By Kent Ninomiya
There are very specific
United States passport requirements. Passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State. Those applying for a United States passport must meet eligibility requirements, provide original documentation verifying citizenship and identity, completely fill out an application, provide passport photographs, and pay a fee. Problems in any of these areas will result in a United States passport being denied.
Eligibility
United States passport requirements limit the issuing of passports to United States citizens. Those younger than 18 years old must have permission from all legal parents and guardians to be eligible for a U.S. passport.
Documentation
Passport applicants must submit documentation proving their eligibility for a United States passport. Citizenship and identity must be proved with an original birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Children younger than 16 years old must also have proof of relationship to their parents. The birth certificate covers this if all parents have signed it. Otherwise an adoption decree is required.
Application
A passport application must be filled out completely before it is processed by the State Department. All information must be current and accurate. Any errors will result in the application being rejected. The passport application must also be signed and dated. If the application is for a minor, the parents must also sign it in the presence of a passport official. Do not sign a passport application for a child before being told to do so at a passport office by a passport official.
Passport Photographs
Two passport photographs are required to be submitted along with a passport application. These must fit passport specifications. They must be identical color photographs taken within the past 6 months against a white background. They must show the face from straight on with between one and 1 3/8 inches between the chin and the top of the head. Applicants should wear normal street clothing without hats or sunglasses. Prescription glasses are allowed. The photographs must measure 2 inches by 2 inches.
Passport Fee
A fee must accompany passport applications. When applying in person at a passport office, this fee is $100 for adults and $85 for children younger than 16. Adults can also apply through the mail for a $75 fee. Children can not apply by mail. Normal processing time for a U.S. passport is about one month. Expedited 2-3 week service is available for an extra $60 fee.
About the Author:
Kent Ninomiya is a veteran journalist with over 23 years experience as a television news anchor, reporter and managing editor. He traveled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Ninomiya holds a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences with emphasis in history, political science and mass communications from the University of California at Berkeley.
