| Many people postpone trips overseas because they | | | | the expedited service and you will have to pay |
| do not want to fill out a US government passport | | | | overnight shipping costs. |
| application. What they don’t know is that the | | | | Photographs: When you fill out your application, you |
| application process is actually simple. Even if you are | | | | will need to submit two photographs of yourself. |
| not planning to leave the country any time soon, it is | | | | There are very specific requirements for the |
| advisable to get a passport just in case. | | | | photographs. It is a good idea to have these done |
| Finding the application: The US Department of | | | | by a professional photographer or the passport |
| State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website | | | | office to make sure the requirements are met. |
| should be the first place you visit. It has all the | | | | Form DS-82: If you want to submit your passport |
| information you need about applying for a passport. | | | | application by mail, you will need to fill out Form |
| At this website, you can print out the application. | | | | DS-82. Follow the instructions carefully and write |
| You can also type in your address and find passport | | | | clearly. In addition to the form, you will need to |
| offices in your area. | | | | send the two photographs, your old passport, and |
| Submitting the application: If you are a minor, are | | | | documentation of name changes. |
| applying for your first passport, got your last | | | | Form DS-11: If you have never had a passport |
| passport more than 15 years ago, or do not have | | | | before or are completing the application on behalf of |
| your current passport for any reason, you will need | | | | a minor, you will need Form DS-11. In the case of |
| to go to a passport office to submit your | | | | minors, both parents and the child need to go to the |
| application. If you have your current passport and it | | | | office. This form cannot be submitted by mail. |
| is less than 15 years old, you can submit your | | | | You will need to bring your passport photographs, |
| application by mail. | | | | proof of US citizenship, and proof of identity. |
| How long it takes: If you have a time-sensitive | | | | Completing a US government passport application is |
| situation that requires a passport, you will need to | | | | an easy and beneficial process. You never know |
| turn in your application very early. It generally takes | | | | when you are going to need to leave the country. |
| about four to six weeks to get your passport. Try | | | | It may seem like a lot of information to think about, |
| to plan ahead so that you do not have to worry | | | | but it is actually quite simple. If you need to get a |
| about getting your passport in time. | | | | passport, make sure you plan ahead and apply well in |
| Expedited passports: You can get your passport | | | | advance so you get it in time. Once the application |
| application expedited if you are in a hurry. If you | | | | is completed, your part is done and they will send |
| opt to do this, your passport will arrive in two to | | | | you your new passport. |
| three weeks. There is an additional $60 fee to use | | | | |