A Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a US Passport

A passport is a document used to present one as a U.S citizen and; that is who you are. You can go from country to country. Thus anyone who wants to have a US passport it should be hard and to some extent it is, but if you take your time to follow the natural process it is not that hard. Let's walk through our step-by-step guide to applying for a US passport explain to you all the information concerning the documents required, the fee, and the process to follow to obtain a smooth US passport.

1. Who Needs A Passport?

Every citizen requires a passport to move from one country to another, particularly to other countries that are in the other part of the world. These are; Visits most countries by; car, boat, plane, etc. Toddlers and babies require papers too. To travel within or out of the United States a valid passport is required for the citizenship of the country. The latter may not allow you entry if your passport's validity is less than six months from the intended date upon arrival.

2. What Documents Are Required?

To apply for a US passport there are various essential documents which one is going to need as follows. These include:

You need a certified copy of your birth certificate, your passport which has been issued earlier in the United States or a certificate of naturalization if you got citizenship in such manner.

Proof of Identity

To gain entry to gamble, you must present a valid ID, such as a driver’s license, a state ID, or a military ID.

You are required to attach one passport photograph that meets certain criteria, such as the size and colour of the background. Most local drug stores or post offices take photos for passports—usually at a cheaper price than other photographers.

One is supposed to have original documents or certified copies and not photocopies.

3. Filling Out the Application

There are two main forms for getting a US passport:

Form DS-11: It is for fresh applicants who have never held a Kenyan passport or the holders of lost or stolen Kenyan passport who were under 16 years of age.

Form DS-82: This form is for those who already have a passport book but need to renew it for one reason or the other.

These forms can be completed online, or one could download, print, complete them by hand then scan them. Ensure that all details required in the process are provided appropriately to help you avoid some forms of hold-up.

4. Where to Submit Your Application

You can submit your application at various places, depending on whether it’s your first time or if you are renewing:

First-time applicants: You must submit your application directly at the passport acceptance offices, which include post offices, libraries, and most courthouses. If you need a passport urgently, you can also apply at a passport agency.

Renewals: If this is a renewal application you have to post the form and documents to the passport office.

However, if you find yourself in a position where you require your passport urgently, you can fast-track the process, but at a cost.

5. Cost of Applying

US passport services have different charges when getting a US passport. Here are the basic costs:

Passport Book (for all international travel): 70 euros for adults and 50 euros for youngsters.

Passport Card (for travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean): $30 for adults and $15 for minors.

Original applicants who come physically also pay a $35 execution fee and other charges, which are explained later in this paper. You'll need to make an additional payment of $60 for the next-day processing. Such a cost should be factored in when applying for a passport.

6. Processing Time

Finding out how long it takes to get a US passport varies. Standard handling usually takes eight to eleven weeks. One option is expedited processing, which generally takes 5 to 7 weeks and is good for people who need their passports faster.

A passport agency lets you make an appointment for emergency processing if you need to travel right away, like for a family situation. It's possible that you'll get your passport in just 72 hours.

7. What to Do After Applying

Once you have submitted your application, there are a few things you can do to track its status:

Online tracking: The status of a passport application can be viewed on the official site of the Department of State. The information added to your application data bank normally reflects within 2 to 3 weeks after applying.

By phone: You can also use the telephone and contact the National Passport Information Center to inquire about the status of your application. Before the application goes through, if there is an illegitimate document or there is a problem with the documents or form, the applicant is notified of the problem.

8. Getting Your Passport

People will give you your passport when it's ready. You could get your passport book and card in different packages if you applied for both. Passports are important papers, so make sure you keep them safely. Finding a new passport after losing or having yours stolen can be a bother because you have to report the lost or stolen passport.

9. Special Situations

There are a few special cases when applying for a passport that you should be aware of:

Children under 16: Both parents/guardians must accompany the child in an application for a passport as a rule of thumb. If one of the parents cannot be there, the one who will not be present should sign the consent form which will have been notarized.

Name changes: If the name you provided when you were admitted has since been changed legally for whatever reason, the Board will require legal proof of the change i.e. a marriage certificate or court order.

Lost or stolen passports: For a lost or stolen passport you must report it as soon as possible. In order to receive a replacement, you will be required to complete Form DS-64 and attach more documents.