A passport is not merely an official document; it is the proof of your nationality. Whether you get a job overseas or are planning a vacation outside the country, the passport is perhaps the most important document that you would require. In the United States of America, the US Department of State is entrusted with the responsibility of issuing passports to the US citizens. Unlike many countries which follow a tedious process while issuing fresh passports to the applicants, the US Department of State follows a very simple yet stringent procedure.
In the US, all applications for passports have to be accompanied with some necessary documents. These include two passport size photographs of the applicant, proof of nationality and a valid photo ID. A person can apply for passport in one of the two ways. He/she can approach the US Department of State in person. Alternately, the U.S. passport application form can be easily downloaded from the internet.
First time Passports
For first time passport applicants there are two ways for receiving the passport after processing the application. These are the Routine Service and Expedited Passport Service. The routine service processes the application within 10 to 12 weeks whereas in the expedited passport service the processing time is usually 2 to 3 weeks. In both services, the application fee and execution fee are kept at the same level.
However, while opting for the expedited U.S. passport service, applicants are required to pay for the expedited service cost as well.
To gain more information on how to get a passport interested applicants may visit the official website of the US Department of State.