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If you are a United States and desire to travel to foreign lands, you are required to have a passport. In years past, you were free to travel to Canada and Mexico without having a passport. However, the rules have changed and you now need one to travel to our neighboring countries for an extended time period. Even if you are a minor, you still need to obtain a passport for foreign travel. Prior to beginning the passport application process, you need to know where to get a passport and the applicable documents.

Obtaining a United States passport is a reasonably easy process. However, you should learn all the details and steps before you proceed with the process. You are required to have proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate) and proof of identity such as a drivers license or military ID. Next, you need to fill out the proper government form and have passport photos taken.

It is best to plan to start the passport application process well before your scheduled trip as it can take some time. If you are willing to pay a higher price, you can get expedited service. Gathering together the information, taking the photos, filling out the form and going to the office to apply will take a little time and effort.

How long will the entire process take from beginning to the end? The average time varies but it is usually around 6 weeks. If you want to give the government a little extra cash, approximately $60, you can request expedited service. This cuts the time down to around two or three weeks. There may be a few other fees so check before requesting this service. You don't want to spend all your money before you leave!

The next step in the application journey is discovering where to get a passport. Since this is a government issued ID, it follows that government buildings are your best bet. Federal district courts, municipal offices and courts, post offices and some public libraries are possibilities. Check online with the United States passport Service and you should be able to find out the nearest location. Since there are approximately 7000 passport acceptance facilities in the United States, one should be located within your area. You can also find online sites that claim to process passport application. I have even seen one that claims to get your passport in 24 hours. I would double and triple check these sites before I send away some cash or enter in any confidential info.

If this is the very first time you have applied for a passport, you will have to show up at an office in person. If you have misplaced your passport and want to replace with a brand new one, you may be able to handle this request through the mail. If you obtained your lost passport after turning sixteen, you don't need to handle it in person. You can complete the entire process from the comfort of your home, saving you time, gas, and effort! But remember, the passport can still take up to six long weeks to arrive.

Before you jump in the car and head off to the closet passport acceptance facility, the prudent thing would be to call ahead. You might be required to schedule an appointment at one of these offices. Call ahead so you know the proper procedure.

It is an absolute necessity to have a passport when you travel to foreign lands. Having knowledge about where to get an American passport will make the process quicker and hassle free. Begin the pass port application procedure long before your scheduled trip to make certain you have your passport in your hand before you go!

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