Successful traveling begins with a passport is a true saying. Be it traveling abroad or within states, towns, or any other international place, a passport is the first requirement. However, how excited you are for traveling, but the process one has to go through while getting a passport done requires some efforts and homework. You need to be aware of the complete process for applying for a passport and all that you would require to complete the process. You would also need to be aware of the process of how to apply for a passport and where to apply for a passport.
In the present scenario, it is quite difficult to go to several public places and get the passport formalities completed. So, to help you out with the passport application process, we have Passport Post Office services for you. Due to the ongoing pandemic, Covid-19 the Post Office has updated its process of passport services are being completed through appointment only. You can make the appointments online by visiting the USPS.com Passport page. It is also essential that you follow some Passport application tips for easy and smooth completion of the process.
If you already have a passport, then it is important that you check the passport expiry date before any travel. It should be valid at least 6 months after you return home and needs to have two or more blank pages. You should also check the passport of your family members. The process of passport completion can take several weeks, so it is important that you apply for a passport or get it renewed as soon as you think, you will need to travel. You can also check the current processing time on the state department’s travel website.
For the first-time passport applications, there is good news that there are 4800 passport acceptance facilities around the country that can accept first-time passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. You can easily find one by using the USPS locator for a list of Post Office locations near you that process passports. To check out the updated fairs, you are advised to visit the USPS press release page regularly and click on your state. During the fairs, appointments are not required. Customers are encouraged to arrive early, as the applicants will be served on a first-come basis until the applicant’s maximum capacity has been reached.
The process of applying for a passport through the application process includes several steps and you need to be aware of them all. So, you need to be certain of the topics that you would want to ensure will be included are issuing a new passport, renew an old passport, urgent passport issuance, mail passport renewal, minor’s passport issuance. All these topics are covered under the passport application process while applying through the post office. All of these services will be available to you at the USPS office. So, you just have to be aware of how to apply for a passport application for all these categories.
How to apply First-Time for Passport Application
The first-time passport applications must be submitted in-person to at a passport acceptance facility (e.g., U.S. Post Office). For the application, you would also need all the important documents handy and other lists of to-do.
Here’s a list of things you would require to complete the process:
- Completely filled DS-11 form: Application for a U.S. Passport
- Valid evidence of U.S. citizenship
- Present state-issued identification
- A photocopy of the identification document should also be submitted
- The application fee should also be paid
- One passport photo should also be submitted
At some locations, there is also the possibility of taking an on-site photo for an additional fee.
Is there a possibility of renewing a passport at the passport acceptance facility?
This service is not available, so the answer is “No”. First-time applicants are encouraged to apply at the acceptance facility which is near to your location. Acceptance facilities do not accept renewal applications, so adult renewal applications should mail in their application.
The process of renewing a passport for Post Office
User can apply for a Passport renewal by email if the following apply to your passport:
- Undamaged and can be mailed with your application
- It was issued when you were age 16 or older
- It was issued within the last 15 years and
- It was issued with your present name or you can legally document your name change with original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document evidencing your legal name change.
If the above criteria fit you, then you can mail-in renewal request:
- Fill out the complete Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by mail
- Attach your most recent U.S. Passport book and/or card
- Attach a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed
- Pay the applicable fee
- Attach one passport photo
You can mail the application to the address mentioned on the form.
In case, you do not meet any of the criteria of the passport application process, then you need to apply in-person. You can check out the USPS locator to check the nearby location.
Passport application for Urgent Travel
In this case, you would have to submit your passport application directly to the Passport office. For an urgent journey, you can have the possibility of getting the passport within 2 or 3 weeks. However, in this scenario, you would have to pay a high fee for both post office service and delivery of the passport service. The urgent method for passport application also includes a higher price than the general process.
The list of documents that you would need will be the same as the first-time passport application form and documents. So, you would require carrying all the mentioned documents and also completing the form mentioned in the first-time passport process.
Minor Passport Application Process
Children under the age of 16 are considered to be minors in the passport process. You can apply for a minor’s passport and it will be valid until 5 years that is half than the adult passport validity. Only Parents of the child can apply for the passport. As document essentials in this process, you would require relationship proof with the child and citizen proof. Both of the documents are mandatory if you are applying for a minor’s passport.
Passport Application Fee
For the first-time passport applications, there are 2 types of fees involved, such as passport application acceptance fees and passport application processing fees.
The passport application acceptance fees would include $35 post office charge a photo charge (optional) $15, urgent passport charge $60, and a delivery charge of $16.5.
The application processing fee is the fee charged by the Government for the issuance of a passport. This charge is independent of USPS.
Application Status Check
The status of the application can be checked after 12 to 15 days. If the passport is issued by the USPS, then they will also offer you this service.
The passport office works on fixed timing. In case of any query, you can call or email them. The article is written to help you out with all the details and aspects of the Passport application process for the post office.