If you are a U. S. Citizen, anytime you travel outside of the country, you need a passport. There is no age limit, even infants and newborns require one today. Getting one is quite simple as long as you follow the rules and have all your documents in order when applying for a pasport.

The first step is getting an application, which can be done through agencies like an expedited American passport services, post offices, and courthouses. You can even print out your application from the State Department's website. It is important that after you fill out the application, you do not sign it until you are instructed to. Making sure you fill in all required information, including your social security number, will help to avoid delays or denials of your request.

Although there are cases where you can apply through the mail, all first time applicants must do so in person. Other cases that require applying in person include anyone under the age of 16, replacing one issued when you were under the age of 16, and for those who have not had one in more than 15 years. You will also need to apply in person if yours has been stolen, lost, or damaged.

You are responsible for bringing two photographs with you to send along with your application. Those photos must follow regulated guidelines. Proof of citizenship is also required and can be easily done with a certified birth certificate issues from the country, city, or state of birth. Certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, and undamaged previous passports are also acceptable forms of proof.

Along with your proof of citizenship, you will need a photo ID. As with the citizenship proof, several different forms of identification are acceptable. You can use a valid driver's license, current government ID, as well as a current military ID. An undamaged previously issued passport and naturalization certificates are also accepted.

Passports are not free so be prepared for a processing fee and other charges, depending on where you apply. It is strongly recommended that you apply no later than two months before you plan to travel outside of the country because passports can take up to six to eight weeks for approval. If you feel you cannot wait that long, expedited processing may be possible but it comes with an additional fee.

In situations where you already have a passport, you can apply through the mail. In these cases, it is usually to renew yours or to legally change your name. You must include the undamaged passport you want to exchange or renew with your application through the mail. However, it must have been issued within the last 15 years and you had to be at least 16 years old when you received it. Fees are still applied and are paid along with your application.

It is always a good idea when applying for a U S passport to check with an agency or look online for anything new added to the procedures. This simple process can turn into a lot of red tape and frustration if you do not follow the rules and provide all the information and documents necessary through an expedited American passport services. A certified birth certificate, two acceptable photos, and a current photo ID can have your passport in your hand in time for your next trip overseas.