Owning a passport is an American right—a right that painfully few Americans are exercising. Even if you don’t have international travels planned, owning a passport opens up the possibility of travel. Everyone thinks that travel is expensive. and it can be! But owning your passport is the first, very important step toward leaving the country and experiencing another culture thru travel.
How to Apply for a Passport
Applying for your first passport is a big step, congrats on making that decision! It’s not too tricky, but there are a few things you’ll need in place before you can apply. Plus, after years of renewals and going through many visa applications on the road, I’ll suggest a few tips where you can save costs, as well as areas that sometimes cause delays if you’re not prepared for every step of the passport application process.
1. Download and print this form
2. The cost of a passport
Adults -$165 (16 and older is considered a adult) Children - $ 135 (under 16)
Optional fees: Expedite $60 per application
3. Take a good photo
1. Submit one color photo, taken in last 6 months. 2. Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media. 3. Have someone else take your photo. No selfies. 4. Take off your eyeglasses for your photo. 5. Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines.
**Walgreens and Cvs offers Passport photos for 7.99**
4.Citizenship Evidence (BIRTH Certificate) * Submit your original evidence of U.S. citizenship. * Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of your original evidence of U.S. citizenship. * Photocopies must be: legible, on white 8.5”x11” standard paper, black and white, and single sided. * In some cases, you may be able to submit a certified copy of your citizenship evidence. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority. * If you don't want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which we will keep. If you don’t submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed. * You cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship (e.g. electronic or mobile birth certificate) when applying for a U.S. passport. You must continue to submit your physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of it.
5.Photo Identification
Submit a photocopy of the front and back of each ID that you present when you apply. * Photocopy must be on white, 8.5'' x 11" standard paper, black and white, and single sided. * Do not decrease the image size (although you may enlarge it).
6.Where to Apply