Travel & Education Abroad | Russia

If you are considering overseas travel that requires applying for a pasport, you may have been concerned about the process. You don’t need to worry any longer. Obtaining a passport is not that difficult. You will need to find the regulations and follow them closely and the application process will be a cinch.

Apply in Advance

You should allow plenty of time for the application process and the document processing to be completed before you are due to leave on your international journey. In most cases, six months prior to your departure date is adequate time. If you live in certain areas, or if you apply during certain times of the year, the process may be delayed. Where you plan to travel can have some effect on the processing time. If you need the passport in a hurry, extra charges apply.

Determine Where to Apply

Application forms can be found online for those with Internet access. Information about the location of the nearest Passport Agency office can also be found by a zip code search. Urban areas may have a dedicated passport office, while other less populated areas may process passport applications at the Clerk of the Court’s office, the post office, or the public library. No matter where the application is to be processed, an appointment is usually required. You should call to make certain.

The Application Form

The application form itself is government form DS-11. You can get a copy of the form at the Passport Office or online. If you complete the form online and fill it out, you can then print out the form and take it with you to the application center. If you must use a handwritten application, it should be completed in black ink and must be printed rather than in cursive. It’s a good idea to make an extra copy for referral purposes during the process.

Other Required Documents

You must be able to prove your identity. At least one piece of photo identification is required. Photo ID documents include state driver’s licenses, state ID cards, employee badges or military identification. The documentation should be copied and submitted with the application form. If a birth certificate is presented, it must be a certified and signed certificate with a government seal.

Passport Photos

A two-inch by two-inch photo must be included with your other documentation and application. Some passport agencies are able to take passport photos at the time you come in for your appointment. Other individuals can use their digital cameras and quality photo printers to prepare photos in the correct format.

Passport Denied

If you owe the IRS for back taxes, a passport will be denied. The Department of Health and Human Services will block the issuing of a passport when the applicant owes more than $2,500 in overdue child support payments. If you fall into either category and want a passport, you are advised to resolve the back payment issues first.

Applying For A U S Passport can be as simple as deciding you want to travel. Just keep these common sense tips in mind and allow plenty of time. Make sure the appropriate fees and documents are submitted and the U.S. passport application form is signed. You should see your passport in plenty of time to enjoy your trip with a little pre-trip planning.

For anyone who has never traveled abroad previously, applying for a United States passport can be viewed as a difficult and somewhat scary process. The good news is that it does not have to be complicated. Individuals seeking their first passport just need to follow the simple guidelines available in many places online.

Allow Enough Time

You should allow plenty of time for the application process and the document processing to be completed before you are due to leave on your international journey. In most cases, six months prior to your departure date is adequate time. If you live in certain areas, or if you apply during certain times of the year, the process may be delayed. Where you plan to travel can have some effect on the processing time. If you need the passport in a hurry, extra charges apply.

Passport Application Offices

Application forms can be found online for those with Internet access. Information about the location of the nearest Passport Agency office can also be found by a zip code search. Urban areas may have a dedicated passport office, while other less populated areas may process passport applications at the Clerk of the Court’s office, the post office, or the public library. No matter where the application is to be processed, an appointment is usually required. You should call to make certain.

Complete the Application Form

The DS-11 is the passport application document that must be completed. You can find this and other forms at the Passport Office or by searching online. Forms must be printed, rather than in cursive writing, and must be completed in black ink. The easiest way to comply with these regulations is to fill in the form online, print out a copy or two and take it with you. If you maintain an extra copy, you can refer to it if needed during the balance of the application process.

Other Required Documents

You must be able to prove your identity. At least one piece of photo identification is required. Photo ID documents include state driver’s licenses, state ID cards, employee badges or military identification. The documentation should be copied and submitted with the application form. If a birth certificate is presented, it must be a certified and signed certificate with a government seal.

Photos with Passport

A two-inch by two-inch photo must be included with your other documentation and application. Some passport agencies are able to take passport photos at the time you come in for your appointment. Other individuals can use their digital cameras and quality photo printers to prepare photos in the correct format.

Why Passports are Refused

Occasionally a passport application will be denied. If you know in advance that you owe the IRS back taxes or that you owe more than $2,500 in child support payments, you should be certain that the issues are resolved before your application is submitted. Failure to do so could mean you can’t make your trip.

Applying For A United States Passport is a necessary process when traveling internationally. If you take the process one step at a time and allow plenty of time, you should sail through with no problems. Just be certain you have the appropriate fees and the United States passport application form.