If you desire to travel outside of the country you will need a passport. A passport is government issued legal documentation that verifies your citizenship. In most cases a passport will contain a photograph, your personal information and numerous blank pages that are intended for stamps that grant your access to a foreign country. The process of applying for a passport is relatively easy, but there are several steps you will need to take.

The process of applying for a passport involves presenting your personal identification and proof of birth. Your driver's license or identification card will be required. You will also need to show an official copy of your birth certificate. Once you have these documents, you can start the application process for your passport.

If you are missing a copy of your birth certificate, you will need to get one. This can be done by contacting the Office of Vital Records for the county you were born in. You can do this in person, over the Internet, or via the phone.

As soon as you have your birth certificate you can apply for your passport. It is possible to apply online, but only if you have done so before. If you have not applied before, you will need to apply in person.

When applying online you simply need to pull up the website for the US. State Department. You should not sign this application until it has been approved, as there is a genuine risk of identity theft.

When applying for a passport you will need to go to your local post office, or circuit clerk's office. Remember to bring your birth certificate, your ID and a 2 inch x 2 inch recent photo. To obtain the photo you can have it taken in most places that develop film, such as a local pharmacy.

Once you have arrived at the post office or court clerk's office, you need to present your identification and photos to an agent. This agent will examine the material to make sure it is authentic and that it is indeed you and then based on this information they may approve the application. You can then sign the application at this time. Now you simply need to wait for the passport to arrive at your home via the postal service.

The process of getting your passport will typically take about six weeks, but may take as long as six months. For this reason it is important that you begin applying for a passport as soon as you realize you may be taking your trip. Even if you do not go on this trip, it is a good idea to have your passport. There are ways to speed up the process if necessary. It is possible to pay a fee and get the process expedited.

If your passport has not arrived in a reasonable amount of time, you may want to contact your local Congressional representative to see if they can assist with applying for a passport and pushing this process along. Once you have received your passport, it is good for 15 years. Actually renewing a USA passport is much easier than applying for a passport and can be done via mail.