Last week I applied for my passport to travel to Europe. Due to the possible six-month validity window, where some countries require passports to be valid six months from their issue or expiration dates, I felt it prudent to get the application process over. The actual application process was easy, but the preparation was harder.
In order for a U.S. citizen to get their first passport, like I did, one must know several pieces of information and have documents on hand.
First of all, you must provide proof of citizenship. This is accomplished by providing a legal, certified copy of your birth certificate. An original, or a certified copy (signed by the state and including an embossed, raised seal) must be sent with the passport application. From the guidelines on the application form, the birth certificate is returned to you. An important note is that "wallet" birth certificates are not legal proofs of citizenship and unsuitable for obtaining a passport. If you do not have your actual birth certificate, you can contact your birth state's department of vital statistics, or apply online at vitalchek.com; both of these means incur an out-of-pocket cost.
When you submit your passport application, which can be done at most larger post offices and court houses, you must present your driver's license or state-issued identification card as proof of identity. (What? I know who I am!) The filing attendant notes your driver's license number and other information on the passport application.
When filling in the application, you must know both your parents' full legal names, and dates and places of birth. I presume the State Department pulls their birth certificates to verify citizenship.
Finally, the last major piece of information you must provide is your Social Security Number. I'm not sure why this is needed, as the name on your Social Security card need not fully match your legal identity. Maybe they are looking for tax evaders.
The passport is photo identification, which requires you to bring two small, identical portraits. Most facilities accepting passport applications will take photos on the spot. This is a boon since your face must be positioned and sized correctly in the photos.
Some other information you must provide on the passport application are statistics such as height and eye color; both are easily obtained from your driver's license. Also needed are your estimated trip start dates and countries of interest.
In all, my passport application cost $116.05: $75 for the passport application, $1.05 for a money order, $25 processing fee, and $15 for the photos.
Travelingmac.com is not affiliated with the sites linked below. They are provided for convenience.
Links:
- Possible six month validity window: travel.state.gov
- Order your birth certificate online through VitalChek
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