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How to Get a Passport in Arizona

How to Get a Passport in Arizona
Although Arizona offers much in the way of outdoor recreation--such as hiking through the desert, water skiing, snowboarding, skiing down snowy slopes, golfing or mountain biking--there may come a time that you'd like to explore your outdoor adventures elsewhere. You can easily travel the rest of the U.S.; however there are likely other countries you'd like to visit as well. When the urge strikes to explore internationally, you'll have to obtain a passport to make it happen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Passport application (Form DS-11) Picture ID Proof of Citizenship 2 Passport Photos Fees
  • Passport application (Form DS-11)
  • Picture ID
  • Proof of Citizenship
  • 2 Passport Photos
  • Fees
Step 1
Print out Form DS-11 from the U.S. Department of the State website. This is the passport application you must fill out if you've never had a U.S. passport, if your last one was issued before you were 16 years old or more than 15 years ago, if your passport was lost or stolen, it's expired and you don't have it or if your name has changed and you don't have legal documentation such as a court order or marriage certificate. Fill out the form completely, but do not sign it.
Step 2
Gather the required documentation to prove your identity and citizenship. This usually consists of your drivers license or another government issued photo ID and a certified copy of your birth certificate, Naturalization Certificate or your Certificate of Citizenship. Make color photocopies of each document including the front and back of your photo ID.
Step 3
Take a passport photo at home or at a location offering specific passport photos. You'll need two color pictures measuring 2 inches by 2 inches that were taken within the last six months and show your current appearance in regular, "street" attire.
Step 4
Go to the nearest acceptance facility with your documentation and fees. Credit cards, debit/check cards, checks and money orders are accepted in the exact application and execution fee amount (if applicable). Some centers accept exact cash as well. You'll be instructed to sign your application in the presence of the official processing your passport application.

Tips & Warnings

 
Waiting times vary depending upon the amount of applications that are being processed at any given time. If you need your passport in less than two weeks for travel or less than four weeks for a foreign visa, you can make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency. Passport applications can be expedited for an additional fee. Once you have submitted your application, you can track the progress and status online at the U.S. Department of State's official website.
 
Waiting times vary depending upon the amount of applications that are being processed at any given time. If you need your passport in less than two weeks for travel or less than four weeks for a foreign visa, you can make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency. Passport applications can be expedited for an additional fee.
 
Once you have submitted your application, you can track the progress and status online at the U.S. Department of State's official website.

Resources

Article Written By Janece Bass

Janece Bass is a freelance writer specializing in weddings, family, health, parenting, relationships, dating, decorating, travel, music and sports. She has been writing for more than 15 years and has numerous published pieces on various websites and blogs. Bass has also ghostwritten various fiction-based novels.

Write for Trails.com

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