As a United States citizen, you will need a passport when traveling to foreign countries. In the past, you were free to take trips to Mexico and Canada without a passport in hand. However, requirements have changed and the rules are different; you are now required to possess a passport when visiting our neighbors to the north and south. Even minors need to possess a passport. Before you start the application process, you need to know where to get a passport and the details of the application process.

Obtaining a United States passport is a reasonably easy process. However, you should learn all the details and steps before you proceed with the process. You are required to have proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate) and proof of identity such as a drivers license or military ID. Next, you need to fill out the proper government form and have passport photos taken.

Don't procrastinate. Start the passport application as early as possible. The process can take some time. You need to gather the information, get the photographs taken, fill out the forms, and get to a passport acceptance facility. This all takes a little planning and time.

How long does it take for you to receive your new passport? The average time for the government to get you your passport is 6 weeks. Sometimes it arrives faster than that. If you want to shell out some extra money for expedited service, you may get it in three weeks or less. This faster service will set you back about $60. There may be other fees that apply that will increase the cost of the passport.

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 going to a passport acceptance facility, it might be wise to call ahead. Some offices require you to make an appointment. Calling ahead can save some disappointment and hassle when you get there.

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