| A passport is one of the most important documents | | | | are also acceptable. All documents which verify |
| any U.S. citizen should have, although many people | | | | citizenship must be sent in with your application, so |
| are yet to take the time to apply. With the change in | | | | you may wish to contact the county registrar's |
| security awareness throughout the world, and | | | | office in which you were born for two certified |
| especially in the U.S., the need for a verified means | | | | copies, so you'll have a spare to keep for yourself. |
| of identification has become more and more | | | | All passports require that two photographs be |
| evident. Also, it's very possible that a U.S. passport | | | | included with your application. These must be 2x2 |
| may one day be the document which replaces all | | | | inches in size and the layout is very specific. Your |
| current forms of picture verified identification. | | | | first time application for a U.S. passport must be |
| There are some basic steps for applying for a | | | | presented in person, so select a passport office |
| passport for the first time. They can be a bit time | | | | which also takes passport photos. |
| consuming, but once you've gathered all the required | | | | Passport application fee are currently $75.00 with an |
| documentation and submitted the forms, an adult | | | | additional $25.00 execution fee. Also passport offices |
| passport is good for a full 10 years. Renewal is much | | | | will charge between $10.00 and $20.00 to take your |
| easier and you'll find that having a passport for your | | | | photograph. Expedited processing requests can also |
| travels will smooth your way through security lines. | | | | run another $60.00. Fees may change in the future |
| The application form for a U.S. passport is called a | | | | so always check with the passport personnel to |
| DS-11 - "Application for a U.S. Passport." It's available | | | | verify current charges. |
| either via the internet from the web site of the U.S. | | | | Once you have your passport, you'll find that this |
| Department of State, or can be picked up at any | | | | important document will come in handy for any |
| authorized passport office. Post offices frequently | | | | situation which requires a secure and verified proof |
| have the form available as do city libraries, | | | | of your citizenship and identity. You'll be glad that you |
| government or township offices. | | | | took the time to apply for a U.S. passport and may |
| You'll need an original, certified copy of your birth | | | | just find yourself encouraging others to do so too! |
| certificate to prove citizenship. Naturalization papers | | | | |