A passport book or card is needed whenever you travel to other countries and the passport application can be downloaded online. The State Department's DS 11 form needs to be completed when applying for a book or card for the first time. Getting a book or card is a process that can take a few weeks to complete.

Information

Fill out the appropriate form. Provide your full name, address, gender, birthdate, birthplace and social security number. State the names, birth dates and birthplaces of both parents. Make sure all of the information listed on the form is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Review

Collect documents confirming your nationality or citizenship. Medical records from a hospital, a certified birth certificate or school records can be used to verify your nationality. An expired or current passport is sufficient as well. Citizenship or naturalization certificates are acceptable if you are not a citizen of the United States. Passports and birth reports can also be submitted if you are from another country.

Identification

Submitting an old passport book/card or driver's license are acceptable ways to verify your identity. Military identification or government employee ID Cards are also permissible. Non-citizens can also show their certificates of citizenship or naturalization to confirm their identity. If you don't have the necessary documents available to prove your identity, you can bring an identifying witness to the place that will process your application. The identifying witness must be someone who has known you for at least two years and have their own form of identification. The identifying witness will be asked to sign an affidavit.

Photos

A recent color photograph of you is needed. The photo should be a full frontal view of your face. You can use a personal picture or have your pictures taken at a place that issues passport-standard sized photos. Accessories that cover any part of the face are not acceptable unless they are worn for religious or medical reasons.

Fees

The State Department charges different processing fees for a passport book and a passport card. The major difference between a book and card is that a card can only be used when traveling to Caribbean countries, Mexico or Canada. A book is a valid from of documentation when traveling to any country. The book and card will have your color photograph and list a physical description, your name, and place of citizenship. Major credit cards are an acceptable form of payment. The fees can also be paid by using cashier's checks, traveler's checks, personal check or money order. The checks or money orders should be payable to the Department of State.

Submission

When you are within the country, the forms and supplemental documents can be processed at a passport agency, acceptance facility or at certain post offices. When you are in a foreign country, the documents need to be submitted to the U. S. Consulate or embassy. The representative at the facility will look over your application and the documents you provided. The representative can also assist you if you have any questions regarding the process. If you need to receive the book or card within a short period of time, set up an appointment at an agency that can facilitate your request.

It may take four to six weeks for a US passport application to be processed. Expedited service can take two to three weeks or even less for an expedited passport. Submit the form to the processing agency or facility as soon as possible so that there is enough time to receive the book or card prior to the planned travel time. Being prepared and informed prior to submitting all of your materials is the best way to prevent any delays that could tamper your travel plans.