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FAQ Category: General Passport FAQ

Do You Need Original Birth Certificate for Passport?

Are you planning a big trip outside the United States and need to get your passport in order? You may be wondering what exactly you need to apply for the document besides all the necessary paperwork.

One thing that is required when applying for a U.S. passport is proof of citizenship—and while most assume this means bringing in their birth certificate, other forms of documentation can serve as proof of identity if needed.

Do I Need a Copy of My Birth Certificate To Get A U.S. Passport?

No, you do not necessarily need a copy of your birth certificate to get a U.S. passport. Depending on the situation, other forms of documentation can be used to prove citizenship. Acceptable proof of identity includes naturalization certificates issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State, or Certificates of Citizenship issued by USCIS.

Related Read: How Do I Get a Duplicate Birth Certificate?

What Proof of Citizenship Do I Need to Prove Citizenship?

If you can provide any of these documents as proof of citizenship, it will suffice when applying for a U.S. passport. However, if you lack this proof and need to use your birth certificate as evidence, ensure it is an original or certified copy issued by the government agency from where you were born.

Without valid proof of citizenship, your passport application will be denied.

It’s also important to remember that even if you have one of the mentioned documents as proof of identity and citizenship, you must also present additional verification such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or other government-issued photo identification.

DS-11 Application Form

Additionally, you will need to complete Form DS-11 and present it upon submission of your passport application. You must also provide a photocopy of the front and back of your current driver’s license/state ID and any other form of identification you are presenting for verification. Without all of these documents, your application will likely be denied.

In addition, you will have to possess other compensating documents that will confirm that you are truly a United States citizen. Following this paragraph is a list of documents that can help to validate your United States citizenship.

What Other Documents Will You Need to Get a Passport?

  • A letter from the Vital Statistics office in your State of birth contains the applicant’s name and the years their birth records were searched.
  • Any early public records that will help prove your birth within the United States.

On the contrary, if you were not born in the United States, and your parents did not document your birth with the United States Embassy or Consulate in the country you were born in, you might still be able to obtain a passport. The following will have to be provided:

  • A foreign birth certificate that contains the parents’ names.
  • Proof that your parents are United States citizens.
  • The marriage certificate of your parents.

Getting a U.S. passport is an exciting way to have access to countries all over the world. But in order to do so, there are certain requirements you need to meet in order to ensure a successful application process. One of these requirements is providing a copy of your birth certificate as proof of citizenship and identity.

In general, passport applicants born in the United States must present a certified copy of their birth certificate in the state where they were born when applying for a passport.

Is a Passport Card Cheaper than a Passport?

Traveling requires plenty of planning and paperwork, including getting a passport or passport card. However, when it comes to the price, one may wonder which is the cheaper option – a passport or a passport card? In this blog post, we will explore the differences between a passport and a passport card, their costs, and which option may be more suitable for your travel needs.

Difference Between a Passport and a Passport Card?

Passport Card

To understand the difference between a passport and a passport card, it’s essential to know what each document is. A passport is a document that allows you to travel internationally and contains personal identifying information such as your name, date of birth, photo, and nationality. A passport card is a wallet-sized card that can be used as an alternative to a passport for entry into the United States from following:

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • the Caribbean
  • Bermuda by Sea

Cost of a Passport and Passport Card

Now, let’s dive into the costs of a passport and passport card. The cost of a passport book for first-time adult applicants is $140, while a renewal passport is $110. In contrast, a passport card is less expensive. A new passport card for first-time adult applicants is $65, while a renewal passport card is $30. It is important to note that the cost of a passport or passport card can vary depending on other factors such as expedited processing fees.

Passport Card has Limited Travel Options.

Another consideration is the length of time the passport or passport card is valid for. Both documents are valid for ten years for adults, and five years for children under 16 years. If you plan on traveling internationally often, a passport book may be a more suitable option as it provides more flexibility in terms of travel options.

Lastly, if you already have a passport book, obtaining a passport card later on may be cheaper. You can apply for a passport card by mail using form DS-82 if you already have a valid passport book. This option only costs $30, and the passport card will be valid for the same duration as the passport book.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, whether a passport card is cheaper than a passport depends on your travel needs. A passport card may be cheaper initially, but it has limitations and may not be a suitable option if you plan on traveling abroad by air. A passport book may be a better option if you travel internationally often and requires more flexibility in travel options. However, if you already have a passport book and need a passport card later on, it may be a more affordable choice.

Where Can I Find a Passport Offices?

QUESTION:   I have a question about where I can locate a passport office. Are they relatively hard to find? I live in Ohio and I would like to know where the closest facility is so I can apply for my passport.

ANSWER:    At the USPASSPORTHELPGUIDE.COM, there are plenty of information regarding passport office locations, application acceptance facilities, passport agencies, embassies, and consulates. A passport application acceptance facility is not hard to find. Hence, if you have the right information. Below is a link that will provide you with various locations in Ohio. At any of these locations you can complete your passport application.

ohio

If you are not in a rush, you can mail your documents to the nearest passport facility. Given your eligibility, mailing your passport documents can be very convenient. We advise that you use a tracking system. This way you will know exactly where your documents are and when they arrive at their destination. On the other hand, if you need your passport services in a rush, then you should visit your local passport agency. At the passport agency, they can process your passport services quicker than a passport application acceptance facility.

Using a Tyvek envelope when sending the passport documents will prevent the documents from damage during the process. USPS priority mail is a decent service to use to mail your passport documents.

Passport Acceptance Facilities – Where to Find Passport Acceptance Facilities?

Question: Where to find Passport Acceptance Facilities? I live in Arkansas and I would like to know where the closest facility is so I can apply for my passport.

Passport Frequently Asked Questions and AnswersAnswer: Passport acceptance facilities are not hard to come by if you have the proper tools. At the USPASSPORTHELPGUIDE.COM, there are plenty of information regarding locations of passport acceptance facilities, passport agencies, and embassies and consulates. Please click on Arkansas to get a listing of facilities in your state.

If you need your passport services in a rush, then you should visit your local passport agency. At the passport agency, they can turn around passports and passport services quicker than a passport acceptance facility.

In addition, if you are not in that much of a rush, you can mail your documents in for passport services. If you are eligible, mailing of passport documents for passport services is very convenient. We recommend that you use a tracking type of mailing system. This way you will know exactly where your documents are and when exactly they arrive to the destination.

USPS priority mail is a good service to use to mail your passport documents. In addition, it is advice to use a Tyvek envelope when sending the passport documents so none gets damage during the process.

Validity on the Passport – What is the validity of my passport if it was given to me at 19?

Question:  I applied for my passport when I was 19 years old. What is the validity on the passport I have?

Passport Frequently Asked Questions and AnswersAnswer:  Since you got your passport at the age of 19, the passport that you possess is an adult passport. The validity on the passport is 10 years. The 10-year validity on the passport starts to count down when it came into your possession. This means that your passport will expire when you are the age of 29 years old. Unless during this time, you loses your passport and must reapply for a new one. If that should happened, then the date of validity will change.

If you were given a passport that is for a minor, the validity on the passport is for 5 years. In addition, a minor passport can be renew. This would be if at the time of renewal, the minor is still under the age of 15. Otherwise, the minor would have to apply for a new passport, which is then an adult passport.

It is advice when renewing a passport, that you renew the passport nine months prior to it expiring. This recommendation is because some countries require a certain amount of validity left on the passport before entering that country. So, if your passport is about to expire and you want to travel abroad, you may face issues when trying to enter the country. Therefore, we recommend renewing your passport at least 9 months before it expires.

What is a K-1 Visa?

For those who have found love with someone from a different country, the process of bringing them into the United States can be complicated. One option available for couples planning to get married is the K-1 visa, which allows a foreign fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. temporarily. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about the K-1 visa.

What is a K-1 Visa?

A K-1 visa, also known as a fiancé visa, allows a foreign fiancé(e) to enter the United States temporarily to marry a U.S. citizen within 90 days. Once the marriage takes place, the foreign spouse may then apply for permanent residence through the adjustment of status process.

Basic Requirements for a K-1 Visa

  • The petitioner (the U.S. citizen) must file a petition for the foreign fiancé(e).
  • The couple must have met in person within the past two years.
  • The foreign fiancé(e) must be legally free to marry and the marriage must be valid.
  • The foreign fiancé(e) must not have any criminal background or be inadmissible under U.S. law.
  • The couple should demonstrate a legitimate relationship and intention to marry.

How to Apply for a K-1 Visa?

The K-1 visa application process involves several steps, including submitting a petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), attending a visa interview, and undergoing medical and criminal background checks. After USCIS approves the petition, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the foreign fiancé(e)s’ country will schedule a visa interview. The fiancé(e) will typically need to attend this interview to obtain the visa.

How Long Does It Take to Get a K-1 Visa?

The timeline to obtain a K-1 visa can vary based on a variety of factors, such as the country from which your fiancé(e) is applying, how long it takes to complete the medical exam and background checks, and how long it takes to schedule the interview. On average, the process takes around 9-12 months from start to finish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you plan to get married to someone from another country, the K-1 visa may be an option to bring your fiancé(e) to the United States. The process can be lengthy, but it can ultimately lead to permanent residence for your loved one. Make sure to follow all the requirements and guidelines throughout the application process to avoid any delays or complications.

Passport Application – How long does a passport application takes to process?

Passport Frequently Asked Questions and AnswersQuestion:  I am in sort of a rush. How long does a passport application takes to process? Will it be longer than a month and a half? If so, I may be out of a passport when I need it for my trip.

Answer:  There are different options when it comes to the passport application process. The first option is the regular passport processing. This process typically takes about 4-6 weeks before you get a new passport.

The second option would be to use an expedite passport service. An expedite passport service can process a passport within 2-3 weeks. The third and fastest way to obtain a passport is through a regional passport agency. The regional passport agency or professional expediter will expedite the process so that you are able to have a passport in about 2 weeks or less.

By utilizing a professional expediter, your passport can be turned around way faster than regular processing or expedited processing. Professional expediters can process a passport in about 24 hours, 3 days, or 1 week. Each of these services will increase in cost as the processing time becomes less and less.

Generally speaking, applicants applying for their rush passports may not choose to use the regular passport processing services. If you are traveling in a month and a half or later, then you should choose the regular passport application process. It will save you a good amount of money when you compare it to a professional expediting passport service. The choice you make is base on how fast you need a passport and what you can afford.

US Citizen – Is there a certain time limit before I can apply for a U.S. passport?

Passport Frequently Asked Questions and AnswersQuestion:  Is there a certain time limit that needs to be reached before I can apply for a passport after becoming a US citizen?

 

Answer:  We compliment you on becoming a US citizen. Now that you are a US citizen, you are able to apply for a U.S. passport right away. To apply for a passport, there are some guide lines and requirements that you must follow and provide.

First, you must obtain and complete Form DS-11. Form DS-11 Application for a New Passport is use when applying for a passport for the first time. In addition, this form provides detail information on additional requirements or supporting documents. For a passport you must provide proof of identity and a passport size photo. Since you are a US citizen, you are able to use your Naturalize Citizenship Certificate as proof of identity.

The form along with the fees and additional documents can be process at most post offices. Post offices have the authority given by the Department of State to process passport. This process usually takes 4-6 weeks. There are other ways to process a passport. Another would be using and expedite service if you are in a rush. This service speeds the process by 2-3 weeks. Of course, the cost will be more. Nevertheless, you will have a US passport to show your family and friends.

Note: There are special requirements for minors under the age of 16.

Acceptance Facilities – Is there any way that I can get a list of Passport Application Acceptance Facilities?

Passport Frequently Asked Questions and AnswersQuestion:  Is there any way that I can get a list of Passport Application Acceptance Facilities? I would like to know which facilities I live closest too.

Answer:  A passport application acceptance facility will not be too difficult to find if you have the proper tools. At US Passport Help Guide , there is an abundance of information pertaining to locations of passport application acceptance facilities, passport agencies, and embassies and consulates.

If you are in need of your passport services in a hurry, then you should visit your local passport agency. At the passport agency, they can process your passport needs and passport services very fast. Faster than a passport application acceptance facility. A faster process will lead to a quicker turn around to get a passport.

On the other hand, if you are not in a hurry, you can mail your documents in for passport services. First, you will need to check if you are eligible to mail your passport documents for passport services. This is a very convenient way to handle your passport services if time is on your side. We recommend that you use a tracking mailing system. This way you will know exactly where your documents are and when exactly they arrive to their destination.

USPS priority mail is an ideal service to use to mail your passport documents. In addition, it is also advise to use a Tyvek envelope. A Tyvek envelope protects the documents from undesirable weather conditions.

Therefore, with all the options available to find a facility, it will make starting your passport application process easy and quick. Just keep in mind whichever choice you make to process your application, the cost will be different.