How to Get a U.S. Passport in Time for Travel

Getting a passport can be a timely process. Standard processing takes 4-6 weeks. Make sure that you gather all your forms and documents in plenty of time so that when you begin processing, you are guaranteed to receive your passport before your trip. I would recommend starting the process 3 months before leaving the country for extra time. Nothing would be more disappointing than NOT having your passport in time for a trip!

Expedited services can allow you to get your passport in 24-48 hours. The DS-82 form must be submitted. The form should be mailed by 2 day mail with “Expedite” written boldly on the envelope. All your forms and requirements must be sent together.

The DS-11 form is the official application for a U.S. passport. It can be completed online or it can be printed. If printed, it must be filled out and wither mailed in or taken to your local federal building. The application is 6 pages long so make sure to fill the form out completely.

When applying for a passport you can choose either a card or book. The card can only be used for travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The book can be used for travel anywhere in the world. U.S. citizen may possess both a card and a book. Books come as either standard 28 page books or as a non-standard 52 page book.

Proof of citizenship requires specific documentation depending upon how you became a citizen.

· Born in the U.S.-original birth certificate (with embossed seal)

· Born abroad-Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth,Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship

Passport photos have very specific requirements.

· Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

· The photo must be current (taken no more than 6 months prior to processing your passport)

· Must be in color

· The size of the photo should be 2 by 2 inches

· You should be in normal street attire

The requirements for the photocopy are also quite specific so pay close attention:

Photocopy must be on plain white, 8 1/2 x 11" standard paper stock, showing the front and the back of your ID

• Photocopy mustcontain images on only one-side of each page submitted.
  • If copies cannot be made on the same side of one page, you may present two separate pages; one displaying the front of the ID and the second displaying the back of the ID.
• The paper should be free of other images and/or markings.
• The 8 1/2 x 11" paper size cannot be substituted with a larger or smaller size paper, even if the alternative folds down to the 8 1/2 x 11" size.
• You may enlarge the image of your ID on the 8 1/2 x 11" page, but you may not decrease the size of the image.

The application fee must be paid at the time you start processing your passport.There are prices based on the types of passport as well as the age of the applicant. Expedited services require and additional fee.