No matter the reason, if you are heading overseas, you’ll be needing a passport. Admittedly, passport applications, just like all bureaucracy, it can be a bit tiresome– with out a little help.
So, to save you from some unnecessary trips and headaches, here’s my guide on How to get a passport in a few easy steps.
A Beginners Guide to Travel: How to Plan a Trip Abroad
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did.”
H. JACKSON BROWN JR.
How to apply for your U.S passport
Firstly, you will need to apply for your passport in person at your local Post Office if any of the following applies to you if:
- This is your first U.S. passport
- You are under 16, or received your first passport when you were under 16
- Your old passport was lost, stolen, or damaged
- Your old passport is more than 15 years old
What documents do I need?
Document Requirements for U.S. Passport
Next, you will need the following documents:
- Application
- Proof of Citizenship
- Identification
- Photo
- Payment
1. Application
U.S. Passport Form DS-11
- You will need to fill out and print Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport.
- Provide a social security number.
- If you don’t have a social security number you have to write a statement (dated and signed)- “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have never been issued a Social Security Number by the Social Security Administration.”
- DO NOT SIGN YOUR APPLICATION. A postal employee must witness your signature.
2. Proof of U.S Citizenship
You will need one of the following to proceed with your U.S. passport application:
- U.S. birth certificate
- Must be original or certified
- Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
- Includes your parent(s)’ full names
- Has the registrar’s signature
- Has the seal of authority
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
*Make a photocopy of these citizen documents.
3. Valid U.S.or Foreign Government ID
Identification for U.S. passport
In addition to your proof of citizenship, you will also need to show another form of ID.
- Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport
- In-state, valid driver’s license
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- U.S. overnment employee ID (federal, city, county, or state )
- U.S. military ID
- Current (valid) foreign passport
- Green Card (U.S. Permanent Resident Card)
- Enhanced Tribal Cards and Native American tribal photo IDs
- Other documents:
- In-state, valid learner’s permit
- In-state, valid non-driver ID
- Temporary driver’s license
4. Photo
Surprisingly, you only need one photo for your passport application. However, two is always better (just in case.)
U.S Passport Photo Guidelines
What should picture look like?
Unfortunately, there are some specific and detailed guidelines for these photos.
- New photo (within six months)
- No filters y’all
- No selfies (not going to lie– mine was)
- White background
Most importantly, your photo should be clear, unblurry image without grains or digital touch ups. Make sure it is not damaged (i.e. uncrumpled with no cracks, or folds)
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Head: 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the top of your had to the bottom of your chin
Also, make sure it’s printed on photo paper, not normal paper.
How should I look in my passport photo?
Without a doubt, your photo should look as professional as possible. In fact, the less insta-worthy, the better.
- Open eyes– personally I think this is obvious, but it is specifically stated on the states website–meaning they have had a problem with people submitting photos with their eyes closed.
- No smiling.
- Look directly at the camera.
Attire
Passport clothing guidelines are fairly lenient. However, there are some clothes and accessories that are not permitted.
- Glasses
- Uniforms, no camouflage (I’m talking to you my fellow Mid-westerners!)
- Hats.
- Headphones or devices
- Jewelry is okay as long as it doesn’t hide your face
Please note:
- Digital IDs are not accepted.
- If you have an out-of-state ID, you need to show an additional form of identification.
How do I pay?
Unfortunately, the payment options in the United states for passport renewal and application are quite limited. For example, you can only pay with a personal, certified, cashier’s or traveler’s check– or by money order to U.S Department of State.
It will cost you $145 for a first time passport , $110 for a renewal.
Also, for those of you who might be under a time crunch–you will need the passport expedited. Thusly, there is an additional fee of $60– (any fellow procrastinators out there?)
How long does it take?
Approximate Time Frame for most U.S Passports
Routine applications can take 6-8 weeks, whereas, an expedited passport takes anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks.
In my case, I received my passport within one week of submission.
Now go out there and explore!
And that’s it–you are now well on your way towards your trip abroad. Looking for some ideas? Check out how I discovered the hometown of my ancestors, and get the inspiration you need to find your roots!
Where are you going for your next trip? Leave them in the comments below!