The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to get, replace or change a passport. A passport is an internationally acknowledged travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer.
To get a passport for the first time, you need to appear in person to one of over 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. nationality, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.
Acceptance facilities include much state, Federal and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices.
There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which assist customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are prerequisite in such cases.
You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time/ and with these cases:
If you’re expired U.S. passport is not in your possession;
If you’re previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago;
If your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if you’re currently a legitimate U.S. Citizen and your passport is lost or stolen.
There are ways on how to apply for an U.S. passport if you will be applying for the first time. You must go by these steps:
1.Provide Application for Passport, Form DS-11
2. You must present Evidence of US Citizenship.
All documentation submitted as verification of U.S. Citizenship will be sent back to the applicant. Proof documents will either arrive with the issued passport or in a separate mailing to the applicant. You may confirm U.S. Citizenship with any one of the following:
Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
Naturalization Certificate
If you do NOT have a previous U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate, you will need:
1. Letter of no record. If this would be the case you may present documents such as Baptismal certificate, Hospital birth certificate, Census record, early school record or record of post-natal care. These documents must be initial public records presenting the date and place of birth, preferably created within the first five years of your life.
1.Present Evidence of Individuality. You may prove your identity with any one of these, if you are identifiable:
Naturalization Certificate
1. Current, valid IDs such as Driver's license, Government ID: city, state or federal Military ID: military and dependents. These documents are necessary to prove your identity.
2. You must present 2 passport Photos. Your photographs must be:
2x2 inches in size, indistinguishable, and must be taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance color and it must be full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background.
3. Remember that uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily. Never wear a hat or headgear that hides the hair or hairline. If you normally wear a hearing device, prescription glasses, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture. Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with colored lenses are not up to standard unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be considered necessary.
4. You must pay the Appropriate Payment. Fees and the surcharge are joint into one payment to the ''U.S. Department of State'':
Credit Cards – VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
Debit/Check cards (not ATM cards)
Checks (personal, certified, cashiers', travelers'), money orders (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchange), bank drafts
If abroad, U.S. Embassies and Consulates receive the foreign currency equivalent, or a check drawn on a U.S. bank.
5. You should present a Social Security Number. If you do not present your Social Security Number, the Internal Revenue Service may impose a $500 penalty. If you have any further clarifications or questions please call your nearest IRS office.
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