Your passport is an essential document for travel outside of the United States. Passports are necessary for entering foreign countries as well as returning home. Your passport is a legal form of identification, which is why the application process can be a bit arduous. If you have questions about how to apply for a passport, how long it will take to receive, or whether you need to replace an old passport that is expired or damaged, read on to learn everything you need to know about what’s needed to get a passport.
Who Needs a Passport?
A passport is a very important travel document that is essential for anyone looking to travel internationally. You don’t need to obtain a passport if you plan on traveling domestically. On the other hand, if you are going to be visiting a country outside of the United States, you will need to get a passport beforehand. Make sure that you apply for a new passport or passport renewal ahead of time to ensure that you can get it in time for your trip. Failing to get a passport could mean that you have to cancel your trip overseas, which is a situation that nobody wants to be in.
When Should I Apply For a Passport?
The first thing you should ask yourself when applying for a passport is when you need it. If you have a trip coming up in two or more months, you should be able to apply for a passport through your local post office without any trouble. If your trip is less than two months away, most passport offices offer an expedited service that will let you get your passport back in two to three weeks. However, if you need your passport in three weeks or less, a standard passport office is not going to be able to help you. If you find yourself in this situation and need to get your passport as soon as possible, Swift can help! In many cases, we can provide expedited passport services so that you can get your new passport or passport renewal in time for your upcoming travel plans.
What Do I Need to Apply For a Passport?
The process for obtaining a passport isn’t too complicated, but it can be a bit daunting if you’re not sure what you’re up against. Make sure you’re ready to complete your passport application by having these documents ready and on hand:
Proof of US citizenship: In order to prove that you’re a US citizen, you’ll need to bring your original long form birth certificate or your original certificate of naturalization. An expired US passport that is undamaged and in good condition can also be used to prove your citizenship. Photocopies of these documents will not be accepted. You must bring the original or a certified copy in order to satisfy the proof of citizenship requirement.
A Completed Passport Application: The government application form that you need to complete is dependent on if you are getting a passport renewal, first time passport, replacing a lost passport, or getting a minor a passport.
A Passport Photo: This is where a lot of people run into trouble. You have to make sure that your passport photo meets specific requirements, or it will be rejected. Your passport photo should be taken within the last six months, 2″ x 2″ in size, have a white background with no foreign objects visible, and be in color. The photo should contain your entire head, but not your body. Your ears should be visible, and you must be facing forward. You can have a passport photo taken at your local post office, or you can take one yourself if you’re sure it meets all of the above requirements.
Payment to the US Department of State: Make sure to bring a money order or personal check; credit cards are not accepted.
How Can I Apply For a Passport?
If you’re ready to apply for your passport, head to the Swift website. Here, you can begin the passport application process for either a new passport or passport renewal, and complete the checkout process. Next, you will receive a list of all the required documentation that you will need to send in to our office in Chicago. Our team will then process your application and work with you to correct any mistakes that we find. Once your passport application has been processed, we will send your passport directly to you, so that you can have it in hand for your upcoming trip. We look forward to assisting you!
Conclusion
If you have more questions about how to obtain a passport, or if you need a new passport in less than three weeks, call Swift Passport Services at (877) 917-9438. We can help you avoid passport problems and get your travel documents in a matter of days so the only thing you have to worry about is having a great time on your upcoming trip. Our team of travel professionals will do everything that we can to get your passport to you in time for your travels. No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there!
