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How to Get a Passport – Apply For A US Passport – Full Guide

How to Get a Passport – whenever someone wants to travel to another country either for tourism purposes, business or immigration, you require a specific identification document which is called a passport. 

Even if you are a citizen of the United States, you will require A passport to visit nearby countries, including Mexico. A passport is your international I.D. which allows you to enter another country, and other countries issue visas based on your passport.

Now the big question comes how to get a passport? If you are looking for an answer to this question, then kindly keep reading the article, and we will explain every single thing regarding a fresh passport in the United States of America.

Kindly remember we will only talk about how you can apply for a fresh U.S. passport. 

Eligibility for U.S. passport

Just like any other passport in the world, you have to be eligible to apply for a fresh U.S. passport. There are three types of people who can apply for a U.S. passport: the first is a U.S. citizen by birth.

The other two types are naturalization and being a U.S. National. If you do not fall under any category, then you are not eligible to apply for a U.S. passport. 

How to Get a Passport
How to Get a Passport

Citizenship Through Naturalization

If you are not a citizen and you don’t have a U.S. passport, then you have to become an AUS citizen through naturalization, and here are all the requirements to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.

  • First of all, you have to have a permanent residence or green card for at least five years. If you have a permanent residence or green card for at least three years and you are filing as a spouse of a U.S. citizen, then you are eligible for that citizenship through naturalization.
  • Apart from that, there are a few other eligibility requirements, such as you should be at least 18 years old when you apply.
  • You must be able to read, write and speak basic English.
  • You must have good moral character.
  • You should go through the ten-step naturalization process, which will determine your eligibility to become an American citizen.
  • You must fill out at home at 400 the application of naturalization.
  • You must present in the U.S. naturalization test and have a personal interview also.

Select Between Passport Book And Passport Card

In the United States, you have two options. The first one is a passport book, and the other one is a passport card, then you apply for a fresh passport.

There are a few major differences between a passport book and a passport card. An applicant can select one depending on the choices and preferences.

For example, if you want to travel internationally by air, then you will require a passport book, not a passport card.

On the other hand, if you want to travel internationally by land or water, then you can use a passport card. Also, it is less expensive and more convenient than the passport book.

If you want to travel to Canada, Mexico, Duck Caribbean, and Bermuda, you can use either a passport book or a passport card; both are valid here.

Apply For A U.S. Passport

Here are a few simple steps which you can use to apply for a fresh U.S. passport. Kindly do not miss or skip any step. If you miss or skip any step, then your passport application either will not be accepted or will get rejected.

The application process is going to be the same for both passport books and passport cards. Apart from that, you can even request both a passport book and a passport card at the same time.

How to Get a Passport
How to Get a Passport

Quick Passport

There are two different types of applications available when you apply for a fresh U.S. passport. The first one is a quick passport, and the other one is the normal one.

For example, if you get any serious illness, injury, or death of your immediate family member, then you are eligible to get an emergency passport which is provided to you within 72 hours or three business days.

Apart from that, you can also apply for a quick passport if you are traveling within two weeks. When you are applying for an urgent travel passport, then you have to provide purchased airline tickets or cruise tickets.

Kindly make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency to submit your application in person, or you can also call 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793 from Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 10 PM ET. Kindly remember the appointment line is closed on weekends and federal holidays.

Normal Passport

If you have more than seven weeks till you travel internationally, then you can use the normal process to apply for a passport. It is a more convenient and budget-friendly option.

When you apply, normally, it takes 8 to 12 weeks to deliver your passport. Kindly be patient. Due to the spread of the novel, the coronavirus passport office is not working at its full capacity, and it is taking more than normal time to issue passports.

  • First of all, you have to find the nearby passport application location. Usually, it is the United States Postal Service office.
  • You can use the above-given button to land on the official page of the United States travel department directly and search for a passport acceptance facility near your residence.

Document Required For Fresh U.S. Passport

Now let’s take a look at all the documents you might require when you apply for a fresh U.S. passport. 

Kindly remember even though you can fill out the application form online but remember passport applications cannot be submitted using any online method.

You can use the above-given button to fill out the application form. You can also download the form and fill it out by hand. 

Kindly remember you can fill out your form on your own but do not sign the form. You should only sign your phone when a passport-designated official is present.

  • You will require the original proof of your citizenship document. 
  • You should also bring an acceptable photo I.D. document.
  • You must bring a few passport size images of yourself. Kindly do not attach or staple photos on the form.
  • You should also bring your application fee, which is $130 + $35 for Passport Book.

U.S. Passport For Minors Under The Age Of 18

Now let’s take a look at all the requirements of a U.S. passport for minors under the age of 18. We have included every bit of information in the article and kindly read it thoroughly.

 As per the Department of State, passports for children under the age of 18 cannot be issued without the consent of both parents. The rule is to protect children involved in custody disputes, and it prevents one parent from taking a child abroad without the consent of the other.

As per the latest rules, except for 16 and 17 years, all children must apply for a U.S. passport in person at a passport facility.

The Department of State suggests both parents should go together with their child to apply for a passport. If one parent cannot come, then the other parent must provide a statement of consent or evidence of why the absent parent is not there.

Takeaways

A passport is one of the essential documents when you travel internationally, even if you are a citizen of the United States. A passport is an international document that allows you to enter other countries with certain conditions and requirements.

 In the United States, there are two different types of passports, the first is a passport book, and the other one is a passport card. By paying the price, U.S. citizens can apply for one or both at the same time.

Kindly remember you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply for a new U.S. passport. Minors can also apply for a fresh passport if both parents are available at the time of applying.

Apart from that, certain conditions allow you to get a passport faster than the normal procedure. For example, if you have a medical emergency Or someone in your immediate family has passed away.

My passport is taking more time than normal. What should I do?

There are multiple things that you can do to check if your passport is taking more time due to COVID-19 or any other problems. Generally, passports take 8 to 11 weeks from the day you submit all of your documents. Due to COVID-19, officials request everyone to wait for at least 14 to 16 weeks before they take any action.

Can I apply for a U.S. passport sitting outside the country?

Yes, you can apply for a U.S. passport setting outside the country. You have to visit the nearby United States assembly or consulate in the country you are in. you will require the same documents as a fresh passport. But if you are traveling somewhere and you have lost your passport, then the procedure is going to be a bit different than the fresh issue passport.