What You Need to Know about Passports
A passport is quite similar to a driver’s license in the US. It is a very important document that is recognized globally, commonly used for international travel that will verify your identity and what place you are from. Most countries would really require a valid passport to enter and exit. Since it is a very important document, very country issue their own internationally recognized passports. The U.S. Department of States is the division of the government that has the authority to grant, issue, and verify US passports.
To apply for a new passport, you will need documentation that will verify who you are, as well as some time because it takes quite long to go apply. For US citizens that have never applied for a passport before must bring a birth certificate, a current and valid driver’s license, government or military ID, two passport photos and of $97.
For children under the age of 17 are required to have a passport for most international travel. For children under 14 years old needs to have a consent from their parents or their guardians when applying for a passport. Children born in the United States must bring a birth certificate, two photos, and the required fees. The parents or guardians will need to provide proof of citizenship and identity, such as a birth certificate, valid passport, or driver’s license.
The best way to find a passport location near you is to visit the website travel.state.gov and click on “Passports” then on “Where to Apply for a Passport.” It will usually takes two to six weeks to get your passport once it has been issued. After getting your valid passport, it will expire after a full ten-year period.
The renewal of your passport is much easier and faster and inexpensive compared to the original issuance. You are eligible to renew your passport if it is not damaged, you have received it within 15 years, and still have the same documentation and name.
Electronic passports or “e-passports” are in the works in the United States, and it will be similar to paper passport. One benefit of this e-passport is that it will be much harder to infiltrate and change the data stored in it. Another is that the digital photo in the e-passport will allow for a biometric comparison using facial recognition technology. There will also be an additional anti-fraud security features included.
No matter where you are traveling, it is very important to carry you current and valid passport with. As you enter a foreign country, your passport will be stamped. Upon exiting, the Department of the United States will verify the places you have been, how long you stayed there and what items you have to declare.