Travel - How to Get a Passport

If you are a citizen of the United States, getting a passport is really a rather simple matter. Basically there are about seven steps in the entire process.

Step 1: Gather the documentation that you will need in order to complete the forms and submit with the forms. The documentation that you will need consists of:

1. A certified birth certificate that was issued in the United States by the city, county, or state where you were born. The birth certificate MUST

be an official version and have a notary seal on it.

2. Records of your birth if you were born abroad.

3. Naturalization certificate

4. Certificate of citizenship

5. Social Security Card

Step 2: Get the required forms. These can be found at most post office locations, or they can be downloaded from the internet on the U.S. Department of State website. The forms are free.

Step 3: Fill out the forms completely and accurately. You MUST use black ink, and the paper must be white and the standard 8 ” x 11″ size with no perforations. The information must be clearly PRINTED.

Step 4: Get a photograph. Actually, you need to have two photographs. A snapshot will not do. You can have passport photos taken at many post offices and even some convenience stores. Wear regular clothing. Do not wear a uniform or cover your head.

Step 5: Get the money together that you will need to pay when you submit the application. The price of a passport varies; a passport card for a child under 16 years old totals only $35, but a passport book for an adult costs $100 right now, and prices do change.

Step 6: Submit the completed forms with the required documentation and money as directed.

Step 7: When your passport arrives (it usually takes between two weeks and two months), take it to the passport office nearest you and provide them with your expected date of departure.

Travel - How to Get a Passport