in the process is finding out where to get a passport. You may get a passport at government buildings across the country. District courts, post offices, municipal courts and municipal offices are some of the locations to check. You might want to check with the United States passport service online for the nearest location. There are nearly 7000 passport acceptance facilities across the country so you will be sure to find one near your house. In addition, you will find some sites online that offer passports. Please check these sites out carefully prior to sending any money or personal information.
If this is your first application for a passport, you will need to apply in person. If you lost your passport and are applying for a new one, you will also need to go to a passport acceptance facility in person. If you are renewing your passport and you were older than 16 when you obtained the lost one, it may be possible to do that through the mail. Even if you are doing it by mail, the process can still take 6 weeks or more. So, you must still remember to plan ahead so you make certain to have your passport in time for your trip.
Before you head out to one of the passport acceptance facilities, it is smart to call ahead and check on their procedures. For some offices, you need to make a scheduled appointment. Calling before you go can save time and hassles.
Obtaining a passport is absolutely necessary if you want to travel to a foreign country. You Need To Know where to get a USA Passport that makes the process smoother and easier. Start the American passport application process early and you will have it in plenty of time for that big trip abroad.