| It is as easy as one-two-three when you are | | | | copies be made of your personal identification. One |
| applying for a passport. Step by step guidelines online | | | | of these must be a photo ID. State identifications |
| will help you start the process. | | | | cards, military IDs, employee badges and a valid |
| When: Since the application process can be lengthy, | | | | current drivers license are accepted. Birth certificates |
| experts recommend that you apply for your | | | | must be certified and have an embossed seal and |
| passport at least six months before your expected | | | | signature. If your name has changed because of a |
| departure date. Occasionally special circumstances | | | | divorce or marriage you will need those documents |
| require that you get a passport sooner. Passport | | | | as well. |
| Agencies and Passport Acceptance Facilities can help | | | | Passport Photos: Modern technology has given many |
| guide you through this special process. | | | | Passport Acceptance Facilities the ability to take your |
| Where: Larger cities have Passport Agency offices to | | | | required passport photos at the same time you |
| assist people with passport applications. Smaller | | | | schedule your appointment. Some people print their |
| towns generally have Passport Acceptance Facilities. | | | | own two in by two in passport photos using a digital |
| Many Acceptance Facilities are located in post offices, | | | | camera and a quality printer. |
| libraries, clerk of court offices and other government | | | | Status: Travel.State.Gov has a special page where |
| and township locations. website will provide you with | | | | you can track the status of your passport application. |
| the closest place to apply for your passport by | | | | You will have to wait seven days before you can |
| typing in your zip code. It is necessary to make an | | | | check on your application. It takes at least that long |
| appointment with these agencies. Call before you go. | | | | to get your application started. |
| Forms: When you first apply for a passport you will | | | | Denial: The Internal Revenue Service will deny you a |
| need to fill out form DS-11. This form is available | | | | passport if you owe back taxes. The Department of |
| online or at any passport agency or facility. The form | | | | Health and Human Services will also deny you a |
| must be filled out using black ink and you must print. | | | | passport if you owe $2,500 or more in back child |
| Filling out the form online allows you to print the form | | | | support. It is very hard to resolve these issues once |
| with all of your information neatly typed out. Be sure | | | | you have applied for a passport. |
| to make copies of your application. Occasionally | | | | Applying for a passport early will ensure that your |
| having a copy of the form is handy during the | | | | vacation abroad will be everything you imagined it |
| application process. | | | | would be. |
| Documentation: All passport applications require that | | | | |