If you’re Obtaining Your United States Passport for the first time, you might confused regarding all these pieces of information you need and the forms you need to fill. Don’t let that dampen your spirits. In this article, we’ll show you in simple terms how you can get your first passport.
The first thing you need to do when applying for a passport is to complete the passport application form, called the Form DS-11. This is the type of form filled in by first-time applicants, as well as those whose passports were lost or stolen, applicants under 16 years old, and those who had a change of name, among other instances. And because you are a first-time applicant, you would need to appear personally to the passport agency’s office.
There are special requirements to obtaining a US Passport that need to be met by applicants who are minors, those under 18 years old. For minors under the age of 16, you will be required to appear personally along with your parents or guardians. You must also show proof of your citizenship, as well as a proof of your relationship with your parents or guardians.
Meanwhile, if you are 16 or 17 years old, there are also special requirements you need to fulfill. Some of these special requirements include a photocopy of the ID that you will present when you apply for your passport, as well as a written copy of parental consent. Make sure you have these requirements ready before you apply.
For applicants who are of legal age, you will only be asked for the completed DS-11, plus other documents that are normally required of all passport applicants. These are documents that aim to establish your identity as well as your citizenship. Only sign the DS-11 form once you are instructed to do so.
If you need a copy of the DS-11 form you can always download it from the US Department of State’s website. You can then print out the form and fill it in by hand. Alternatively, you can fill in the form online which saves you a lot of time. Once you’ve filled in the form, you will then have to submit it to the passport agency, along with the other required documents.
Processing your application may take somewhere between four to six weeks. This can be an unacceptable waiting period if you need to travel in less than a month’s time. The good thing is you can have your passport application expedited in special cases. For one, you can expedite the process if you need to travel to another country in less than two weeks or you need your passport in less than four weeks to apply for a foreign visa. Unless your case falls under these two, you may not be granted an expedited application of your passport.
If you’re Getting A USA Passport for the first time, you now have a clear understanding of how this works.
