By Contributing Writer
If you are a U.S. citizen over the age of 18, applying for and obtaining your first U.S. passport book is an easy, straightforward process, but you will need to gather and bring along certain specific, required documents when you visit the passport agency or passport acceptance facility.
Application Form DS-11
You will need to bring along completed Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. You can obtain the form directly from the U.S. Department of State website. The form may be completed online and then printed, or printed out and completed by hand---please print---in black ink. You should not sign the application at this time. Take it with you when you go to the passport agency.
Proof of Citizenship
You will need documented proof of your U.S. citizenship, evidenced by bringing along one of the following documents:
· an official Certificate of Citizenship,
· a Naturalization Certificate,
· a certified copy of Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or
· a certified copy of your birth certificate (it must have the multicolored or raised seal---photocopies are not acceptable.
Proof of Identification
You will also need proof of your identification. Acceptable proof of identification includes a current:
· Naturalization Certificate,
· Photo driver's license,
· Photo military I.D., or
· Photo Government I.D.
Passport Photos
Getting a passport requires you to bring in two identical 2x2 inch color photographs of yourself. The photos must be taken on a white or off-white background and should be a headshot, facing forward, with a 1 to 1 3/8 inch span between the top of your head and the bottom of your chin. Photos must be taken within the last six months so they show your current appearance. You should wear whatever wigs, hearing devices, prescription glasses, etc., you would normally wear; however, hats and dark or tinted glasses are not permitted. If such glasses are a medical necessity, you will need to bring in a medical certificate verifying this. You should wear normal street clothing---no formal attire or uniforms.
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