What You Should Know: Get a Passport Now

Getting your passport can be a tedious anddocumentation. To get this information you can either
complicated process. If you need to get a passporthire a professional passport service or you can do
now, you will find that it is even more complicated.your own research.
While there are expedited passport services, you willYou will need specific types of applications and forms
want plenty of time to insure you do qualify forto get a passport now rather than later. While these
expedited services. Knowing what you need to knowdocuments and applications can be found online, you
for these services will insure you are on the rightwill want to insure you use the right ink, the right
path for getting the documentation necessary for aprinter, and have all of your information certified and
speedy and quick transaction.accurate.
Should you apply in person?Application for Passport, Form DS-11, is the current
There are many people who ask this question, andapplication ever person must fill out or have filled out
the answer is simply stated: it depends. Notfor them. Even infants are required to have an
everyone has to apply in person, and just becauseaccurate and completed application. However, do
you have to apply in person does not mean youNOT sign the DS-11 application form unless you are
cannot use the help of those offering passporttold to do so by a Passport Acceptance Agent! If
services. However, if you have to apply in person,you sign the form beforehand, you will have to fill
you should definitely be prepared to be physicallyout the form again. This form is easily downloaded
involved in the application process.via the internet.
Answer these questions:Remember, you will need present proof of US
-- Is this your first time applying for a US passport?citizenship to obtain a US passport. You are required
-- Was your previous US passport stolen, damaged,to send original documents or certified and authentic
or lost?copies issued by the appropriate department. You will
-- Were you issued your previous US passportget your documentation back. You will need two
before the age of 16?basic forms of identification: certified birth certificate
-- Has your previous US passport expired?or previous US passport that is in good condition.
-- Did your previous passport expire over 15 yearsThere are numerous ways to insure you get a
ago?passport now rather than later. These passports will
-- Has your name changed since your last passportinsure your safety and security when traveling out of
was issued?and into the country. While your situation may vary,
If you answered yes to any of these questions, youyou will find that this is these rules will suit the
will have to apply for your US passport in person. Ifmajority of individuals. Be sure you investigate the
you do need to get a passport now rather thanpossibilities and are aware of updated laws and
later, you will need to apply quickly and be preparedregulations.
with all the right verifications, biometrics, and