United States Passport Application Guide

A United States passport is an official government document issued by the United States Department of State. A United States passport certifies an individual's identity and U.S. citizenship. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document and it allows the passport holder to travel abroad and return to the United States. A valid United States passport may be used to enter most foreign countries. U.S. citizens may now apply for the new U.S. Passport Card and hold both a regular passport and passport card. Due to the proposed measures of the WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative), many U.S. citizens will be required to obtain a U.S. passport or U.S. Passport Card.

Some U.S. citizens hold dual citizenship, which means that an individual holds another citizenship besides U.S. citizenship. There are advantages and disadvantages of having dual citizenship and a second passport. However, in most cases dual citizenship is not a problem when renewing your passport since the U.S. government allows dual citizenship.

IMPORTANT WARNING AND LEGAL DISCLAIMER U.S. Immigration Support (this website) does not issue passports. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to issue United States passports. U.S. Immigration Support (this website) does not submit applications on behalf of applicants. U.S. Immigration Support (this website) publishes the "United States Passport Application and Renewal Guide". The application guide describes how U.S. citizens can submit a passport application on their own and without the use of an agent or third party. The application guide is available for a fee. APPLICATION FEE: The purchase price of the U.S. Passport and Renewal Guide does NOT include any government fees. There are additional Government fees such as the passport application fee and the execution fee, which are paid directly to the U.S. Department of State if the application is filed with a Regional Passport Agency.

Some facts about United States passports:

• A U.S. passport is an internationally recognized travel document
• A U.S. passport verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer
• Nearly 7 million U.S. passports are issued every year
• Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to issue United States passports
• Only U.S. citizens (adults, children and babies) have the right to apply for a U.S. passport. If you are not a U.S. citizens, you first need to apply for United States citizenship

Why apply for a United States passport?

• It is your right as a U.S. citizen to have a U.S. passport
• Be ready to travel on short notice to visit relatives or friends abroad
• International travel is considered a right that cannot be denied to any U.S. citizen and by having a passport you can exercise your right to travel abroad
• The process of obtaining visas to enter some foreign countries may take weeks and a valid U.S. passport is usually required
• A valid United States passport is required to enter and leave most countries
• U.S. passport holders can travel to many countries without obtaining a visa
• As of January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens are required have a valid passport when traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Bermuda and all other international destinations.
• As of January 31, 2008, all U.S. citizens are required to have a valid WHTI-compliant document or government issued ID to cross any land borders and sea border. The identification document(s) must satisfy both the identity requirement (e.g. U.S. Drivers License) and citizenship requirement (e.g. U.S. Birth Certificate). A U.S. passport satisfies both the identity and citizenship requirement.
• During the summer of 2008 (date to be determined) only the following documents will be accepted when crossing the border by land or sea: U.S. passport, U.S. Passport Card or an approved traveler card such as the NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI card.
• As of June 1, 2009,  U.S. citizens entering the United States by sea, air, or land (regardless of destination) must present a US Passport, US Passport Card, or other WHTI compliant document
• The process of obtaining a passport may take some time and it is more convenient to have a valid passport ready
• Children and babies must have their own passport when traveling abroad

RECENT U.S. PASSPORT NEWS The full implementation of the WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) requirement is scheduled to take place during the summer of 2008. The date is yet to be determined. However, U.S. citizens should be aware of the following dates: January 23, 2007: A passport will be required for re-entering the United States by air from the following destinations: Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Bermuda, in addition to all other foreign destinations that already require a passport. January 31, 2008: U.S. citizens must be able to verify their identity and citizenship when crossing land borders and sea borders to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. A combination of identification documents such as a U.S. Drivers License and U.S. Birth Certificate may be presented. Note that a U.S. Passport or Passport Card is proof of both identity and citizenship. June 1, 2009: U.S. citizens entering the United States by sea, air, or land (regardless of destination) must present a US Passport, US Passport Card, or other WHTI compliant document. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all U.S. citizens entering the United States from foreign countries.

Passport Application Process:

• Step 1 - Download the “United States Passport Application and Renewal Guide” (order information below)
• Step 2 - Carefully read the instructions provided in the application guide
• Step 3 - Fill out the application forms included
• Step 4 - If there is a name change, include a certified copy of a legal document
• Step 5 - Take passport pictures according to the instructions provided
• Step 6 - Visit in person or mail the application forms to an official recognized passport facility. Include the following: proof of identity and citizenship, passport pictures and supplemental documentation (if applicable). Addresses and contact information are included in the application guide.
• Step 7 - Receive your passport in 28 to 42 days or pay an expedited fee and receive your passport within 10 to 14 days. More information about the expedited processing can be found in the "United States Passport Application and Renewal Guide".

The process of applying for a United States Passport can be a frustrating experience. It is recommended that all applicants follow the instructions included in the "U.S. Passport Application and Renewal Guide" before submitting any applications. The Guide also includes information about how to apply for your first U.S. Passport Card.

The United States Passport Application Guide includes:

• United States Passport overview
• Who can apply for a United States Passport
• Application requirements
• Application procedures for your first United States Passport
• Application procedures for your first U.S. Passport Card
• US Passport filing fees
• How to renew a U.S. Passport in person or by mail
• How to request a replacement of a lost or stolen passport
• How to add blank pages to a valid passport (48-page passports are no longer issued)
• How to fill out the application forms
• Where to apply for an American Passport
• Special requirements for individuals under 16 years of age including babies
• How to update your U.S. Passport after a name change
• How to check the status of your passport application once submitted
• Information on urgent passport applications and renewals
• Locate the 9000 designated passport application facilities nationwide
• U.S. Passport Application Forms

U.S. PASSPORT APPLICATION FEES U.S. Immigration Support (this website) publishes the United States Passport Application and Renewal Guide. The application guide contains detailed filing instructions and application forms. The application guide is available for a fee, currently the download fee is $49.95. The download fee does NOT include the execution and application fees. Please review the fee schedule below before purchasing the application guide. 16 and older Under 16 Application Fee Paid to U.S. Department of State (U.S. Government) $ 75.00 $ 60.00 Execution Fee Paid to Application Facility (e.g. Post Office) $ 25.00 $ 25.00 Downloadable Passport Application Guide (eBook) Paid to U.S. Immigration Support (This website, an independent organization) $ 49.95 $ 49.95 TOTAL FEE (PER PASSPORT) $ 149.95 $ 134.95

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SPECIAL OFFER: SAVE $20

U.S. Passport and Certificate of Citizenship Package The U.S. Passport and Certificate of Citizenship Package includes the following 2 products: U.S. Passport Application Guide [the product on this page] Certificate of U.S. Citizenship Application Guide [how obtain a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization] Regular Price: $99.90 [if downloaded separately] Package Price: $79.90 Save $20: Order the U.S. Passport Application and Certificate of Citizenship Guide together.