|
As of January 23, 2007 all U.S. citizens must present a passport or
other acceptable identity/citizenship document* to
enter the U.S. when arriving by air.
* Other acceptable identity/citizenship documents include the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Document, NEXUS Air Card or U.S. Permanent Resident Card.
What you need to know before applying:
You can apply by mail unless you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.
If you are applying in person at the Post Office here is what you’ll need:
Bring it all with you.
Passport Application Form DS-11 (unsigned - DO NOT SIGN the application until requested to do so - and available online or at the Post Office)
Proof of U.S. citizenship (please provide one of the following):
· Previous fully valid U.S. passport
· Certified U.S. birth certificate
· Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
· Recently issued Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship with easily recognizable photo
Please Note: Hospital and Church Certificates are NOT acceptable. An expired passport is acceptable proof of citizenship;however, children under 14 who have had a previous passport are required to have the expired passport, along with a Birth Certificate.
Proof of Identity (please provide one of the following):
· Recently issued Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship with easily recognizable photo
· Current, valid driver’s license
· Government employee ID
· Military ID
For minors under 14 years of age, each child must appear in person and both parents or legal guardians must present evidence in relationship. Proof of legal guardianship is required.
Two identical passport photos (if taken at a location other than the Post Office)
· 2 x 2 inches in size
· Taken within the past six months
· Color required
· Full-face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
· Normal street attire; no hats or headgear
Passport fees (must be paid separately):
If you go to the Post Office you can pay by cash, check, money order, credit or debit card.
Age U.S. Dept.
of State Fee USPS Fee Total Fees If USPS takes photo, add $15
16 and older $67 $30 $97 + $15 = $112
15 or younger $52 $30 $82 + $15 = $97
Please note you will need two checks, one for the U.S. Dept. of State and one for the Post Office.
If you need to expedite your passport processing you can pay USPS an express mailing fee of $28.80, which covers sending to and from the processing center and then an extra $60 to the U.S. Dept of State. Your application will normally be processed within two weeks from the date of application and mailing.
To Check Status of Your Passport:
You can check on-line at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html
Enter your last name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your social security number. Or call toll free (877) 487-2778. TDD for hearing impaired: 1-888-874-7793.
For more information on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, click here.
|