U.S. citizens need an urgent passport if they travel outside the country. The length of time you are permitted to stay is recorded and timestamped at that point. You should always have it if the country's authorities ask for proof of your identity. It's also required upon arrival back to base.
Should I follow you?
This is a particularly significant need in Canada, where a driver's license or birth certificate has sufficed for identification for a long time. Passport cards or full passports are now required for entry and exit from that country due to global terrorism.
Fees
A first-time passport application must be submitted in person to an authorized passport acceptance facility. Locations like the post office and government buildings often have these agents on staff. Different rules apply to minors less than 16, those between the ages of 16 and 17, diplomats, passports with no application fee, and applications submitted from countries other than the United States. There are two methods for issuing the document. Both standard and accelerated processing takes between 4 and 6 weeks to complete. There is a $60 premium for expedited shipping.
Passports for the First Time
A passport application form, which may be completed online or in the agent's office, must be completed for a first-time passport application. This application will be signed once all supporting documents are submitted. Also required at the same time are two forms of government-issued photo identification, proof of citizenship, and a Social Security card. A passport photo is also necessary and is typically available where the official application is submitted.
Acceptable Proof Of Citizenship
You can prove your U.S. citizenship using a certified birth certificate (issued in the U.S. or the country of birth), a valid passport, or a naturalization or citizenship certificate. If you apply outside the United States, you must meet additional criteria. Alternative processes are available if you possess a passport that will soon expire.
Renewal of Passports
If you already have a passport, you can renew it by mail. Passports must be relinquished together with an application form and supporting documents. Passports must have been issued to applicants at age 16 or older and within the preceding 15 years. Note that a passport will not be issued if you are behind on child support payments.
Passport Loss/Theft
It is not uncommon for this vital travel document to be misplaced or stolen during a trip overseas. Going to the nearest U.S. Consulate or embassy to get a temporary paper with limited validity until a permanent one can be obtained is the first thing to do in this situation. Returning to the United States requires special paperwork and can take weeks to process.
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