There is a different online passport application for those applying for their initial passport than for those renewing a passport. A person applying for an initial passport completes the DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport. Someone who is renewing a passport may renew via mail if certain requirements are met. In this case, the person will complete Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail. The application may be downloaded from the U.S. Department of State or private passport processing company Web sites.
Obtaining the application online is by far the easiest way and for those who are more computer-savvy, completing the application online is recommended. Once completed, the application should be printed out and submitted in-person to the proper agent in order to be processed. Additional documentation must be provided with the application.
More items will be needed to be gathered to accompany the online passport application when it is submitted. These are mainly forms of identification and are usually easy to obtain. A copy of a birth certificate and driver’s license are the standard two forms that are requested first by the issuing agency.
The birth certificate needs to be one that has a seal on it from the city, county or state of birth of the applicant. The issuing agency will not accept any other type including certified copies and this can easily be obtained from the local courthouse records division from where they were born. The driver’s license or a state issued ID card, if that is what the applicant has, must be no less than 6 months old or it will not be accepted on its own.
Some applicants may not possess any of this primary identification. In this case, Secondary identification should be provided in combination and may include a Social Security card, identification card provided by an employer, library card, and credit card. A witness may also present him or herself and complete an affidavit form. The witness must have known the applicant for at least two years and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
The documentation requirements are listed on the government and service provider Web sites. There are many alternatives if the first set of requested documentation is not available, so read carefully. These Web sites also list the various fees involved for passport processing and all additional fees charged by private service companies. Compare private companies in order to find a reputable one that offers low fees.
The applicant should then make an in-person visit to the post office or passport agency for application verification, if required, and then package all documents and sent them off for processing. The package should include two photos that will be used in the new passport. These photos must adhere to certain specifications, so check the provider or government Web site for guidance.
Downloading an Online U.S. Passport Application and completing it either electronically or by hand will save some time. Any questions related to the application will be answered from the processing company’s customer service representatives. The entire passport application is made quick and easy by taking advantage of technology. The new pass port will arrive within no time and the traveler will be equipped to take that dream vacation abroad.