Getting a first passport is a rite of a passage, one that used to be experienced primarily by the well-to-do. Prior to the horrific events of 9-11, the United States and many other countries had fairly lenient travel document requirements with other recognized friendly countries. While documenting one’s identity and applying for a passport is more detailed and now required for almost all travel abroad, the process is actually pretty straightforward. Let us take a look at what is necessary to meet U.S. passport requirements.
Any first time applicant will have to make a personal appearance at a government passport office. There are also several other situations that will require the person to go to the office in person. Minors will always have to be presented at the office and anyone that is trying to replace a lost or stolen document will have to go to the passport office.
The one form that everyone has to fill out is the DS-11. In addition to this form, several other pieces of documents must be presented in person. The main reason for this is that the passport agency needs to check ID and make sure that the signature matches the documents that are presented. For this reason, do not sign anything until you actually get to the passport office. The forms can be filled out, but nothing should be signed until an agent is present.
Come to the visit prepared with evidence of U.S. Citizenship. It is a required part of the interview process and all of the documents will be given back to the owner. Several items can be used a proof of citizenship with a certified or officially stamped birth certificate being the most common for first time participants. Other acceptable paperwork includes a certification of birth from a Consulate, a certificate of citizenship or a naturalization certificate. Submitting a social security number is also a necessity.
Anyone that has had their passport laminated for protection will have to get another one. This is absolutely forbidden and basically makes the birth certificate useless. The agent must also be able to see the raised stamp on the birth certificate. If that stamp in not present, they will send the applicant on their way to get another one. Everything will also have to be photocopied prior to arriving at the passport office.
If the person seeking the passport document is a minor, there are some additional requirements that must be followed. The young person’s proof of citizenship must accompany him or her, and both parents or guardians must be with the child at the in person visit. If only one adult has legal custody then the non-custodial birth parent does not have to be there.
The parents will also need to have current ID with them. This is another must have as the agent cannot process the documents for the minor without the parents checking out first. If the parents have a passport, this is the best piece of ID that they can use. In addition to all of this documentation, two passport photos will also be needed for every applicant.
One of the reasons that acquiring a passport takes so long is because of the all of the documents that are needed to get approved. Sometimes a birth certificate cannot be found and a new one must be ordered. It is unlikely that current passport photos are lying around and this means another trip. However, as long as all American passport requirements are met and the photos are current (within 6 months), everything should go smoothly at the American passport office.