Category: Other

How to Get a Money Order?

If you need a money order, there are various places you can visit to purchase one. Regardless of the establishment you select, a money order is a secure means to use for a transaction. Keep in mind that each site will have a fee attached to the cost of the check. So, looking around for the lowest price to pay for your money order is best.

Where to Get a Money Order?

When you are ready to get your money order, look for the most notable establishments that are thrush worthy. There are many in your neighborhood. The notable ones are the post offices, banks, retail stores, pharmacies, and check cashing stores.

The document may look different at each site, but they all have the same use. So when you make your purchase, make sure you are getting a money order for the right amount. Some sites may accept cash only, while others may pay for a debit card. Most places do not accept credit cards as a form of payment for a money order.

Related Read: How Much Does it Cost to Get a Passport?

Post Offices

When you visit your post office to drop off your mail, you can purchase a money order from a teller. The money order is a blank check that requires you to fill in the information. A post office money order comes with the receipt attached to it. The receipt can be detached from the check.

The receipt also has the same serial numbers printed on it as the check. It is your proof of purchase in case you lose your money order. Another advantage of buying from the post office is if you lose, damage, or get your money order stolen; it will be replaced with proof of purchase.

Banks

If you have a bank account, you can purchase a cashier’s check. The cashier’s check is the same as a money order. However, your bank or any bank you will acquire the check from can print the name of the person or company you will pay. The other information you must fill in. Some banks may charge you a fee if you do not have an account with them. Be ready to pay the price.

Check Cashing Facilities

You may find plenty of check cashing sites around the neighborhood. Each will charge a percentage based on the amount you will purchase, while others may charge a flat fee. Regardless, you can get the check when you need it. Places you can go are Western Union and Money Gram.

Retail Stores

Many retail stores like pharmacies, grocery, and chain stores sell money orders. Again, each site will charge a fee, and the price will vary. If you visit one, ask if there is any warranty on your purchase if you should lose the check. So, the next time you are in your neighborhood at Walgreens or Wal-Mart and need a money order, purchase it one time.

Filling Out The Money Order

Now that you have your money order, immediately fill it out with the necessary information. One reason for doing so is if you lose it, the person that finds it cannot cash it. So, how do you fill in the information on your money order? Start by reviewing the check and ensuring it is for the right amount. Once that is clarified, endorse it.

Endorse Your Money Order

To endorse the check, write the name of the person or company you will pay for. It is done right after the words “Pay to the Order of” and above the line. Write as clearly as possible to avoid the check getting rejected. Once you complete the endorsement, go to the next line, where you will fill in your personal information. If you purchase the check from the bank and the person or company’s name is already on it, ignore this step.

Fill in Your Personal Information

Now you can fill in your information, especially since you use a money order. Unlike a personal check, a money order comes blank. You can provide your name and address. If you have enough space, you can also put the reason for the transaction. The last thing to do is signed the check. Use your signature as it is unique and is more difficult to duplicate. Printing your name is not a good idea because replicating it is easy.

Now that you have completed all the steps, you can store your money order in a safe place if you are not ready to use it. Otherwise, you can mail it or submit it in person with your application and supporting documents to get your passport.

Conclusion

This concludes our guide on how to fill in a money order for a passport. Remember to double-check all the details you have submitted carefully and make sure they match your valid photo ID. Also, do not forget to sign the check, as that is required for it to be processed and accepted. Completing this step ensures your application will be processed quickly and safely. Thank you for using US Passport Help Guide!

We hope this has been a helpful resource to you.

 

Five Countries Where U.S. Citizens Need a Travel Visa

One of the most important things to understand about traveling to another country is how long you will stay in the international destination. For an extended stay, you usually need a residency visa regardless of which country you’re traveling to.

However, many US citizens can travel to other countries on a short-term basis without a visa. Most popular travel destinations for vacations and tourists fall under this category. There are five countries you will need a travel visa to go there.

“Some” doesn’t mean “all”, though, particularly in this case. There are actually five popular countries where US citizens will need a travel visa before they depart.

Brazil

If you’re going to be traveling to Brazil for any purpose, you’re going to need a travel visa. If you go without a visa, you will be immediately sent back to the US. You should get a proper visa application from the Brazilian Embassy BEFORE you depart for your trip.

China

If your trip will take you to mainland China, you’ll need to apply for what is called an entry visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General before your trip. Generally speaking, you should do this at least one month before your trip because you will NOT be able to obtain one once you arrive.

India

If you’re traveling to India for any purpose, you need a travel visa as a US citizen. The good news is that if you’re staying less than 30 days, you can apply for an electronic travel authorization online and take care of everything before you go. If you’re going to be staying for longer than 180 days and are planning to work while in India, you need to register your residency at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.

Russia

Russia actually has one of the more strict systems for admitting visitors into the country worldwide. In addition to the fact that US citizens will need a visa to enter the country in the first place, you also need to make sure that it does not expire before your trip is scheduled to end. If it does, you could potentially find yourself stranded in Russia for up to 20 days. Russian visas also require a sponsor, which could be a travel company, hotel or university or even a friend.

Vietnam

US citizens will also need a travel visa to enter Vietnam for any purpose. In addition to this, it is a requirement that you have at least six months remaining validity on your passport. Alternatively, you may also be able to use a written approval letter which you can get from your travel agency prior to your departure.

Apply for a Passport? No Eyeglasses Allowed In New Passport Photos.

As of November 1, 2016, the State Department will no longer allow eyeglasses in official passport photos. Some experts estimate that every 6 out of 10 people wear corrective lenses. This is one change that could affect millions of people moving forward.

The New York Daily News indicates that the change was made, in part, to help decrease the total number of applications that are rejected each year due to poor quality photos. Eyeglasses in passport photos regularly create glare and cause shadows, making processing passport photos difficult. Experts indicate that out of the 200,000+ passports sent in with poor-quality photos in 2015 alone, the number one issue was with eyeglasses.

Passport Photo Considerations

It’s important to note that this new rule regarding eyeglasses goes into effect even if you always wear lenses. Or even if you’ll be wearing them while traveling. It’s also worth mentioning that the State Department has said that if your CURRENT US passport features a picture of you wearing eyeglasses, you do NOT have to apply for a new passport right away.

However, the next time your passport application is renewed, you must take a new photo. You can not wear eyeglasses while doing so.

Passport Photo 360

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, taking a passport photo isn’t a long and frustrating process. Thanks to the new Passport Photo 360 app, you can complete it in just a few short minutes with any smartphone or tablet.

Prevent yourself from being one of the 250,000 passport applications that are rejected and rejected for not meeting the government standard when it comes to your photo. Just open the app, snap the picture with your smartphone or tablet, and select a nearby Walgreens for printing. From the moment you take your picture, your photo will be ready for pick up in about 60 minutes.

Passport Photo 360 is available for the iOS and Android operating systems and is available to download now on the app store of your choice.

Features of Passport Photo 360

  • Real-time Review & Compliance checks
  • Print to any Walgreens Location
  • Easy to Use with simple to use the screen to check and verify passport photo.

Conclusion

Passport Photo 360 is a great tool for ensuring your passport photos comply with government standards. With real-time review and compliance checks, you can be sure your photo will meet all the requirements for your passport application. The ability to print to any Walgreens location makes it easy to get a printed photo when you need one. Passport Photo 360 is available for download now on the app store of your choice. Get started today and ensure you have professional-looking passport photos meeting all government standards. Passport Photo 360 lets you know that the government will accept your passport photograph.

Passport Denial Program: New Measures to Prevent Travel by High-Risk Individuals

The Passport Denial Program is a U.S. government initiative that can impact travel plans. It aims to stop certain people from getting passports. This program affects those who owe large sums in taxes or child support.

The program blocks passport applications and renewals for individuals with significant debts to the government. It started in 2015 and has since grown. The IRS and state agencies work together on this effort.

People with over $55,000 in unpaid taxes may face passport denial. The same applies to those behind on child support payments. This program pushes people to settle their debts. It has helped collect millions in owed money since it began.

Overview of the Passport Denial Program

Applying for Passport
Applying for New Rushed Passport

The Passport Denial Program aims to prevent certain individuals from obtaining or using U.S. passports. It targets those with specific legal or financial obligations.

Eligibility Criteria

The program applies to people who owe large amounts of child support. Those who owe $2,500 or more can’t get a passport. It also covers some tax debts. People who owe $54,000 or more to the IRS may be denied passports.

Some criminal cases trigger passport denial too. This includes drug trafficking across borders. People with federal arrest warrants can’t get passports either.

The program blocks passport renewals as well as new applications. It can even revoke existing passports in some cases.

Legal Framework and Enforcing Agencies

The U.S. Department of State runs the Passport Denial Program. They work with other government agencies to enforce it. The main law behind this is the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act.

The Office of Child Support Enforcement plays a big role. They tell the State Department about people who owe child support. The IRS reports tax debts that qualify for passport denial.

State courts and federal agencies can flag individuals too. They send info to the State Department about legal issues that block passports.

The program has faced some legal challenges. Courts have mostly upheld it as constitutional so far.

Application and Enforcement Process

The Passport Denial Program has a structured process for application submission, review, and enforcement. It aims to prevent certain individuals from obtaining passports due to legal or financial reasons.

Application Submission and Review

When someone applies for a passport, they must fill out Form DS-11 or DS-82. The form asks about child support debt, federal loans, and taxes. Applicants must sign the form under penalty of perjury.

The State Department checks the information against government databases. This includes child support records, tax data, and loan defaults. If a match is found, the application gets flagged for review.

A passport specialist then looks at the flagged application. They check if the person owes over $2,500 in child support. For federal loans or taxes, they look for large unpaid amounts.

Non-Compliance and Consequences

If an applicant owes money, their passport application will be denied. The State Department sends a letter explaining why. It tells the person how to fix the issue.

To get a passport, the applicant must:

  • Pay the full amount owed
  • Set up a payment plan
  • Get a release from the agency they owe

People who lie on their application can face fines or jail time. It’s a crime to give false info on passport forms.

The program also affects current passport holders. Their passports can be revoked if they fall into debt after getting one. They’ll get a letter asking them to turn in their passport.

Challenging a Passport Denial

If your passport application is denied, you have options to appeal the decision. The process involves legal steps and meeting specific requirements to regain passport privileges.

Legal Recourse and Appeals

You can appeal a passport denial within 60 days of receiving the rejection notice. To start, submit a written request to the Passport Services office that denied your application. Include any new information or evidence that supports your case.

The appeal process may involve:

  • Providing additional documents
  • Attending an in-person hearing
  • Hiring a lawyer to represent you

If your appeal is denied, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. This step is complex and may require legal help.

Reinstatement of Passport Privileges

To get your passport privileges back, you must address the reason for the denial. Common issues include:

  • Unpaid taxes
  • Child support debt
  • Legal troubles

Steps to reinstate your privileges:

  1. Pay off any debts or fines
  2. Complete required legal obligations
  3. Provide proof of compliance to Passport Services

Once you’ve met all requirements, submit a new passport application. Include a letter explaining the steps you’ve taken to resolve the issues. The process can take several weeks or months, depending on your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Passport denial due to child support arrears raises many common questions. The process involves specific steps, agencies, and policies that applicants should understand.

What steps should I take to determine if I am subject to passport denial due to child support arrears?

Contact your local child support office. Ask about your current balance and if you’re on the passport denial list. Check if you owe more than $2,500 in child support. Review any notices you’ve received about passport denial.

Who can I contact to inquire about my status on the passport denial list?

Call the Office of Child Support Enforcement at 1-800-233-7796. Contact your state’s child support agency. Reach out to the U.S. Department of State’s National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Is it possible to receive a temporary passport if I have outstanding child support debt?

Temporary passports are rarely granted for child support debt. Exceptions may be made for life-or-death emergencies. Contact the passport agency directly to discuss your situation. You’ll need to provide proof of the emergency.

For what reasons might an application for a passport be denied?

Child support debt over $2,500. Unpaid federal taxes. Certain criminal convictions. Owing money for federal loans. Fraud or false statements on passport applications. Being subject to a court order not to leave the U.S.

What recourse is available if I receive a passport denial letter?

Pay the full child support debt. Set up a payment plan with your state agency. Request a review of your case if you believe there’s an error. Seek legal advice to understand your options. Appeal the decision if you have grounds to do so.

Are there any refund policies for passport application fees after denial?

Passport application fees are non-refundable, even if denied. The fees cover the cost of processing the application. You’ll need to pay the fee again if you reapply after resolving the issue that caused the denial.