Applying for a U.S. Passport and Completing the Passport Application Form 

As one of the many people who are consideringmay find this type of passport best suits your needs.
applying for a U.S. Passport, you'll not be surprised toThe form is broken down very logically asking for
learn that there is a specific application form thatyour name, residence, date of birth, etc. One thing to
must be completed.be sure to notice is how the dates must be entered.
This form is one that you'll want to become veryThe month and day are 2 digit values, but the year
familiar with as it holds the key to a smooth andmust be 4 digits, such as “1975”, not
quick processing of your passport request.“75”. Small mistakes like that can cause your
The form you'll need is called DS-11: Application forapplication to be rejected.
U.S. Passport. It falls under the authority of theA passport photo box is outlined on the left side of
United States Department of State and can bethe form and this is where your official passport
located for download from their web site. This formphotos will be attached. You'll need to have these
is also available to pick up at any of the over 8,000taken at a passport office that is authorized to print
passport acceptance facilities throughout the U.S.  passport photographs, as they must meet strict size
One nice feature of the online version is that you canand setting guidelines.
use your computer to fill in all the blanks. The USLastly, the application form discusses supporting
Department of State web site has this option, whichdocuments that have to be submitted along with the
allows online entry, so the printed copy will be clearform with details on each. Be sure you provide an
and readable. Also, you'll be able to check your workoriginal certified Birth Certificate, Certificate of
carefully before printing, avoiding unnecessary waste.Citizenship or Naturalization Certificate, whichever is
The first part of the DS-11 gives a good explanationapplicable. Copies are not accepted and your original
of other things you'll need to submit with yourdocuments will be returned to you with your
application such as proof of citizenship and otherpassport.
photo identification at time of submittal. ProcessingUnderstanding the passport application form and all its
fees are also discussed so you won't be caughtrequirements will pay off with a speedy and smooth
unprepared for the costs of a passport.  passport process. You'll have your passport within 3
There's also a section which discusses the newto 4 weeks and will be glad you took the time to
"electronic passport" which has become recentlylearn.  You'll soon be helping your friends who also
available. This section gives details on this new typewant a passport and they'll benefit from the time
of passport and discusses the advantages andyou spent.
security features. Take the time to read it all as you