There was a time when traveling to places like Canada or Mexico was as simple as hopping in the car and going, but those days are long gone. Now, anyone crossing a border is looking at getting your USA passport for the first time in their lives. Anyone who has never had to do this should know right off the bat that it is not something that can usually be handled in a few minutes.
Getting a passport for the first time requires the applicant to follow some specific steps. First time applicants must apply in person at a government sponsored application center. However, certain things must be taken care of prior to the in-person application.
First, all of the information that is needed is available on the State Departments Web site. While we try to cover everything here, laws do change and it is always best to make sure that the information obtained is the most recent. Otherwise, there is the risk of getting to the application center and not having everything that is needed.
The very first thing that has to be done is to get a passport photo taken. The dimensions of the picture are very specific, so only places that specialize in this type of photo should be used. The Internet is a great place to check and just plugging in a term like “passport photos Philadelphia” will give plenty of locations to have the photos taken.
Passport photos must be taken in street attire. The applicant should not smile in the photograph. Applicants that typically wear eyeglasses, a hearing device, a wig, or any other unique device that is worn daily should be sure to wear this item in the photograph. Passport photos should not be taken in any sort of uniform.
Next, it is important to acquire all of the relevant documentation. The applicant must bring one ID card to the application center. The following are valid forms of ID: a driver’s license, a military card, or any other government issued ID card. The applicant must also bring a copy of this ID card. Next, the applicant must provide a certificate of citizenship. This is normally a valid birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization. The applicant must also bring a photocopy of this document.
When all information is finally together, the trip to the application center can finally be made. The USPS is a common outlet for passport application centers, but not all post offices accept applications. It is best to go on their website and search under government services to see the post office that is located the closest that can perform this service.
Obtaining An American Passport for the first time can be a little trying for someone that has never done it before, but it really is not that difficult. The trick is in making sure that all documentation is valid and meets the guidelines that have been set forth by the State Department. If everything is in line, your new USA passport will be sent out about two months after the application has been accepted.