Planning an international getaway? You’re going to need to obtain a passport. Passports are essential travel documents that are necessary for entering foreign countries as well as for returning home to the United States. 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, we have you covered. Read on for everything that you need to know about what you’ll need to obtain a passport.
Who Needs a Passport?
A passport is a very important travel document that is essential for anyone looking to travel internationally. 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.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that you can use a passport at the airport instead of a REAL ID-compliant license. To fly domestically in the United States, you now need to have either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, or a passport. If you for some reason can’t get a REAL ID or don’t have the time to get one, a passport can be used instead.
When Should I Apply For a Passport?
The first thing you’ll want to take into consideration is when you’ll need to have your passport in hand. If you have a trip coming up a few 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 assist you. When you find yourself in a rush and need to get a 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. Visit our website today to review our current passport processing times, and learn more about how we can help you.
What Do I Need to Apply For a Passport?
The process for obtaining a passport is actually quite simple, and the application process is quick and easy. However, we understand that it can be a bit daunting if you’re not sure exactly what to expect. In order to ensure that you’re ready to complete your passport application, you’ll want to have the following documents ready and on hand during the application process:
- 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. Please note that photocopies of these documents will not be accepted. You must bring the original document 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 or first time passport, replacing a lost passport, or getting a minor a passport. It’s important that you double check your passport application before submitting it, as even a small spelling error could cause significant delays in the process.
- A Passport Photo: Passport photos may seem straightforward, but many people tend to have trouble submitting a valid picture. For starters, you’ll have to check that your passport photo meets all of the specific requirements, or it will be rejected. Your passport photo should be taken within the last six months, be 2″ x 2″ in size, have a white background with no foreign objects visible, and be in color (not black and white). 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,
- Payment to the US Department of State: Make sure to bring a money order or personal check; credit cards are not accepted. You must submit payment before the passport application process can continue. Failing to do so could cause delays in your passport processing time.
How Can I Apply For a Passport?
If you’re ready to apply for your passport and start planning your international vacation, you can get the application process started on the Swift website. Here, you can apply 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 review your application and work with you to quickly correct any mistakes that we may find. Once your passport application has been processed, we will send it 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 any questions about how to obtain a passport, or if you need a new passport in less than three weeks, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help you get your travel documents in timely manner, 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!
