Travel and leisure

If you’re Obtaining A Passport for the first time, you might confused regarding all these pieces of information you need and the forms you need to fill. Don’t let that dampen your spirits. In this article, we’ll show you in simple terms how you can get your first passport.

Of course, you’ll need to fill out the passport application form before anything else. The form you’ll need is Form DS-11. Aside from people getting their first passports, this is also the type of form filled in by applicants who are under 16 years old, those who had their names changed after their last passport’s been issued, to name a few examples. Another thing you need to remember is that you will be required to appear personally when applying for a passport the first time.

There are special requirements to obtaining a New Passport that need to be met by applicants who are minors, those under 18 years old. For minors under the age of 16, you will be required to appear personally along with your parents or guardians. You must also show proof of your citizenship, as well as a proof of your relationship with your parents or guardians.

In the case of passport applicants aged 16 -17, there are also special requirements, although much fewer than those required of applicants under 16. For one, you will be required to supply a photocopy of the ID you will present when you’re applying for a passport. You will also need a copy of the parental consent, written of course by your parents. To save time, make sure you already have these requirements ready even before you go out of the house to apply for a passport.

For applicants who are of legal age, you will only be asked for the completed DS-11, plus other documents that are normally required of all passport applicants. These are documents that aim to establish your identity as well as your citizenship. Only sign the DS-11 form once you are instructed to do so.

You may wondering where to get a copy of the Form DS-11. You can download it from the US Department of States’ website. The choice is yours whether fill it up online and submit it, or print out the form and fill it in by hand.

It may take time to process your passport application. Currently, the processing times are around four to six weeks. But what if you need to have a passport ready in less than four weeks? You have the option of choosing an expedited passport application, which allows for quicker processing times. Should you need to travel to another country in less than two weeks, you’re advised to choose this option. An expedited application is also ideal for those who need a passport in four weeks for a foreign visa application.

Now you know that Obtaining A United States Passport for the first time isn’t that complicated after all. There are clear steps for you to take which allows you to choose between the routine application process and an expedited one.