Saturday, October 22, 2011

Replacing US Passport - Procedures In The United States

By Ben Pate


There are a number of reasons why one may be in the process of replacing U.S. passport. This could range from the need to update information to the replacement of lost, stolen or damaged documents. Each situation requires a specific approach and procedure to obtain the information you need.

Reason For Replacement

To apply for a new travel document in America, you must be a United States citizen. If the book was issued less than 15 years ago or if an update of personal information is required, one has the option of delivery of this legal item through the mail. There is no charge for the delivery of the item if the travel book was issued within a period of a year.

Damaged Passports

One of the rules requires that a replacing pasport be replaced as it is considered to be altered and not up to legal standards. In order to determine whether the book needs to be re-issued, check the readability of its contents. If you are unsure, seek the services of an agent who may be able to examine the book for you.

This process is crucial because often, documents are not accepted as a result of alterations or damages which impair its ability to be read. It is always wise to contact local authorities when in doubt. The destruction may be due to water, excessive heat or other sources responsible for causing a change in the paperwork.

Lost Passports

In the event of a lost document, no matter what the reason, it must always be reported to the relevant authorities. Legally, one is required to report the item as being misplaced or missing. Replacement in this case cannot be done via mail delivery and one will have to personally appear at the relevant facility.

Stolen Passports

If you are unfortunate in experiencing theft of the legal item, the initial step is to complete a police report about the crime. The embassy requires one to submit the report together with the application form. If you are in need of rushing the process of replacing your passport, an expedition request is available and will insure receiving the travel book in a shorter period of time.

Guidelines

In general, the guidelines one would have to follow in this replacement process begins with identifying the correct application form relevant to the replacement of a U. S. travel document. Depending on the period since the date of issue and whether it lists the legal name you currently use, specific forms are required. More often than not, form DS-11 for a U. S. Passport is used.

Proof Of Citizenship

The application process requires a fair amount of legal paperwork to be submitted. This includes proof of identification in the form of a driver's license and certificate for changes in name. The forms have different charges based on the type of application and should be paid to the U. S Department of State.




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