How to Apply for a Passport

   A passport is the most important requirement for those who intend on traveling outside of the United States.

   With school trips such as Wales and Italy and Greece approaching, students who do not have a passport are highly recommended to do so as soon as possible.

   Here is a process for those who are applying for a passport:

1.       The first step towards a passport is to get the application forms. Application forms can be found at United States Post Offices or can be downloaded through the website travel.state.gov.

2.       Follow the instructions on pages one and two. If you decided to download the application forms, page three is to be completed and printed. The government requires that “The forms…must be printed in black print on white paper. The paper must be 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches, with no holes or perforations, at least medium (20 lb.) weight, and with a matte surface. Thermal paper, dye-sublimation paper, special inkjet paper, and other shiny papers are not acceptable."

3.       According to the U.S. Department of State, proof of U.S. citizenship must be presented as one of the following:

- certified U.S. birth certificate issued by the city, county or state (not a copy- call the government of the state in which you were born to get an official version with a notary’s seal.)

- Record of birth abroad

-Naturalization certificate

-Certificate of citizenship

4. You need to be ready to prove your identity with any one of these:

-Previous U.S. passport (altered or damaged passports are not okay)

-Naturalization certificate

-Certificate of citizenship

-Current, valid:

        -Driver’s license

        -Government ID: city, state or federal

        -Military ID: military and dependents

5. Two photos must be taken. You must wear normal clothes (no uniforms) and nothing on your head for these pictures. If you wear glasses, wear them for the picture. U.S. passport photos are suggested to be taken at a post office because they are aware of the requirements.

6. Your social security number needs to be written down and added to your passport materials if you do not have your social security number memorized.

7. Be prepared to pay passport application and execution fees as they change periodically. Also be prepared to pay more money if you need or want your passport in a short amount of time. Check with the location of where you will be applying to find out what payment methods are accepted.

8. Get your passport! Your passport will arrive in two weeks to two months. For additional fees, you can rush a U.S. passport application so that the passport will arrive in a shorter amount of time.

                If you are over 18, the passport fee is $100.00 and will be good for ten years. If you are under 16, the passport fee is $85.00 and will be good for five years. Some countries require that your passport be valid for a six month period after you leave that country for return to the U.S. Passports are required to travel back to the U.S. by air from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

   Obtaining a passport can be a stressful situation if a person decides to wait until the last minute to start the process of applying for a passport.