Applying For a US Passport in Person

by Chris D 2006

Who Should Apply for a US Passport in Person?

Here are the conditions on who should get a passport in person:

– If the person is applying for the first time to get a United States (US) passport
– If the person is below the age of 16
– If the person’s previous US passport was damaged, lost, or stolen
– If the person’s previous US passport was released for over 15 years
– If the person’s name had changed after his US passport was released

What are the Steps in Applying for a US Passport in Person?

First step on how to apply for a US passport is to submit in person the completed “Form DS-11: Application for a United States Passport. ” Form DS-11 should be requested personally in Passport Agency or Acceptance Facility.

Do not sign the form until the acceptance agent said so. Also, social security number is important.

Second step to apply for a passport is to provide evidence that the applicant is a US citizen. Together with Form DS-11, all documents in relation to proof of US citizenship should be submitted.

One of the primary documents accepted as evidence of US Citizenship should be submitted:

– Old and undamaged US passport
– Birth certificate issued and certified by city, state or county
– Naturalization certificate
– Consular report of birth abroad or birth certificate
– Certificate of citizenship

Third step on how to apply for a US passport is to provide proof of identification.

One of the primary identification should be presented:
– Old and undamaged US passport
– Unexpired driver’s license
– Naturalization certificate
– Recent government ID (whether federal, state or city)
– Recent military ID (if belonging to the military or a dependent)

If applying with an out-of-state identification, the applicant must submit another valid ID.

The fourth step on how to apply for a US passport is to photocopy the submitted identification documents.

The photocopy should be on a white, 8 1/2 x11 inches standard paper that is clear and free of any marking. The image may be enlarged but it cannot be reduced to a smaller size.

Next step is to pay the appropriate fee for the US passport application.

It is also a requirement to submit two recent passport photos in order to apply for a passport. Make sure that the following conditions are met by the passport photos:

– Identical
– Colored
– 2×2 inches
– Shows current appearance and taken within the past six months
– Front view, full face with a white background
-The shot should show 1 to 1 and 3/8 inches of the chin up to the head.
– Photo taken should be in casual attire. No uniforms are allowed in photos except for religious clothing worn every day. Also, wearing of any headgear or hat is not allowed.

In case an applicant needs a US passport right away such as a need to travel abroad within two weeks or a requirement for foreign visa application within four weeks, schedule an appointment with the Regional Passport Agency.

Also, check out and review how to apply for a US passport and the special requirements for minor applicants (below age 16 and age 16 and 17) and for official, diplomatic and no-fee regular US passport applicants.