Getting my first passport, some questions!!?

Question

First off I tried goggling to get some information, but what is a DS-82 form? does this involve me, I'm 18 and this will be my first passport. I know that I do this through my local post office, and I'm confused on somethings, what is the difference between a passport book and the card and it says you can get both, I don't know if I need both? or what is suitable. From what I understand I will need ID, ss#. so far I'm guessing that I will need to take bring my license, ss number, the required money, and from what I understand there are papers to fill out....what will I be filling out, ect? any information you can give me, and or sharing your personal stories about this, advice, ect...would be so ever greatly appreciated :) and thank you for your time lol

Answer 1

First of all, you do not fill out the DS-82 form. That's only for adults that are renewing their passports by mail. You have to fill out the DS-11 form, available here:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html



You are correct about going in person. Because you've never gotten a passport before, you have to apply for your first in person. Just so you know, not all post offices do passport stuff. You can search for a location here:

http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/.



The only reason you would want to go to a Passport Agency is because they can get your passport to you more quickly. Here are the locations:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_4312.html



I suggest you pick one that does photos on site. If you don't, you have to get your own photos that are 2" X 2" showing your face. They can also only have a white background. Since the specifications are a little complicated, I find it best to just have it done at the facility. The other place you can get passports is at your Regional Passport Agency, though those are few and far between. Post offices are best.



You must submit evidence of U.S. citizenship. Normally, one would just bring in an old passport. Because you don't have one, you will need to bring one of the following: a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state; a consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship. If you are just a regular ole citizen, just bring your birth certificate. Remember, you cannot just photocopy this! You have to get an official copy from your city, county, or states' records office.



You need to present identification. Like you thought, your driver's license is good for this. You also need to submit your social security number. You don't have to have the card or anything, but you have to provide it on the form.



Of course, you need to bring money to pay for the passport. Just so you know, many post offices only accept certain forms of payment. Debit cards, checks, and cash are good, but credit cards may not be acceptable.



Things you need to bring:



1. Completed DS-11 form

2. Birth certificate or one of the others listed above

3. Driver's license

4. Method of payment

5. S



All this info can be found at the U.S. Department of State's website:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html



You also asked what the difference between a passport book and a passport card are. A passport book is the normal blue (in the United State's case) booklet you see when you think of a passport. A passport card is something the government recently started doing. Passport cards are the size of license's and credit cards. The benefit of them is that they are more compact than the passport books. However, you can only use passport cards to travel over land to other countries. Basically, you could drive to Mexico or Canada with one. You cannot use it to fly to those countries, though. Passport books, on the other hand, let you go, by any method, to any other country, unless it's on the list of countries you can't travel to, like Cuba.



Have fun in your travels!

Answer 2

See site below for answers to ALL your questions. It tells you what documents you need and you can print out the form you need if you like. You must turn your application in at the passport office in the post office. Fee is $100.00 and it takes 4 to 6 weeks to receive your passport. See 2nd site to see the difference between a passport book and a passport card.

Answer 3

You go to the post office and they should have some forms that say "application for a u.s passport" it will b brown and white. IT needs your name, address phone number, place of birth, parents name and place of birth and travel plans.



A passport book will let you travel anywhere in the world. A card will only let you go to Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas and a few other places in the Caribbean. you'll want the book.

Answer 4

You will need to get passport photographs taken before you go to the post office or they will send you away. IF you live near the Canadian border and only plan to go to Canada by car get the card. IF you plan to fly anywhere get the passport and not the card. Take your driver's license and your birth certificate as well as your social security card.

Answer 5

Many places won't accept the card form so I recommend getting the booklet. There are papers you need to fill out but it won't take you too long. Also you must bring your ORIGINAL birth certificate, you may not bring a copy. Hope this helps!