How to Apply for a Passport

For some countries, for example, those that are within the European Union, it is possible to go from one state to another simply by using your ID. However, if you are going from a country that is not linked in any way to another, you will have to apply for a passport. For example, you can’t go from India to the United States without having your passport up to date.

That being said, the process of getting a passport can be quite confusing. What exactly does it entail? Where do you have to go? Are there any ways for you to make this process smoother? Well, here is a guide that might be able to help you out.

What Is a Passport?

The passport is a document issued for the citizen of a particular country that allows him to go through international traveling. It acts as identification, and it is also the first thing you will need to have on you when you are applying for a visa (whether it’s work or family-related). It’s quite different from the visa, which you need for residence, mostly because the passport is necessary just for the entry.

To put it simply, the passport has the purpose of verifying the citizenship of someone entering the country. Aside from that, you will need it to get back into your country of residence if you are coming from outside the country. The passport will include your name, picture, gender, birthday, as well as your key physical characteristics.

When it comes to U.S. citizens, there are several countries that will only require you a passport for re-entering the country. On the other hand, there may be countries that require you to have a visa before entering the state. Before setting out, you should confirm whether you need a special country visa or not.

How to Apply for a Passport in the U.S.

Applying for a passport might seem like a very complicated thing to do. However, the truth is that the process runs quite smoothly – provided you follow the steps properly. Here is what you will have to do.

Step 1: Complete the Form

No matter if you decide to apply online or send it via traditional mail, you will need to download the form from the Department of Homeland Security website. When you are printing out the form, be certain that it takes over the entire page. Fill in all the information necessary – and make sure that if you make any handwritten mistakes, do not try to submit it with the correction. If it is not possible to write the text on the computer, make sure that all the text is written in large caps.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

In order to get your passport, you will also need to gather the documents necessary for your passport. This stage is likely among the smoothest to go through, as you won’t need to gather an excruciating and confusing number of documents. Here is what you will have to keep in mind:

• A document that proves your citizenship (e.g. a birth certificate or any kind of identification document)
• A good photo ID document that meets the requirements
• Photocopies of the photo ID and citizenship documents (front and back)

The photocopies for these documents should be legible – and in some cases, you might also have to certify them. Check with your immigration attorney – or if you do not have one, you might want to consult with someone from your U.S. embassy.  

Step 3: Get a Passport Photo

When applying for a passport, you also need to submit a proper passport picture. No matter if you are an adult or a child under the age of 16, the passport picture will still have to be taken. Infants are the only ones that are exempt from this policy. Make sure to check the standard picture requirements before you submit one for your passport.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

Obviously, when applying for a passport, you will need to pay the necessary fees. These fees may differ from person to person, depending on their circumstances, which is why you might want to go for a fee calculator. The application fee needs to be paid to the U.S. Department of State, and it might change depending on your age.  

Step 5: Submit Your Application

All that’s left for you to do at this point is to submit your application at your local passport center or agency, which will connect you to the Department of Homeland Security. Moreover, depending on when you have to get your U.S. passport, you must choose an appropriate time for the application – this is why you might want to ask for further details at the passport center. The duration of getting a passport might be a matter of days to weeks, depending on the circumstances.

How Much Does a Passport Cost?

The cost of a passport will depend from person to person and from situation to situation. Granted, everyone will have to pay for the application fee and the execution fee (renewing an expired passport being exempt from the latter), but the cost will depend on the age and purpose of the applicant. For example, while a first-time adult passport book application fee costs $110, the minor passport book costs only $80. The average adult will have to pay $145 for both application and execution fees. Optional fees to the U.S Department of State might also be included. To know precisely, you might want to check with the official passport fee chart.

How to Submit a Good Passport Photo

When submitting your passport picture, you need to make sure that it is a color one – and a picture that is no older than 6 months. Obviously, the picture will have to be clear – which means that you can’t use any of the filters usually found on social media. Selfies are rejected too, which means that you may want to ask someone else to take this picture for you.

When you are taking your picture, you might want to take your glasses off, and you should also use a white background. Keep a neutral facial expression or have a natural smile – ensuring that both your eyes are open as you are facing the camera. The correct dimensions for the photograph should be 2 by 2 inches and should be printed on quality photo paper.

Tips for Passport Documents

A poor submission of your passport documents might lead to rejection. Here are a few tips on how you may submit that citizenship evidence and clear the path towards obtaining your passport.

• If you are unable to provide primary citizenship evidence, you might have to go for secondary citizenship evidence.
• You will have to submit your original proof of U.S. citizenship evidence.
• If you cannot submit the original proof, there are some cases in which you may be allowed to submit a certified document.
• If you don’t want to or cannot submit a copy of your citizenship document, you may send a certified copy instead. Bear in mind that if you don’t send a photocopy or a certified copy of that document, there is a high chance that your application will be delayed.
• Every photocopy needs to be legible, on standard A4 (8.5×11 inches) black and white paper. The copy needs to be single-sided.
• Unless the circumstances are extreme, you can’t submit digital proof of U.S. citizenship. You will have to make your application using physical evidence.
• If the document that you have to present is written in a foreign language, then you will have to opt for a certified English translation.
• If you changed your name before applying for your new passport, you might want to bring evidence in that regard as well.

All of the documents that you provide to your passport agency will be returned to you, separately from your new passport. Depending on the case, you may also be asked for additional documents.

How to Find a Passport Service Location

Nowadays, passport services may be found at a walk-in distance, depending on where your passport center or agency is found. These agencies are special locations that may help people in need of a U.S. passport. Once you locate the passport agency near you, the next thing that you will have to do is call and make an appointment.

Bear in mind that the location might also differ based on how quickly you need the passport. In most cases, you will have to mail in your documents. Walk-ins are rarely accepted when it comes to passport applications – and you may only do that when you can wait at least two months before you leave.

Final Thoughts

Getting a new passport might be quite a trying task. However, if you get your paperwork in order and talk to the right people, then there should be no issues. If you are still uncertain, you might want to opt for the help of an immigration attorney.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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