Getting a first passport is a rite of a passage, one that used to be experienced primarily by the well-to-do. Prior to the horrific events of 9-11, the United States and many other countries had fairly lenient travel document requirements with other recognized friendly countries. While documenting one’s identity and applying for a passport is more detailed and now required for almost all travel abroad, the process is actually pretty straightforward. Let us take a look at what is necessary to meet USA passport requirements.
Any first time applicant will have to make a personal appearance at a government passport office. There are also several other situations that will require the person to go to the office in person. Minors will always have to be presented at the office and anyone that is trying to replace a lost or stolen document will have to go to the passport office.
Form DS-11 is the Holy Grail when it comes to meeting passport requirements. This is the document that contains all of the applicant’s key identifying information. While it is entirely permissible and advisable to complete the document before hitting the post office, do not, under any circumstances, sign it before appearing it person. One of the purposes of the in-person visit is to do a live signature in front of an official US government agent.
Proof of citizenship is one of the secondary pieces that must be present in order for the documents to be accepted. This is usually just a birth certificate for any US born citizen. If the applicant is an immigrant, they must have their immigration papers at the ready. If these documents are not present, the application will be put on hold.
Anyone that has had their passport laminated for protection will have to get another one. This is absolutely forbidden and basically makes the birth certificate useless. The agent must also be able to see the raised stamp on the birth certificate. If that stamp in not present, they will send the applicant on their way to get another one. Everything will also have to be photocopied prior to arriving at the passport office.
A minor will always have to get their passport in person. All above documentation must be brought with them along with their parents. If the parents are divorced and sharing custody, they must both still be present. The only situations where only one parent need be present are when there is sole custody or a parent is deceased.
The parents will also need to have current ID with them. This is another must have as the agent cannot process the documents for the minor without the parents checking out first. If the parents have a passport, this is the best piece of ID that they can use. In addition to all of this documentation, two passport photos will also be needed for every applicant.
One of the reasons that acquiring a passport takes so long is because of the all of the documents that are needed to get approved. Sometimes a birth certificate cannot be found and a new one must be ordered. It is unlikely that current passport photos are lying around and this means another trip. However, as long as all pasport requirements are met and the photos are current (within 6 months), everything should go smoothly at the U S passport office.
