Applying for United States passports can be very exciting if you’re getting a passport for the first time to travel to an exotic and exciting new country.  Having your own passport allows you to go outside of the United States and travel the world. Traveling around the 50 states does not require a USA Passport Application, but you do need one if you want to expand your horizons by going to another country.  As you know, all immigration offices around the world require a proof of your identity and citizenship before you enter their territory.

You may have heard from traveling friends some complaints about applying for a passport.  It can be a bit of a time-consuming endeavor, but when the result is the world it’s well worth it.  There are quite a few requirements that need to be met before you can get your passport, such as filling out the US passport application and presenting it and other necessary paperwork to a local acceptance facility or passport agency.

You also need to appear in person in the following conditions:  Is this your first passport or are you under 16?  Is your current passport more than 15 years old or were you under 16 when your first passport was issued?  Are you replacing a stolen, damaged, or lost passport?  Has your name changed and you don’t have legal documentation for the change?  Any one of these conditions would require that you appear in person.

Now you also need to fulfill other requirements when applying for a pasport, such as providing proof of your identity and submitting regulation US passport photographs.  Once you’re done with all that, the processing period begins. This can seem lengthy, but don’t let it worry you because everyone goes through the same process.

How long does it take to get a passport? For routine passport services, it usually takes four to six weeks before you receive your passport. Too long for you?  Take advantage of the option that allows you to rush your passport application.

Should you need to have your passport processed faster than that, there’s an option for an expedited passport service. This service cuts the processing time to just two to three weeks. This is the option you need if you’re wondering how to rush a passport application, especially if you need to travel in less than a month.

For all the amazing benefits of having a US passport, it is surprisingly inexpensive. Currently, the rates for passport application are for applicants under 16 years old, and 0 for applicants 16 and above.  To have the world at your fingertips, make sure you have your passport well in advance if your trip to avoid additional fees.

Taking just a bit of time to gather the required paperwork, including the USA Passport Application, and having just a little patience earns you the unlimited experience of seeing the world.

Passport applicants who are 16-17 years old are still considered minors. Because of this, they need to submit special requirements on top of the regular documents needed to apply for a US passport. Now if you fall under this category, find out how to apply for a new passport in this article. Don’t worry, because we’ll keep it as clear, simple, yet detailed as possible.

What are the special requirements for applicants aged 16-17? These requirements are actually required of the parent’s applicants or their guardians, rather than the applicants themselves. The documents are used to provide proof of the parents/guardians’ identity. These documents are the parents/guardians’ ID, a photocopy of this ID, as well as a written parental consent.

Basically, those are just the special requirements that you need to submit. Now on to the regular application requirements. If you are a first-time passport applicant, you will be required to fill in the DS-11 form. This is a standard form that is completed by anyone who’s applying for a new passport. This includes those who were issued their pasport application when they were under 16, or those who got their last passport more than 15 years ago.

As required for all who use the DS-11 form, you will have to submit this along with the other requirements in person to the nearest passport agency. Also, you must keep in mind that you must not sign the complete form. Wait until you are told to do so when you finally submit it.

You also need to establish your citizenship when applying for a passport. You can submit any of the following documents to do this: a certified birth certificate, your latest passport, your certificate of naturalization, your certificate of citizenship, or a consular report if you were born outside the US. The document you submit will be returned to you once your passport has been processed. It is usually mailed with your passport, although sometimes it may be mailed separately.

You are also required to establish your identity. To do this, you will have to present your ID when you visit the passport office to submit all your passport application requirements. Aside from that, you will also have to photocopy your ID and submit it. Keep in mind that the Department of State has very specific rules when it comes to the photocopy of your ID, so make sure that you comply. If you’re unsure about the requirements, better check with their office first and find out what the exact requirements are.

Then you must submit two color pictures of yourself. Make sure the photos are recent. Also make sure they follow the guidelines set by the Department of State regarding the photos to submit. For one, you shouldn’t wear any headgear or hat in your picture, among other specifications. Once you have done all these, you can now submit your passport application and pay the applicable fees.

If you want to know how to apply for a passport if you’re 16-17, the answers you need have all been discussed here. Just make sure you’re careful about following rules when it comes to your passport application. This is important as it prevents you from wasting time when you’re asked to repeat the process all over again just because you missed something in the instructions.