Today, we are answering our most asked question: How do I apply for a passport? Applying for a passport can be a daunting task. Let’s face it. Many people need more time to know the ins and outs and all of the government mumbo jumbo that you have to cipher through. Hopefully, this blog will ease your research load. We guide you through the processes of the most common passport applications.
Applying for a New Passport
Apply for a New Passport if at least one of the following is true:
- You are applying for your first U.S. passport
- if your passport was issued when you were under 16 or if you are under the age of 16
- Your Previous U.S. passport expired more than 15 years ago
- Your Passport was damaged, lost, stolen
If you meet at least one of those statements, you must apply for your using Form DS-11. You will also be required to provide extra documentation and evidence to verify your identity. Remember, you must apply in person if you are applying for a new passport.
Requirements include the following:
- DS-11 application form printed and filled out, but NOT signed ( You must have an employee witness your signature)
- Proof of U.S Citizenship ( a photocopy including the front and back of the document)
- Proof of identity (a photocopy including the front and back of the document)
- A passport photo that meets the U.S Department of State’s requirements for passport photos
- Payment: Post Offices will accept credit cards, checks, and money orders for acceptance fees, but you will also need a check or money order written out to the “U.S Department of State.”
Applying In Person
You must submit your application at a Passport Acceptance Facility to verify your identity. A Passport Acceptance facility is usually a Courthouse, Clerk of Court, Post Office, Library, University, or other municipal building.
A passport acceptance facility search page is on the U.S. Department of State website. The search engine lets you put in your zip code to find a place that does passports near you. The search page also has phone numbers, operating hours, and appointments.
Applying For a Passport Renewal
You may qualify for a passport renewal if:
1. Your passport must be in your possession to submit your application.
2. The passport must be undamaged except for regular wear and tear.
3. Your passport must have been issued at 16 or older. If you are under 16, you must apply for a new passport.
4. The passport must have been issued less than 15 years ago.
5. It was issued in your current name, or you can provide documents to affirm the name change.
You will apply for a passport renewal if you meet all of these requirements. For a passport renewal, you must apply using Form DS-82. There is an online form filler on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Next, Once the form is complete, print it and sign it.
Applying for a Passport Renewal
Post offices are the usual way to renew a passport. You can make an appointment through their website or self-help kiosk. Remember, that you may need more time to get an appointment because post offices receive many applications. Keep this in mind when planning a time-sensitive trip.
Prepare Your Application Documents
- You need to find your old passport, which you will need to send with your application.
- Include name change documents, like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change document.
- Calculate your fees. You can calculate your fees here. You must pay with a check or money order. The check must be sent to the “U.S. Department of State.”
Take a Passport Photo
You must submit a passport photo that meets these requirements:
- Your passport photo must have been taken six months or less from the time you submitted your application
- The dimensions must be in a 2” X2” format
- You must print the photo on glossy or matt paper
- Printed in color
- You must take your photo in front of a plain, white, or off-white background.
- No one may digitally alter the photo.
You should staple the photo to the application using four staples vertically in the corners. Try to get the staples as close to the outer edges as possible.
Sending in your Application
Now that you have all of your documents, you must put them in an envelope that will fill all of the documents without folding or creasing them. You should set the address to the location of your state.
Child Passports
Minors under 16 are required to apply using a DS-11 form. Applicants cannot submit a DS-11 application through mail or online and must apply in person, with parent(s) or legal guardian(s) present.
If the applicant is 16 or 17, they will likely need to fill out a DS-11 form. The exception is if the applicant obtains a 10-year passport and needs renewal. Applicants must apply using a DS-82 form to apply for their passport renewal. They must renew their passports by mail.
For more information, read our blog “How to Apply for a Child Passport.”
Do You Need Your Passport Fast?
The U.S. Department of State contracts private couriers, like The Passport Office, to provide expedited services. The Passport Agency is for those who dislike taking risks with their pertinent travel documentation. We offer concierge passport expediting services near you, so no matter your travel predicament, we can help you when you’re in a bind. With our fastest processing speed, we can guarantee the delivery of your passport within three business days! Apply at our Tampa passport agency today!
