How to Get a US Passport San Jose CA

Steps

1. First, find out where to apply at http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ or download an application<ref>http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html</ref>
2. Passport photosGet your picture made -- many drugstores and photoshops take passport photos as well as some passport agencies.
   • If you are over 16, the fee is $97.
3. Anyone 16 year or older can apply for a passport on their own. Both parents must sign the application and appear in person (or give notarized permission) for someone under the age of 14 to get a passport.
4. You ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.
5. If you want to expedite it, the passport office can help you do that. You will need to pay more, express mail it there and send an envelope with prepaid postage for the return.
6. Do NOT sign the application until you are in the presence of the passport official.
7. Because so many people are getting passports now, expect it to normally take 8 weeks. If you need it sooner, you will need to expedite it.
8. Be sure you apply enough in advance so you won't be sweating about getting it back in time.
9. Have a great trip!

Video

Tips

• If you are overseas and need to apply for or to renew your passport, you must go to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Try to call the ahead or check out their web page [1] so that you know when passport services are provided. Keep in mind the Embassy will be closed on both American and local-country holidays. A passport renewal is NOT considered an "emergency" situation by the Embassy, so don't expect special service if you come at the wrong time. When you get to the Embassy, identify yourself as an American citizen to the guards and ask for the "American Citizen Services" part of the "Consular" section.
• Complete but do not sign the application until you are instructed to do so by the official accepting your application.
• You can renew a passport by mail[2] if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.
• If you need extra pages added to your passport, this can be done free. Use form DS-4085.[3]

Warnings

• If you ever lose a passport or have it stolen, report the theft immediately to local police and to the US Embassy or Consulate (or to the Department of State if in the US.) Once reported as lost, you cannot use the passport ever again, even if you later find it.

Things You'll Need

• Form DS-11 (Passport Application)
• Your old passport (if you have it)
• Form DS-64 (Required only if you lost your old passport)
• Form DS-3053 (Statement of consent for a child under 14 to have a passport)
• 2 Passport Sized Photos
• Proof of citizenship (generally, a certified copy of your birth record or original naturalization papers, or your old passport). +A note about birth records- Several sizes and styles exist. Don't stand in long lines only to be told you have the wrong one. Take yours to your county clerk or local registrar and have them take a look to be sure it's right.
• Proof of identity (such as a driver's license, military ID, government-issued ID or old passport)
• If you have changed your name, bring your marriage certificate or court name-change order.
• Application fee. In the US, cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards are accepted at most locations. Overseas only US or foreign cash is accepted.

Sources and Citations

• http://travel.state.gov Official Department of State website with full information about applying for a passport as well as travel warnings and country-specific advisories.

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