You should get a passport book if you plan to travel internationally by air and if you don't travel internationally by air then you can get a passport card.
Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel and is cheaper than the passport book.
The passport card was designed for the specific needs of northern and southern U.S. border communities with residents that cross the border frequently by land.
The passport book is the only document approved for international air travel.
It can take up to 2 weeks for your passport application to be received in the mail and another 2 weeks for your passport to get back to you in the mail once it's processed and sent out.
You can speed up your U.S. Passport by visiting a passport office or calling the passport office and asking for expedite the passport.
In some cases you can get a U.S. passport the same or next day when visiting a passport office in person.
The fastest you can expedite your passport is 7 to 9 weeks.
You can expedite your passport at an acceptance facility or expedite a renewal by mail.
If you're traveling in less than 13 weeks from the date you submit the passport application you should choose the expedited service for the passport.
While waiting for your US passport you cannot travel to countries and destinations that require a U.S. Passport.
To get a passport it can take as long as 10 to 13 weeks which includes the processing and application and the mailing of your passport.
Sometimes you may get the passport within a month but that is not always the case.
You should expect the time to get a passport to take up to 13 weeks.
If your passport is not coming on time then you won't be able to travel without it.
If your passport does not come in time and it's getting near the time of your travel date then you will need to show up at a passport agency that is close to where you live if there is one in your area and get a passport reissued.
You can also call 1877-487-2778 to try and make an appointment with a passport agency near you.
A 10 year passport in the US is $165.00 which includes the $130.00 for the application fee and $35.00 for the execution fee of the passport.
If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years.
If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.
The Issue Date of your passport can be found on the data page of your passport book or on the front of your passport card.
The stages of a passport application are.
After an application is mailed by the applicant or the Acceptance Facility it then arrives at a data entry and payment processing facility.
Next the passport application is sent to a passport agency or center where the passport is adjudicated by a passport specialist.
If the passport is approved then the application information is digitally transferred to a book print facility where the passport is printed.
After the passport is printed it is then mailed to you.
The Citizenship evidence documents are then returned to you in a separate mailing.
The ID that is required for a passport are fully valid drivers license or state issued ID with photo.
To get a passport other ID you need are certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship and if you have one a Government employee ID, City county, state or federal.
You can track your passport and check the status of a special issuance passport application, by either contacting your federal travel office or refer to the SIA status check instructions.
You can also call 1-877-487-2778 to check your passport status.
With a USPS tracking service, you can see when your application arrived using the tracking number on your receipt.
Use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person.
You may not be able to get a status update for 2 weeks after you apply or renew.
The places that you can go with a U.S. Passport are American Samoa, Argentina, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.
A US citizen cannot fly within or to Mexico without a passport.
US passport books are mandatory when traveling to Mexico by air and also minors and babies and children will also need a passport to enter Mexico.
After you arrive in Mexico then the border control will check and stamp the passport for entry.
You cannot go to Jamaica without a US passport as US citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Jamaica as well as a proof of anticipated departure from Jamaica.
And if you're traveling to Jamaica on a cruise then you may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative or WHTI compliant document.
The countries that you can go to with a passport card are Bermuda, The Caribbean, Mexico and Canada.
Passport cards can also be used as ID for domestic flights although it cannot be used for international air travel.
The countries that you can visit without a passport are American Samoa, Guam, Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, St Croiz, St John and St Thomas.
The country that does not accept a U.S. passport is North Korea.
North Korea is the only country and destination that forbids US citizens to travel to due to the close border status for both US citizens and citizens of other countries.
It takes around 6 weeks at the longest to get a passport.
Sometimes it's as quick as 3 weeks.
To get a passport you must apply for one in person.
Documents you need to get a passport include.
Original Bank Paid Fee Challan (receipt) of prescribed fee or e-Payment Confirmation Detail (SMS/Email along with PSID No.)
Original Valid CNIC/NICOP with a photocopy.
Previous Passport in original with its photocopy, (if issued).
NOC in case of a Government Servant.
The steps to get a passport are.
Fill out or Download your Form.
Pay for your Passport.
Submit a Good Photo.
Have and supply your U.S. Citizenship Documents.
Show your Photo ID.
Find Passport Service Locations.
A passport is an official travel document issued by a government that contains a person's identity.
A person with a passport can travel to and from foreign countries more easily and access consular assistance.
A passport certifies the personal identity and nationality of its holder.
A U.S. passport is your ticket to international travel.
The U.S. passport is a request to foreign governments to permit you to travel or temporarily reside in their territories and have access to lawful local aid and protection.
The passport allows you access to U.S. consular services and assistance while abroad.
The main difference between a visa and a passport is that passports are issued by the government of your home country and permit you to enter and exit your territory of residence.
Visas, on the other hand, are issued by the authorities of a foreign country and allow you to enter that specific territory.