American Passport Requirements - A Listing Of Important Documents
The pasport requirements vary depending on the age of the person who is applying and so it is important to know what to bring the first time. A person must have the proper documentation or they will not be able to obtain their travel papers. The laws are extremely strict when it comes to international travel,following the steps below will help to get prepared for the process.
Birth Certificate
A US birth certificate is the most important piece of documentation required for this process. If the certificate is not available, previously issued,undamaged passports are also accepted. If the person is not born in the US, an original certificate of citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization issued from the department of Immigration can be used with the United States passport application.
Letter Of Record
Should a person not have access to any previously used passports or their birth certificate, they can obtain a letter of record. The letter is issued by the state where the individual resides in and needs to be filled out completely. Along with the letter, information such as baptismal records, school records and any additional public recordings will be required.
DS-10 Form
The documentation must also display the date and location where the individual was born. In the event that there is no information documented about the individual in these early years, hope is not lost. A DS-10 document can be filled out by an older relative who has knowledge of the birth and the form must be notarized to be legal.
If Born Outside US
Another scenario involves the individual being born outside of the US to one parent who has US citizenship. In this situation, a document supplied by a hospital in the state where the individual resides will need to be obtained. Within the form, the individual will add their name and date of birth along with recorded information pertaining the years that were searched for the birth certificate by the hospital.
When both parents are US citizens, the foreign birth certificate along with a marriage certificate for the parents is required. Also, an affidavit stating where the parents lived in the US and abroad prior to the birth of the individual applying is required as well. Proof of US citizenship is also a requirement for each parent vouching for the individual.
Adopted Children
Children who are adopted and are below the age of 18 years will need to have one parent present, whether the birth parent or the adopted parent. Either one will be fine. The child must be a current US resident and the adult must also be a legal citizen and have legal and physical custody. Additionally, the adoption must be final and proof of this will be required as well when applying for a child.
Birth Certificate
A US birth certificate is the most important piece of documentation required for this process. If the certificate is not available, previously issued,undamaged passports are also accepted. If the person is not born in the US, an original certificate of citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization issued from the department of Immigration can be used with the United States passport application.
Letter Of Record
Should a person not have access to any previously used passports or their birth certificate, they can obtain a letter of record. The letter is issued by the state where the individual resides in and needs to be filled out completely. Along with the letter, information such as baptismal records, school records and any additional public recordings will be required.
DS-10 Form
The documentation must also display the date and location where the individual was born. In the event that there is no information documented about the individual in these early years, hope is not lost. A DS-10 document can be filled out by an older relative who has knowledge of the birth and the form must be notarized to be legal.
If Born Outside US
Another scenario involves the individual being born outside of the US to one parent who has US citizenship. In this situation, a document supplied by a hospital in the state where the individual resides will need to be obtained. Within the form, the individual will add their name and date of birth along with recorded information pertaining the years that were searched for the birth certificate by the hospital.
When both parents are US citizens, the foreign birth certificate along with a marriage certificate for the parents is required. Also, an affidavit stating where the parents lived in the US and abroad prior to the birth of the individual applying is required as well. Proof of US citizenship is also a requirement for each parent vouching for the individual.
Adopted Children
Children who are adopted and are below the age of 18 years will need to have one parent present, whether the birth parent or the adopted parent. Either one will be fine. The child must be a current US resident and the adult must also be a legal citizen and have legal and physical custody. Additionally, the adoption must be final and proof of this will be required as well when applying for a child.
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