These facilities are
usually more convenient because they are near where you
live or work. (Most of the 13 Regional Passport Agencies
focus on serving those departing, or needing their
passports for foreign visas, within 14 days and require
appointments.)
What
Happens to My Passport Application After I Submit It?
If you apply at one of the
6,000+ passport acceptance facilities, the same day you
apply, your application will be sent to Passport Services'
banking facility, where your payment is deposited into the
U.S. Treasury, and information from your application is
data-entered. Then, your application, in both electronic
and paper form, will be directed to a Regional Passport
Agency or Passport Processing Center for adjudication and
passport issuance if all documentation is in order. When
you receive your passport, remember to sign it in ink and
in pencil, print your name and address, so if you should
lose it, it may be returned to you.
What Should I Do if My Valid Passport Is Lost
or Stolen?
If your still
valid passport is lost or stolen, you
can report the loss when you apply for a new
passport. In addition to Form DS-11, you will
need to complete a Form DS-64, "Statement
Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport." You may
also call 202-955-0430, which has voice mail
for non-business hours, Eastern Time.
If you are
abroad, immediately report the loss to local
police authorities and the Consular Section of
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Do I Need to Obtain a Separate Passport for My
Baby?
Yes. All
persons, including newborn infants, are
required to obtain passports in their own
names. For children under age 14, the consent
of both parents/guardians is required.
Who Should Sign My Child's
Passport?
Children, who are able to sign
their names, may do so. Otherwise,
a parent may sign for the child by
writing the child's name on the
signature line and signing the
parent's name above the child's
name. Example:
Jane Doe for
Child M. Doe
Signature of Bearer
What Else Should I Know About
Passports?
-
Some countries require that your
passport be valid at least 6
months beyond the dates of your
trip. Check with the nearest
Embassy or Consulate of the
countries you plan to visit to
find out their entry and visa
requirements.
-
If
you travel abroad frequently,
you may request a 48-page
passport at the time you apply
for a new passport. In addition
to foreign entry requirements,
U.S. law must be considered.
With certain exceptions, it is
against U.S. law to enter or
leave the country without a
valid passport. Generally, for
tourists, the exceptions refer
to direct travel within U.S.
Territories or between North,
South, or Central America
(except Cuba). However, airlines
and cruise-lines sometimes
require their passengers to have
passports when flying or
cruising to and from locations
in these areas.
