Applying for your passport is the step toward international travel. To get a new passport, an applicant must complete an applicant as properly and correctly as possible. The government depends on accurate information to identify the traveler, and the traveleras intentions when going abroad.

There are many forms available for applying for a U.S. Passport. Most commonly, the aDS-11,a is the first step in applying for a new passport, and can only be used by first time applicants. Form “DS-82″ is used when an applicant applies for renewal by mail.

When changing or validating a passport, applicants need to submit the “DS-19.” Amendments to any information contained on the existing passport must be included on the “DS-19″ Form. In some special circumstances, multiple forms are required. If a passport in lost or stolen, not only does a “DS-11″ need to be sent, but also a “DS-64″ Form. Further, when applying on behalf of a child under the age of 14, the “DS-11″ is submitted in addition to the “DS-3053.”

Most applications are processed within two weeks, but busier travel seasons like spring or summer, may require longer time periods. When applying, the applicant must not only complete the applicant, but also submit two passport-sized pictures of themselves and the required processing fee.

Applications fees are $97 for U.S. citizens older than 16 years of age, and a reduced rate of $82 for applicants under the age of 16. These fees are nominal when you consider the freedom you gain by obtaining your passport to travel internationally. If, at any time, you travel outside of the U.S., you must have your passport as proof of U.S. citizenship. The Department of State issues and certifies that passport holders are citizens of the United States, and eligible to enter other nations.

You must apply for a new passport if you have never had one, your last passport has been expired for more than 12 years, or your current passport has been lost damaged or stolen. When applying for the first time, the applicant must apply in person. The right to travel internationally is a benefit and privilege to U.S. citizenship, but even within the last century, people have been denied that right due to political affiliations. During the Communist Scare, communist sympathists, such as Paul Robeson and W. E. B. Dubois, were denied U.S. passports. The U.S. Department of State maintains that our government has the right to screen people and revoke their passports in necessary situations. Even today, U.S. passports to Libya, Lebanon, and Iraq are still denied.

In order to strengthen US security goals, biometric technology has been extended to US passports. This is done by including certain physical characteristics of the applicant, for example fingerprints or retina scans, and analyzing their distinguishing traits, like birthmarks or tattoos.

A contemporary US “e-passport” has been proposed which will be a unique combination of both tighter security features and a novel design. It will have a computer chip attached to it, containing important data. This design will capture the essence of hope and success for the citizens of the USA.

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