PASSPORTS & RENEWALS
1. Apply for a NEW PASSPORT
A US Passport not only allows US citizens to travel internationally, but also serves as proof of your US citizenship. Though not mandatory, the passports are recognized documents used as proof of citizenship. Additionally, they are required to enter the USA after travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. If this is the first time that you are applying for the new passport, you must do it in person at the Passport Agency. Subsequent passport renewals can be done through mail, with certain exceptions. If you are applying for a US Passport, you must apply in person if:
Must submit evidence of US Citizenship When applying for a new passport in person, evidence of your US citizenship must be submitted. Any documents that you submit as proof of your US citizenship will be returned to you with your new US passport or in a separate mailing. You can use any of the following as primary Evidence of US Citizenship
When applying for a new passport in person, include identification documents that prove who you are at the time of the application. Bring a photo copy of the front and back of each ID document that you bring with you when you apply. You can use any of the following Documents as primary Evidence of who you are
2. Passport RENEWAL In the past US citizens were permitted to travel to certain countries without presenting a passport. However, under the newly enacted Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all persons traveling outside the USA are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to re-enter the USA. It is important to apply for a US Passport in advance of anticipated travel, since the application process may take weeks to complete, and unforeseen delays will cause a travel crisis. If you already have a US passport, but about to expire, then you should renew it. Unlike when you first apply for a US passport where you have to apply in person, US Passport renewals can be done by mail. You are eligible for US Passport Renewal by Mail if ALL of the Following are true about your Most Recent Passport
NOTE: If any of the above statement does not apply to you, you MUST apply in person. What is the process behind US passport Renewal by Mail? If you are renewing your US passport from inside the USA, you must submit a package for a US passport by Mail in order to renew the US passport Important Notes
3. Adding Pages to the US Passport If you have less than 2 to 4 passport or visa pages left in your passport book, then you must mail the following to the address on the application for additional visa pages If you travel abroad often and are applying for a new passport book, then you need to mail to the address listed on the passport renewal If you are applying for a US passport for the first time, then you must submit a US passport application in person NOTE: you are strongly encouraged to mail your application for additional pages. 4. Replacing a Lost or Stolen Passport It is important to report and replace a lost or stolen passport There are three steps in reporting a lost or stolen passport
If your passport was lost or stolen, you must make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency only if
5. Changing Your Name on Your Passport
6. Apply for a Second Passport Why would a US citizen need a second passport? Let’s say you were working abroad on a working visa and you need to renew your visa, you would have to relinquish your US passport and as a result cannot travel. Applying for a Second Passport would allow for you to continue traveling while your other passport is being used to process the renewal of the visa. Further, if you were applying for a visa to go abroad to a country requiring a visa, but you would still travel often internationally to other countries. Again, you would have to give up your passport and in return would be prohibited to travel abroad. Getting a second US passport prior to applying for the visa again would solve your problem. How to Apply for a Second Passport?
7. Applying for a Child’s US Passport Only US citizen can apply for a US passport and this includes minors under the age of 16. All children, regardless of age, including newborns and infants, must have their own child passport in order to be allowed to travel internationally. Minors, accompanied by their parents or guardians, must apply in person at the Passport Agency
8. Apply for Lost/Stolen Child Passport It is important to report and replace a lost or stolen passport There are three steps in reporting a lost or stolen child passport.
The Law Office of Brian T O’Neill can provide the tools you need to make the most informed decisions about applying for a US Passport, renewal or replacement. Find out how the process works, what timing and considerations are involved, what forms and supporting exhibits must be submitted before submitting a Passport request. Call the Law office of Brian T. O’Neill at 617-722-4000 or contact us online. We will gladly answer your questions or schedule a consultation. |
COLUMN WITH BACKGROUND COLOR |