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How to Apply for a Passport |
Some co
untries may require that your passport be valid for up to 6 months after you enter
the country. It will take about 6 weeks to renew or apply and receive a passport.
Please go to
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ to obtain full information, forms, and
shortcuts. The following information is abbreviated from this internet site and is offered as
a checklist and/or reminder, only.
Apply in person if (renewals may be made by mail with form DS-82):
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You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time
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Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
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Your U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago
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Your previous passport has expired and it was issued when you were under 16
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Your name has changed since your passport was issued and you do not have a legal
document formally changing your name.
To apply in person you must:
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Fill out application form DS-11; do not sign until the Agent instructs you to do
so.
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Present proof of U.S. citizenship
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Present proof of identity. Note your Social Security Card does not prove your
identity.
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Provide two passport photos – vending machine photos are not generally
acceptable
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Pay the applicable fee: 16 and older application fee is $55; security surcharge is
$12; and execution fee is $30 = total is $97. At the 14 Passport Agencies payment can be
combined into one payment, payable to “U.S. Department of State” by credit or debit card, or check
(personal, certified, cashiers', travelers') money order or bank draft. At the over 7,000
Passport Acceptance Facilities the application fee and security surcharge are combined and payable
to the "U.S. Department of State" and the execution fee is payable to the facility you are
applying. Verify payment options with Acceptance Facility.
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Provide a Social Security Number
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Go online
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html to locate a Passport
Acceptance Facility
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Most Passport Acceptance Facilities and all Passport Agencies accept applications
only by appointment.
To expedite (2 weeks) your passport application:
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Applications can be made in person at one of the 14 Passport Agencies (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html) by appointment.
You must supply travel date (proof of departure or need for foreign visa).
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Include an additional $60 per application plus overnight delivery costs.
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Two-way overnight delivery is strongly suggested if your expedited request is made
by mail; indicate "Expedited" on the envelope.
Checking the status of your application:
If you cannot find the information you are looking for at
http://travel.state.gov/passport, or
if you have any questions, contact the National Passport Information Center
(1-877-487-2778).
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