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An official US travel identification document is not only a completely unassailable form of personal identification, it’s also needed if you want to visit any other country. The process to follow on how to get a pasport is not difficult but they are exacting. The process outlined below applies to adults who are looking for a new passport rather than needing a renewal.

New Passport

The definition for a “new” passport is actually a fairly broad category. Obviously, if you’ve never had one and this is your first application, this procedure applies to you. However, you are also considered to be getting a new passport if yours has been stolen, damaged or lost. “New” also applies to you if your old one was issued more than 15 years ago or if you’ve changed your name since your current passport was issued, but you can’t legally document your name change.

Documents

The starting point of your application is filling out federal form DS-11. You can find this official document on many government websites and just download it from there. The form itself contains all the directions for filling it out correctly. It’s in your interest to fill out as much that’s asked of you as possible. It’s also important that all your answers be entirely truthful. There’s a different form for renewing passport.

ID

In addition to the DS-11 form, you’ll also have to provide proof of your identity. You can’t bootstrap this process to get your sole identification documentation. It will only be issued if you can already proved you are who you say you are. The best option is to include a copy of a piece of primary proof of identity. This sort of proof could be your driver’s license, naturalization certificate, current military ID or other current government issued ID.

Certificates Of Citizenship

You will also have to include proof that you’re a US citizen. Anyone with a naturalization certificate can use that as proof of both citizenship and identity. If you were born an American citizen, then you’ll have to provide either a long form, certified birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or consular report of birth abroad.

Fees

The last two pieces you’ll need are a color photo, sized exactly at two by two inches. The photo can’t be more than six months old and your face must be fully visible. You’ll also need to include a check for the passport fees. The exact fee you’ll have to pay can vary based on your application, so you should check the online schedule of relevant fees.

Agency

After you have all this documentation together, you’ll be ready to submit your application. To do that, you’ll have to visit one of the thousands of authorized US passport offices somewhere in the country. There is a full directly of these offices online, so you can find the one most convenient to you. You’ll generally find them located in public buildings frequented by the public, like a courthouse, post office or library. Call before just showing up as some offices require a scheduled appointment before they’ll meet with you.