Documentation For a Legal US Passport By Nance Leighton At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The US Department of State is responsible for the issuing and regulating of US passports. As such, it is important to keep in touch with current regulations of where and when to carry your US passport. As anyone who has applied for a US passport can tell you, documentation of who you are is extremely important in the process. Knowing what documentation to bring with you when applying or to show while applying will hasten the process and get you what you need without any excess hustle and bustle.

These documentation are correct as stated by the US Department of State as of July 22, 2008. As always, these requirements are apt to change as necessary. Therefore, if you have questions, please contact the appropriate department or investigate your choice of websites to verify current regulations and policies concerning the documentations necessary to obtain a US passport.

Application for Passport, Form DS-11

The application for passport form DS-11 is the updated and modified application you will need to fill out for each person applying. These can be obtained either online for download or via an acceptance facility of your choice. This form is 6 pages in length and contains laws, guidelines, and regulations you must know to fill in this form to satisfaction. Remember, other than the Social Security Number, you are not required to give the information. However, failure to disclose the information can lead to the denial of the application.

NOTE: Do not sign the form until instructed to do so by Passport Acceptance Agent!

Present Proof of US Citizenship

You must provide (a) intact previous US passport or (b) certified birth certificate. The certified birth certificate will have the registrar’s embossed, raised, impressed or multicolored seal, the registrar’s signature, and the date.

If you do not have (a) or (b), you will need a “Letter of No Record”. In addition, you will need as many of the following as you can obtain issued within 5-years of birth: hospital birth certificate, baptismal certificate, early school record, census record, doctor’s record of post-natal care, and family bible record. In addition, you will find an Affidavit of Birth, form DS-10, filled out by an elderly blood relative useful. This must be notarized.

Present Proof of Identity

This documentation is similar to a photo verification of your identity. You can use (a) state issued driver’s license, (b) military identification, (c) government identification via state, local, or federal agencies, (d) previous intact passport, or (e) naturalization certificate. A Social Security Card is NOT acceptable identification. If none of these are available, there are other options available.

Current Passport Photo

You will need to provide two, identical passport photos. These must be 2 by 2 in size, and taken within 6 months to your application.

When it comes to applying for your US passports, you will find having the documentation on hand will save time and money. In addition, when you know what to expect, you will not be ruining your own plans for a wonderful adventure due to the fact you do not have your application approved because of lack of documentation.

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