Obtaining A U.S. Passport Made Easy

Posted on 26 July 2010

The information is out there, it’s just organizing it that gives a lot of people problems. One of the first things you need to know, however, is you cannot procrastinate this process. Unless you want to pay extra for an expedited service, you need to start the passport process as soon as possible. The process can take up to three months, so be sure to start plenty of time in advance. An online pasport service is a great way to get new passports, so I’ll be sure to include that.

1. Your passport application form is the place to start and these can be acquired at your local post office or downloaded from an online passport service.

2. Complete your application and if you have downloaded it on your computer, it must be printed on standard letter size paper (8.5 inches by 11 inches) with a matte finish.

3. You will know need to prove your citizenship to the United States. There are a number of ways to do this. Birth certificates, naturalization certificates, international birth records, or a certificate of citizenship. These must be the originals, not copies.

4. Your identity must also be verified and this is done with the submission of a valid driver’s license, previous passport, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, government or military identification.

5. Next, you get to model for the camera! You must obtain two identical passport photos for your passports. Be sure to wear your normal, everyday clothes with nothing covering your head. If you wear glasses or any other semi-permanent addition that alters your wardrobe, wear them. There are plenty of places where you can get these photos taken, including the post office, convenience stores, or photography studios. An acceptable passport photo has: a full-frontal view of the head and face centered in the middle of the photograph with both eyes open, a white of off-white background, adequate lighting as not to create distortions by shadows, and a natural facial expression.

6. Make sure you know your social security number, or have it in an easily-accessible place.

7. The normal cost for a passport is approximately $100 but the cost can increase depending on where you go to apply and if you require expedited delivery service so be sure you have enough cash on hand.

8. You application can be taken to your post office or court house or submitted online. Be sure to consider how soon you need it when determining your need for an expedited passport service.

Well, it might sound like a lot of red tape but getting a passport is easy, especially if you use an online United States passport service. In review, fill out your passport application, provide proof of citizenship and identity, get your passport photos, submit your application with payment and start planning your next trip. A passport is valid for a ten year period so this is a process that you won’t have to go through very often. Remember, a passport is you ticket to world travel and a lifetime of memories.

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