If you are a citizen of the United States and you want to travel outside the country, you will need a passport. In past years, you could travel to Canada and Mexico without a passport, but they are required now for extended stays. Even if you are under the age of 14, you are still required to possess a passport. Before beginning the process, you should know where to get a passport and all the steps involved.

Obtaining a U. S passport is a straightforward process that requires some attention to detail and patience. You will need to have the proper proof of citizenship. A certified certificate of birth is needed for this. You will also need to have proper ID such as a driver’s license or some other government issued ID. Then you will need to fill out an application form. You can download this form the Internet. Two passport photos are also need. There are many places you have these photos taken.

It is best to plan to start the passport application process well before your scheduled trip as it can take some time. If you are willing to pay a higher price, you can get expedited service. Gathering together the information, taking the photos, filling out the form and going to the office to apply will take a little time and effort.

How long will it take to get your passport? Average time is around 6 weeks. You can obtain it in two weeks to three weeks if you are willing to pay some extra money for the expedited service. This expedited service usually costs around $60. These fees can add up as there will be additional passport fees and shipping charges.

The next step in the application journey is discovering where to get a passport. Since this is a government issued ID, it follows that government buildings are your best bet. Federal district courts, municipal offices and courts, post offices and some public libraries are possibilities. Check online with the United States passport Service and you should be able to find out the nearest location. Since there are approximately 7000 passport acceptance facilities in the United States, one should be located within your area. You can also find online sites that claim to process passport application. I have even seen one that claims to get your passport in 24 hours. I would double and triple check these sites before I send away some cash or enter in any confidential info.

If this is your first application for a passport, you will need to apply in person. If you lost your passport and are applying for a new one, you will also need to go to a passport acceptance facility in person. If you are renewing your passport and you were older than 16 when you obtained the lost one, it may be possible to do that through the mail. Even if you are doing it by mail, the process can still take 6 weeks or more. So, you must still remember to plan ahead so you make certain to have your passport in time for your trip.

Before you jump in the car and head off to the closet passport acceptance facility, the prudent thing would be to call ahead. You might be required to schedule an appointment at one of these offices. Call ahead so you know the proper procedure.

It is an absolute necessity to have a passport when you travel to foreign lands. Having knowledge about where to get a pasport will make the process quicker and hassle free. Begin the U.S. passport application procedure long before your scheduled trip to make certain you have your passport in your hand before you go!