Travel Tips

There is a different online passport application for those applying for their initial passport than for those renewing a passport. A person applying for an initial passport completes the DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport. Someone who is renewing a passport may renew via mail if certain requirements are met. In this case, the person will complete Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail. The application may be downloaded from the U.S. Department of State or private passport processing company Web sites.

These Web sites offer the application form for download and printing by the public. Though it may be completed online, the form may not be submitted online. The reason for this is that the application must be hand-signed and additional documents must be provided in hard copy format.

More items will be needed to be gathered to accompany the online passport application when it is submitted. These are mainly forms of identification and are usually easy to obtain. A copy of a birth certificate and driver’s license are the standard two forms that are requested first by the issuing agency.

The applicant must present a certified birth certificate that contains a seal and signature of the city, county, or state registrar and must reflect the filing date. The applicant must also provide a driver’s license and a photocopy of it to the agent. Applicants who do not have a driver’s license may provide a government or military ID.

If the applicant does not have one of these forms of identification, secondary identification will be accepted. A combination of signature documents may be provided including a Social Security Card, credit card, employee identification card, and a library card. An identifying witness who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and has known the applicant for at least two years may accompany the applicant and serve as secondary proof of identity. The applicant is encouraged to submit as much secondary identification as possible because these applicants are handled on a case-by-case basis.

The documentation requirements are listed on the government and service provider Web sites. There are many alternatives if the first set of requested documentation is not available, so read carefully. These Web sites also list the various fees involved for passport processing and all additional fees charged by private service companies. Compare private companies in order to find a reputable one that offers low fees.

First-time passport applicants will need to visit an authorized agent in person. All applicants will need to compile the documents into one package and mail it to the service provider for processing. Two photos of the applicant must be included in the package. These photos must meet certain requirements in order to be accepted for inclusion on the passport book. Check the Web sites for the photo specifications because they are very detailed.

Using the Online US Passport Application saves the applicant a trip to the post office to obtain the form. The government and private passport processing services provide this application on their Web sites so there is no need to leave home in order to obtain it. The processing services have dedicated customer relations personnel that will field any questions or problems encountered while completing the application. Using such a service for American passport application or renewal will ensure speedy processing with a smile.

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