PASSPORTS & RENEWALS

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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:

• This is the first time you are submitting an application for a new US passport;
• You are under the age of 16;
• Your current US passport was issued when you were under the age of 16;
• Your current US passport was lost, stolen or damaged;
• Your current US passport is more than 15 years old;
• Your name has changed since your most current US passport was issued and you are
  unable to legally document your name change

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

• Previously issued, undamaged US Passport;
• Certified birth certificate
• Consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth
• Naturalization certificate
• Certificate of 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

• Previously issued, undamaged US passport
• Naturalization certificate
• Valid driver’s license
• Current Gov’t ID
• Current military ID

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

• Is undamaged and can be submitted with your application
• Was issued when you were 16 years of age or older
• Was issued within the last 15 years
• Was issued in your current name or you can legally document your name change A
  US Passport is one of the most sought after privileges of US Citizenship, and one which
  every citizen should take advantage of.

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

• If your current US passport has been mutilated, altered or damaged, you cannot submit a US passport renewal by mail
  
• You are strongly encouraged to mail your US passport renewal application and any personal document using a traceable method
  
• In order to protect the contents of your mail from weather conditions throughout the delivery process, you are strongly encouraged you mail your US passport renewal application
  
• US Passports renewed by mail in the USA will only be mailed to the USA and Canadian addresses
  
• If you are behind on child support payments, you cannot apply for US passport renewals.
  
  

What is the process behind US passport Renewal by Mail?

• US Citizens residing abroad, except those in Canada, should renew their passport at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate
• US citizens residing in Canada should submit an application for US passport by Mail to the specific address list on the passport form.

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

1. Complete an application regarding a lost or stolen passport
   
2. Sign and date a statement regarding a lost or stolen passport
   
3. Submit a completed application for a US passport
   

If your passport was lost or stolen, you must make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency only if

• You need a US passport in less than 2 weeks for international travel; or
• You need a US passport within 4 weeks to obtain a foreign visa

5. Changing Your Name on Your Passport

• If your current passport if less than one year old AND you need to change your name on the passport because it was legally changed because of marriage or court order
• If your current US passport is more than one year old and current AND you need to change name on the passport because it was legally changed because of marriage or court order
• If you cannot document your name change through a marriage certificate or court order OR if you are under the age of 16 and your passport was issued more than a year ago

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?

• Accurately completed passport application by mail
• Current valid US passport
• Detailed explanation of why you require a second passport
• One recent color Passport Photos and
• The appropriate filing fee

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

• Complete application for US passport
• Submit completed form in person
• Submit evidence of US citizenship
• Parents or Guardians must submit evidence of their relationship to the child
• Present identification of parents or guardians
• Provide parental consent
• Passport photos of the minor

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.

• Complete an application/statement regarding a lost/stolen passport
• Sign and date form/statement regarding a lost/stolen passport
• Submit completed application for a 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.

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