A passport is a ticket to travel across the world. With a valid passport, you can legally visit different continents, experience cultures, go on adventures, and do a lot more. But if you are here, you are probably wondering how to apply for a passport. The application process can be tedious, especially for first-time applicants. So, we have shared some tips to prepare you for the procedure and make things easier.

Visit a passport office personally
Visiting a passport office is the best way to learn about the process and have questions answered. This visit is a must for everyone, including first-time applicants and those dealing with lost or stolen passports. Besides helping with the process, the staff can expedite your application if it has stalled for any reason.

Interestingly, even post offices help people looking to apply for a passport. But not all of them offer every passport-related service. The best thing to do is search for passport offices near you on the internet. The search might provide results for post offices, passport offices, and even other government-approved agencies that help. Shortlist a few, pre-check their availability and operating hours, and make a visit.

Gather the necessary documents
One of the most common questions people ask is, “What do I need to get a passport?”. While several documents are involved, you first have to prove your identity. In other words, you need to prove you are the same person you are claiming to be. You can do so by producing a government or military identification, naturalization certificate, driver’s license, or other approved identification documents.

Besides proving your identity, you must prove that you are a legal US national. A passport application cannot be processed without this proof of citizenship. The documents you need to present for this purpose include a certificate of citizenship, a valid passport (even an expired one), and a birth certificate that lists the names of both the parents and the applicant’s full name. If you were born overseas to parents of US nationality, a consular’s birth report is also acceptable proof.

The third requirement is a passport photo. While you can take a photograph anywhere, ensure the rules and conditions for a passport photo are met. For instance, it should be clear, without any filters. All these documents must be submitted as hard copies. Digital copies might not be accepted when you apply for a passport.

Fill out Form DS-11 correctly
Every passport application requires filling out Form DS-11. It must be done before visiting the passport office to begin the process. You can complete the form online and print a copy to carry along, but ensure the guidelines are followed to prevent rejection. For instance, do not sign the document, at least not until the passport office staff has instructed you to do so. Also, print the form single-sided only. And yes, do not forget or leave behind the printed form at home once ready.

Try to fast-track the process
It is possible that you have delayed applying for a passport till the very last minute. That leaves you in a time crunch, and the possibility of receiving the document could be bleak. So, how to get a passport fast in such a case? Well, there are a few options to try. The first thing to do is pay a fee. A regular passport application takes up to 11 weeks to be completed and for the passport to be delivered. You can pay a fee of $60 to expedite the process to a seven-week time frame.

Are you scheduled for an international trip in the next 14 days? Your application could be considered sooner. But, the passport office has limited slots for such applicants, and many rules are involved. Another option for getting a passport fast is to check if you qualify for the life-or-death emergency passport. This is for people with family members overseas who could be dealing with a fatal illness or may have passed away.

Contact the NPIC for queries
You can always contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) if you have any questions or concerns during or before the application process. The center provides live help on weekdays, but keep in mind that the wait time is long, and it might be hours before you can actually speak to anyone to resolve issues.

People are becoming increasingly aware of the need for passports. With newer laws being implemented, the document may soon be necessary even to board a domestic flight. So, once you have decided to get it, take action. Contrary to popular belief, applying for a passport is not as difficult. Just ensure your documents are in order and you have all the necessary information. And, of course, keep the tips mentioned above handy to complete the process sooner.