|
Avoiding Delays With Your US Passport Application
There are a number of things all US Passport applicants can do to help in avoiding delays with the US Passport application process.
|
Be sure to submit the correct US Passport application form. There are different application forms for a new US Passport, renewing a US Passport or any other US Passport service type.
Here are the basic US Passport application types;
* New US Passport - DS11
* Renew a US Passport - DS82
* Replace a Lost / Stolen / Damaged US Passport - DS11 with a DS64
* Amending a US Passport - DS5504 Note: Amendments are only allowed within one year of issuance.
* Add Pages to a US Passport - DS4085
Be sure to not make careless mistakes when completing your US Passport application. The US Dept of State does not simply grant a passport because you apply. There are checks to ensure appropriate security in the issuance of a US Passport. Review what you are submitting because mistakes can and will delay the passport. And, if the US Dept of State does not catch something and issues the US Passport incorrectly, you may find yourself having problems leaving or re-entering the country.
Be sure to include original documents or certified copies with your US Passport application. Photocopies are not accepted by the US Dept of State except in the case of your photo identification (driver's license). A certified copy is one that was issued by the respective issuing authority with a raised, embossed or other official seal and signature.
|
|
|
Be sure to include the correct types of photos with your US Passport application. It is suggested to use a reputable business that provides standard passport photos, ie. kinko's, motophoto, costo, etc.
Passport photos must be:
- identical
- 2 x 2 in size
- taken within the last 6 months
- color
- full face with the head being 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the chin to the top of the head
Be sure to sign the US Passport application as well as the check being submitted for payment.
Be sure to request extra visa pages for your US Passport if you need extra pages. A standard US Passport is 24 pages but a 48 page US Passport can be requested at no extra charge. You must request in writing that you want a 48 page us passport.
|
|
|
|
If Using a Private US Passport Expediting Company for Your US Passport Application
A private US Passport expediting company can get your passport application through the processing cycle faster than the normal channels of the USPS and the US State Department's passport processing centers because they go directly to the Passport Agency in their respective cities.
|
Be sure to go to an authorized Acceptance Facility to get your application 'executed' before sending it to the US Passport expediting company. Executing the application means that you were sworn to your statments by the authorized Acceptance Agent and the Agent witnessed your signing of the official application document. The authorized agent will sign off on their 'execution' and validation. The US Dept of State will not accept unexecuted applications, where required.
Be sure to include the required Letter of Authorization for the passport expediting company being used. An expediting company cannot process your US Passport application with the US Dept of State without your written consent. The respective US Passport expediting company can provide the Letter of Authorization as part of their requirements list.
Be sure to include a copy of your travel itinerary. Intent to travel is required to get your US Passport application expedited.
|
|
|
|