Expecting to travel to another country for the first time but don't have a passport? Well, here is a quick six-step process on how to apply for one. I recently went through this and based it on my experience throughout the whole process. The process is pretty simple and should not take too much time.
There are many different situations and ways to go about getting a passport. These six steps are specific for people applying for their first passport in the United States that are 16 years of age or older.
Step 1: Go to the U.S. Passports and International Travel website to find the forms you need.
This is the first step, because you need to know which form(s) you need to fill out. Whether you are renewing your passport or getting one for the first time, this is an important step. Go to this website, and you will be brought to a page that has a bunch of form options. Since this will be your first time applying, you will need form DS-11.
Step 2: Choose how you want to fill it out.
This website gives you an option on whether or not you want to fill out the form online or by hand. This step is quite simple. Just click on the tab "Complete Online & Print" or "Complete By Hand." Whichever one you choose, it will bring you to the next step.
If you chose to fill out the form online, you will have an extra step to read their "Privacy and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act Notices and Disclaimers." If you choose to fill it out by hand, it will give you a PDF version of the form, and you can print it from there.
There are also places you can go that will have the application for you to fill out there. But it is so much smoother and faster of a process if you just do it ahead of time.
Step 3: Read
Make sure to actually read all of the pages. It gives you examples of things that you will need and warnings of what the agent could potentially ask you for. It will also ask you for certain things. If you are under 16 years of age, there is a whole section on that for the rules that you must follow.
Step 4: Make sure that you have all of the required material.
It gives you all of these things in the form on the bottom of the first page. It says that you need:
Proof of U.S. citizenship. Could be your certified birth certificate (which you will get back via mail) or a previous passport (if you are renewing it).
Proof of identity. They will need your current driver's license when you go to apply. They will take a photocopy of both sides and then give it back to you.
Recent color photograph. There are a bunch of criteria for this photograph that is listed on the form. They give all of the guidelines and rules for how it is supposed to be on page two, down by number three on the form you have to fill out.
Some places will do it for you at the agency. This is a good idea to do, just so you know that the picture will be acceptable. Below is an agency that will take the photo on site for people who live in Duluth:
St. Louis County Auditor Service Center: 1600 Miller Trunk Hwy E03, Duluth, MN 55811
(Outside entrance of the Miller Hill Mall, behind JCPenney)
Fees. You will need checks or a money order for the amount that your passport will cost made out to the U.S. Dept. of State. They do not take cash. Cost will vary depending on the circumstance. If you need to get your passport fast, there is an option to expedite the process for an extra $60 . Otherwise, it will roughly be $110 for the standard process for those 16 years of age or older.
Then again, the cost can vary.
Step 5: Fill out the form(s).
This will vary from person to person, but here are a few tips for when you are filling the form out (specifically form DS-11).
Use a black pen that is not running out of ink for legibility.
Do not fill out past the white background areas on the form. That is for the person you will be giving the application to.
When you fill out the second page of the DS-11 form, put your mother's maiden name. With anything else for your parents, when in doubt, just put whatever is on your birth certificate.
There is a slot for your departure and return date. Fill it out as accurately as you can. If you are unsure, the agent that you see will help you.
If you are a student, fill out the school slot with the name of your school and put "student" in the occupation slot.
Make sure to bring your checkbook or cash. They do not take cards.
Step 6: Bring to your chosen passport-accepting facility and swear the oath.
There are many places that you can go to apply for your passport. Go to this Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page to find the places closest to you.
Also, when the agent has you take the oath at the end of your application process, take it seriously.
You should get your passport and birth certificate back in the mail after it is accepted and made for you. The agent you apply with might give you a sheet where you can track the application after it is turned in and will tell you that you will most likely get your things back in two different mailings.
