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Last Updated On: March 20, 2024 | Published On: January 8, 2021
One of the most valuable documents in the world is the U.S. passport. With it, there are only a few places you can’t travel to, and, when you’re abroad, it can sometimes protect you. If you don’t have one, this post will help you learn what you need to get a U.S. passport.
Although we all want one, only U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals are eligible for a U.S. passport. A U.S. national is someone from American Samoa or Swain’s Island.
If you are not currently a U.S. citizen, you can go through the naturalization process and receive a U.S. passport as soon as you complete the process.
If you are eligible, the process to get a U.S. passport is fairly simple.
Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport, is the only form needed for those applying for a U.S. passport for the first time. To fill out the form, you need to have responses to the following topics:
It’s important to know that only the top half should be filled out by the applicant on the first page and then continue on the second page of the application. After you’ve filled out the form, make sure you do not sign it.
The U.S. State Department allows you to fill out the form online using their form filler tool.
Along with your DS-11, you need to submit the following documents:
The State Department requires primary evidence of citizenship but will accept secondary evidence if primary evidence isn’t available.
The State Department states the following as primary evidence:
The following are examples of secondary evidence:
If you submit one of the two options for secondary evidence, you must also submit early public records. These public records need to have the applicant’s full name, birth date, and place of birth. The following are examples of early public records:
Find out whether Babies Need Passports for U.S. Immigration.
If you become a U.S. citizen due to a parent naturalizing, make sure to submit your foreign birth certificate that lists your parents, your parent’s naturalization certificate, and a copy of your green card.
When submitting citizenship evidence, make sure it is a photocopy of the original document or certified copy.
If you’re over 18, you must submit a physical photo identification and a photocopy of the identification. Primary photo identification includes one of the following:
Digital identification is not accepted.
If you don’t have primary photo identification, you need to submit at least two secondary photo identification examples. Examples of secondary photo identification include:
Although a simple application, the most burdensome part of the DS-11 is submitting the photo placed in your passport.
Your passport photo’s basic requirements are that it be taken in the last six months, with a clear white background, neutral expression, accurate color, and nothing obscuring the face, including glasses and hats.
To avoid having your application delayed due to an unacceptable photo, it is best to pay to have the photos at the many businesses that offer passport photo services due to the more technical requirements. The technical requirements of your photo are:
Questions about attire are raised all the time. You should wear the kind of attire you wear daily. The following are items you can’t wear:
For first time applicants, the U.S. passport fee is $145. The fees are broken down as follows:
The U.S. takes the distribution of a passport to a minor very seriously to avoid any situation where a child receives a passport without one of the parents or guardians knowing. Both parents of a minor under the age of 16 need to provide consent for that minor to receive a passport and must be present when submitting the application.
The process is similar to a normal application where the same DS-11 form is required. The same citizenship and identification documents are required. However, additional documents need to be submitted proving the parental relationship with the minor. Both parents also need to bring both original and photocopies of photo identification for the minor’s application.
The photo requirements are the same. However, you can place a baby on the ground on top of a white background for the photo.
Fees are reduced for minors. If your child is under 16 years old, the total fees are $115. The fees breakdown to $80 for the application fee and $35 for the execution fee.
Children 16 and 17 years old go through the same process as an adult and pay the same fees as an adult. The only extra thing they need to submit is a signed, notarized statement for their parent or guardian saying they are aware of the application. There is no need for a signed, notarized statement if the parent accompanies the child to submit the application.
If you are in the U.S., there are many acceptance facilities to submit your passport application. Many post offices offer this service. The best way to see the nearest acceptance facility is to use the State Department’s Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page and enter your zip code and desired radius.
It is currently taking 10-12 weeks to process U.S. passport applications.
If you’re in a rush, it is possible to expedite your U.S. passport application. You can expedite your application with a 4–6 week timeframe or even as fast as 3 business days.
If you’re traveling within the next 4—10 weeks, you can have your passport application expedited at any passport acceptance facility. You must be in the U.S. to have the passport expedited and pay an additional $60 fee.
If your travel is in less than 4 weeks and you have urgent travel plans, you can have your application processed in 3 business days by getting an appointment at a passport agency.
If you have a life or death emergency of an immediate family member that requires you to travel within 72 hours, you can get your passport expedited by calling 1-877-487-2778 Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern time. The State Department defines a life or death emergency as one of the following:
The State Department considers an immediate family member as a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, child, or grandparent.
With your application, you need to submit the following documents to receive a life or death expedition:
You can check your application status 14 days after submitting it. The best tool to use is the online tracking tool. All you need to submit is your last name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
If you’re applying for a U.S. passport for the first time outside the country, the process is the same. The only differences are that the fees are different, and your place to submit your application is different. Check with the local consulate or embassy for fees and location.
The passport card is the little known alternative to the U.S. passport book. The card is a wallet-size card similar to other photo identification cards. However, the card doesn’t have the full privileges the book has.
You can only use the card at sea and land border crossings traveling from the following areas:
You cannot use the card for international air travel.
The fee for the passport book is $65.
It is important to remember that to receive a U.S. passport you must be a citizen. If you need help with the citizenship process make sure to contact VisaNation Law Group's expert attorneys.
Tags: Immigration Forms, Processing Time
