How to Fill Out a Passport Application

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A passport is required when traveling to places outside the United States. It's issued by the government, and it obtains your private information for identification. The passport's primary purpose, however, is not to gain entry to a foreign county but to identify the traveler as a legal citizen and allow that person re-entry into the country of origin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Read over pages 1, 2 and 4 of the passport application. These pages give you important information on what is needed to properly fill out the passport form and what type of documents are needed. Documents such as a birth certificate or previous passport are needed for identification. You will also need a second form of identification such as a driver's license or military ID. Finally, the instructions tell you to obtain a photo that will be included with the new passport.

Step 2

Enter the information on pages 3, 5 and 6 of the application. The application asks for basic information such as your name and address. It also asks for family history, place of birth, marital status and an emergency contact. Do not sign the form. It must be signed in person at the submission facility.

Step 3

Find a local facility at which you can submit the form. First-time applications must be completed in person. You can find a facility at iafdb.travel.state.gov. You will be asked for the photo, proof of citizenship and the fees listed on the application form.

Tips & Warnings

The application process has fees associated with submission. Find out how much it costs to obtain a passport at travel.state.gov/passport/get/fees/fees_837.html.

Passport applications should be filled out and submitted at least two months before the travel date.

Article Written By Contributing Writer

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