Friday, March 23, 2012

Info On Passport Applications

By Ben Pate


When it comes to applying for a United States passport, the application process can be a bit daunting. However, now with the internet and helpful passport agencies passports can be acquired much more easily. However there are a few things to consider about American passport applications when it comes time to apply for that new passport.

Passports

As anyone who has ever traveled internationally knows, a passport is one of the most important things when it comes to overseas traveling. If you do not have a valid United States passport to show customs officials at the airport, you will not be allowed to leave the United States of America for any reason. If you are already overseas and you misplace your passport, you will not be allowed to reenter the United States of America until you get a replacement passport. With the assistance of an online passport agency, you can receive your new or replacement passport in as little as a few days. In the past, it used to take weeks to get a new pass port in the mail.

New Rules

Today, children must have their own, individual passports to be able to travel overseas. If you do not have a passport for your child they will not be able to accompany you overseas. In the past, kids used to be allowed to travel internationally with their parents without needing their own individual passport. This is done now for safety reasons and to curtail the number of child abductions that take place all over the world. Even babies must have their own passports if they are going to be traveling overseas. If you do need to get a passport for your child, just go online and find a passport agency that can assist you. It is important to remember, however, that a child's passport is only valid for five years. After that time period, it is required that a person reapply for a new passport.

Common Issues

When getting a passport a birth certificate is needed, however there is a difference between hospital birth certificates and official ones. Photographs can sometimes get people in trouble, they must be the correct sizes and there must be two of them. When it comes to applying for passports there are a few quandaries that will delay the passport process. Signing forms at the wrong time, such as the DS-11 can screw up the process as a new passport signature must be done in front of an agent, while a DS-82 form should be signed after it's printed out. It is important that all necessary documentation be obtained.

Things To Remember

One of the best ways to combat processing errors is to go through a passport agency. By applying for a passport with an agency you are offered services that government agencies do not provide. Once the passport application is complete and handed in you will receive your own passport specialist who will inform you of the progress of your passport and can let you know if something went awry. It may be more expensive, but definitely worth it. They also offer expediting services.




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