What is a Passport?
A passport is an official government document
that certifies one's identity and citizenship and permit's a citizen to travel
abroad and the case of a United States passport to enter back into the United
States.
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When do I need a
Passport?
The answer depends upon which country you
planning to visit. A passport is required by many countries upon entry to their
country. Also, a document indicating proof of citizenship is always required to
re-enter the United States. In some instances (Mexico, Canada, etc.), a valid
driver's license and a birth certificate will suffice as the proof of
citizenship; however, as indicated many countries require a passport to gain
entry to their country and the United States State Department "recommends" a
passport as evidence of citizenship in ALL cases.
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What is the
difference between a passport and a visa?
A passport is an official government document
that certifies one's identity and citizenship. The passport serves two
purposes: to regain entry to the country of citizenship (i.e. the United States)
and is a requirement by many countries to gain entry to the country you are
visiting.
A visa is an official government document that
temporarily authorizes you to be in the country you are visiting. Many
countries require a visa to gain entry. The visa usually is in the form of a
stamp IN the passport and is obtained from the country you are visiting.
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Why does the
government take so long to process my passport application?
The United States Passport Service, which is
part of the State Department processes over seven million passports each year.
This number has been increasing at an annual rate of over 10% per annum. There
are fifteen national offices around the country which process the seven million
passport applications. Sheer volume alone does not allow the Passport Service
to process the applications quickly, let alone within a week or so - which many
of our customers demand.
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The Passport
Acceptance Agent told me they could get it done, why?
Unfortunately, the Department of State website
indicates that "regular" passport applications are processed in 25 days. The
website also indicates that expedited orders are returned within a week.
Unfortunately, this misinformation is often
quoted by the Acceptance Agents. Most likely the reason
for this problem is the Acceptance Agents are
involved in the beginning of the process and are simply "Acceptance Agents", as
their name implies. They never receive feedback from those who miss their trips
because they did not get their passports in time.
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Does a child require a
passport ?
Yes. Anyone traveling to a
country that requires a passport must have their own passport no matter what
age. If your child needs a passport, we can help you. Just call us at
800-741-7874.
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How do I renew my passport?
Just call us at 800-741-7874. Once you send us your completed documents and expired
passport, we'll process the passport and return the new and old passports to
you. It is a good idea to keep the expired passport as it's considered proof of
citizenship.
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I have
never had a U.S. passport / My passport was lost or stolen. How do I get a new
one?
In brief, you'll
need to fill out an application, gather documentation and present these items in
person to a passport acceptance clerk.
Just give us a call at
800-741-7874 for details.
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My child who
is under 16 needs a passport. How do I get one?
Just give us a call at 800-741-7874 for detailed instructions.
Once you send us the child's
completed documents, we'll process the passport and return the new passports to
you.
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My child
is too young to sign his/her own passport. How do I sign my child's passport?
In the space
provided for the signature, the mother or father must print the child's name and
sign their own name. Then, in parenthesis by the parent's name, write the word
(mother) or (father) so we know who signed for the child.
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How
long is a passport valid?
|
Age |
Validity |
|
16 and
older |
10 years |
|
15
and younger |
5 years |
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