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When travelling outside of the United States, you need to present a valid US passport. It is necessary to have a US passport even if you are traveling to bordering countries such as Canada and Mexico. The process involved in assembling and submitting a passport application can be daunting, but with attention to detail it is simple enough.

The first step towards getting your US passport is to visit a US post office or download the passport application online and print it out. If you are printing the application from your computer, then you need to print it in black ink on white paper as no other version will be accepted. Paper that you print the application form on must be 8 1/2 X 11 inches on a matte finish.

In order to have your application approved, you will need to be able to provide proof of US citizenship. Documents that are approved for this purpose are a certified US birth certificate (not a copy), a US citizenship certificate or a naturalization certificate. Other forms of ID may also be requested such as an old US passport, driver's license or other forms of state or federal ID.

An important part of the application are the passport photos. These are one of the main reasons that passport applications are rejected, so be sure to have yours done correctly. The regulations regarding passport photos state that no headwear or eyewear can be worn in the photo, civilian clothes must be worn (no uniforms), you must be looking straight at the camera and there are specifications about the lighting and sizing of the photos. It is best to have the photos done at a store that specializes in this sort of thing.

The passport issuing office in the United States works under a heavy load of applications and while they endeavor to have the passports issued quickly, there can be delays. For this reason it is best to apply for your passport with anticipation and the office suggests that you apply around 12 weeks prior to your travel arrangements. For an extra fee you can arrange to have your passport application assessed more quickly.

Once you have presented your passport application, you are able to track its progress online through the state department's website. However, before handing in your application ensure that all facts, details, payments and photos are exactly right. If there are errors on the forms, then the application will be rejected. Once you have your passport, it is valid for ten years.

Costs involved in getting your passport are as follows: adults $100, children $85 and the fee for an expedited passport is an extra $60. If you are applying for your first US passport, then you cannot mail the forms but need to present them in person as well as filling out form DS-11.

If you are careful about filling in the correct information on your pass port application, attaching correct passport photos and you pay the correct fee, then you will not have trouble getting your US passport. The US passport issuing body estimates that around 10 percent of applicants make errors on their forms, which slows down the process considerably.

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