How to Apply for a Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide

According to the most recent statistics, in 2021 a total of 44% of US citizens have a passport, a figure that has been on the rise since the 1990s. To get an American one, costs $160 dollars, and an additional $60 dollars if you want to speed up the process to obtain it in 7 days (the usual waiting period is between 8 and 11 weeks). Here we tell you what are the steps you need to follow to obtain the passport.

Fill out the form

The first step to obtain the passport will be to fill out the form that is attached to your case; In the United States, there are three options: first passport issuance, renewal, and correction of information provided. The DS-11 form applies to all citizens who wish to obtain it for the first time. This format is suitable for people of legal age and for parents who wish to apply for the passport of their children under 16 years of age; For the renewal of this document, it is necessary to fill out the DS-82 form, which does not apply to citizens under 16 years of age.

Submit proof of US citizenship

Persons born in the United States who wish to obtain a passport must provide proof of citizenship by means of a birth certificate or a passport issued by the US embassy, either current or past. For people born outside of US territory, the documents to present include: passport issued by the US embassy, consular report of birth abroad, certificate of naturalization or citizenship.

Provide an official ID

When filling out the DS-11 form, the US citizen must provide an official (non-digital) identification with a photo, such as a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, residence document or naturalization document. The official identification document with a photograph must be presented physically, but it will also be required to have a photocopy of the front and back of it, maintaining the quality of the image.

Make the payment

The issuance fees for a US passport vary, depending on the stage in which the process is. For example, first-time applicants over the age of 16 will need to pay $160 plus a $35 processing fee. In the case of passport renewal, the application costs $160 dollars, while those under 16 years of age will pay $115 dollars for the document, plus the usual processing fee.

Submit your passport photo

It is necessary to send a high-resolution photograph that adheres to the instructions, both in the type of clothing and in the appearance of the person who wishes to obtain this document. A photograph with both eyes open and a «natural» expression is required, without wearing glasses. Special cases require a note signed by a certified physician.

Submit your passport application

After having met all the requirements and filled out the corresponding form, the next step is to send the documentation to the nearest office. This information can be obtained on the site https://iafdb.travel.state.gov, where you will find the nearest office according to your zip code. If you have a trip starting soon, consider the option of processing a fast passport at Get My Passport Fast.

Track the shipment of your passport

The last step is to verify that your passport is on its way, which you can confirm on the website starting two weeks after you’ve submitted all the necessary documentation. Before those two weeks, the information you have provided, as well as your payment, will be verified, so that the passport is issued without errors and is ready to use as soon as it reaches your hands.

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