Learningly

A passport is an official document that marks a person a legally recognized citizen. Better explained, a passport is a pass that lets you out of a port (a country in this case). Acquiring a passport is a very simple process though one needs to have a lot of documents supporting the validity and have to follow the procedure stated by the respective government. The procedure is almost the same for all countries except for certain added rules in some countries.

The general procedure to be followed for getting a passport is as follows:

The first and foremost thing a person is to have to be eligible for applying for passport is an official birth certificate. In case you don’t have one, find out how to order a one from the government.

The second important thing is a document supporting your identity. A driver’s license can suffice this requirement. If you are a student, a bonafide certificate from the institution you are studying would do. But it should be noted that this document of proof of citizenship should be legal and original documents are to be shown to the passport agent.

Once you are sure about the availability of these two documents with you, go ahead to get a passport application form. There are two ways to obtain this form:

• You can download the form available online in the state government’s website and then fill all the necessary details and apply online. Make sure you do not sign the form unless it gets verified and approved by the passport agent.
• However, if you are under sixteen years of age (for U.S citizens) or if you are applying passport for the first time, you have to apply in person.

After getting the form, fill all the necessary details correctly and ensure you have two passport size photographs or arrange for them.

Once you have the completely filled form along with the necessary documents (birth certificate and proof of citizenship and two passport size photographs), confirm with the passport agent and get the form verified and approved after which you and your agent have to sign the application form. The last step is to pay the fees. This amount varies with the government and also with the type of passport you are applying. Once the passport fee is paid and form submitted your application will be sent for processing and you are will likely get the passport within six months. If you need it urgently, it would cost you some extra money.