Whether you want to apply for a new passport, renew your existing one, or you have a special case like a child passport or a name change, passport processing can be a time-consuming and frustrating task. The requirements may differ depending on the case, and you need to fill out the right forms, supported by the right documents. If you’re not really familiar with the paperwork, you can take a look at our list to guide you through some crucial steps.
1. Choosing Your Category
If you’re applying for a passport for the first time in your life, you will have to visit the nearest passport acceptance facility along with the necessary forms, documents, a valid ID, a personal photo and the application fee. On the other hand, if you’re only renewing an existing passport or demanding a name change, the forms and prerequisites for your application will be different. That’s why it’s very important to identify which category you fall into before taking any further steps, and to be aware of its specific requirements.
2. Filling Out Forms and Collecting Documents
Once you know what forms and documents are required for your case, you can start working on your application. Fill out the forms using an online Form Filler for better guidance, or download the PDF document and print it out. Three general documents every applicant will need are citizenship evidence, a photo and an ID. Other documents you may need will change according to which form you will be filling out.
3. Processing Fees
When your forms and documents are ready, you should calculate your passport processing fees. If you’re applying personally, you will have to find out exactly how much you need to pay. You can use online tools and calculators designed for this purpose, or find more information on the official website of the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs. Prices for passports that allow for international air travel currently range from $110 to $165, plus execution fees if applicable. Remember that unless you’re applying at a passport agency, credit and debit cards are not accepted—you have to pay by checks and money orders payable to the U.S. Department of State.
4. Processing Times
The routine processing times for all passport types may last up to six weeks. For a $60 fee, you can make an appointment at a passport agency and expedite your application to receive it in less than three weeks as long as you have proof of urgent international travel plans. Should you require immediate processing for your personal application, you need to prove you’re involved in a life-or-death emergency situation, or pay an extra fee for the optional fast delivery services. This is where conducting your application through passport expeditor companies can prove very helpful; if you live in Southern California, a Los Angeles passport agency can guide you through all of these procedures and get your passport processed in less than a few days. This option also offers the advantage of responsive and reliable customer services.
5. Submitting Your Application
Depending on your case category, you may submit your completed application in person at a passport acceptance facility, or mail it to the National Passport Processing Center via USPS. In about ten days after you submit it, you can track your application status online or by phone. Your newly-issued passport book will be delivered to you using Priority Mail, unless you paid the extra fees with your application for the express return service.
6. Knowledge Is Power
Like any governmental procedure, processing a passport requires some careful studying if you’re willing to complete it by yourself. Reading all the instructions is of vital importance in making sure that everything works out smoothly. Especially if you don’t have the chance to get help from professionals like courier companies and expeditors, don’t forget to arm yourself with all the necessary information ahead of time, and start working on your application well before your planned travel dates.