How to Prevent Passport Problems

Negligence is one of the main causes of a passport application being rejected or delayed when submitting the documents to the Passport Agency.  How can this be prevented?  What steps can a traveler take to ensure timely delivery and enjoy their time abroad?  Here are a few tips from the professionals at Express Passport- industry leaders in expedited passports and visas.

1. When applying for a new passport- a first time traveler needs to pay close attention to the application form called a DS-11.  Fill the form out completely, be it online or by hand, and then read it over very carefully to make sure all information is true and accurate.  (The DS-82 for renewals is less intensive, but no clerk is there to remind you to sign it!)  All applications MUST be signed in original ink- no photocopies.
   
   
   The additional documents required to accompany the application are very specific.  The most common ones asked for when applying for a new passport are the applicant’s original or certified copy of their birth certificate.  It must be the long form, have a raised or embossed seal, watermark or multicolored seal indicating its authenticity.  NO photocopies, Birth Abstracts, Birth Announcements or abbreviated forms of the Birth Certificate are accepted.  If you are applying for an adult passport for the first time and have a 5 year child passport that is expired- that is sufficient proof of citizenship and the Birth Certificate is not needed.  The same situation exists for renewals- as long as the passport is in good condition (not mutilated or damaged at all)- a Birth Certificate is not needed.

The Driver’s License is the other form of identification required- this time to prove the applicant’s identity.  The Driver’s License must be more than 6 months in issuance- meaning it cannot have been renewed or re-issued within the previous 6 months to avoid having to produce 5-7 additional forms of identification. 

Two identical passport photos taken within the past 6 months that are 2”x2” with a plain white or slightly off white background must be submitted.  It is strongly suggested that these photos be professionally taken, must be in color and meet the strict sizing guidelines provided by the US Department of State.

2. The check for the government fees will be included in the applicant’s submittal to the Passport Agency.  Make sure it is dated, the correct dollar amount appears in both the numeric and written form and that it is signed!

Once you receive your completed passport the first thing to do is READ IT.  Verify all information has been printed correctly and all dates are correct.  Even the Passport Agency makes mistakes and this can cause timely delays at the borders or even denial of travel.  Once all information is verified sign your passport. 
This is a FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION and should be treated with care and respect.  Keep it in a safe secure place at all times to avoid theft or loss.  Make a photo-copy of the inside cover and any long term multiple entry visas applied to the book and keep them in a safe place.  If you do not have a Passport Card to keep in your wallet, keep a photo-copy of the passport information there. 

While traveling keep your passport as close to your person as possible- avoid leaving it in a carry-all bag, backpack, luggage or other item that can be lost or stolen.  If a hotel safe is available, lock your passport inside until it is time to travel again.  Avoid having one person or traveling companion be the “keeper of the passports.”  Each person should have their own passport on them while traveling.

When going through customs or immigration or while exchanging currency at a bank or airport NEVER let anyone, official or not, leave your presence with your passport.  Always ask to accompany them wherever they need to go with your documents. 

If something happens to your passport while traveling abroad- IMMEDIATELY report the theft or loss to the local police and then the nearest US Embassy or US Consulate.  Take the photocopy of the passport (if you have it) and passport photos with you to the US Embassy or Consulate and a temporary limited issue passport will be given for your return to the United States.  If in the States and the passport is lost or stolen, follow the same procedure with the police notification and report the passport lost through the State Department or State Department website at www.travel.state.gov.  When applying to replace that passport, an additional document will be required called a DS-64 Statement of Lost, Stolen or Damaged Passport.

Additionally, if any of these application procedures are needed in the short term or for an emergency, expediting services can cut through the timing and hand carry your documents into the passport agency for faster service.  Some companies can even get a passport in as little as 8 hours.  It is in the applicant’s best interest to apply as soon as they know they will be traveling abroad.  Also, it is at the US Department of State’s discretion to issue a passport to any applicant or request more information as they deem necessary. 

If you have any questions regarding this blog or our service feel free to give us a call at:

1-888-612-9899.

Web site: http://www.expresspassport.com/

Email: info@expresspassport.com