According to There Are Places International Vacation Travel ( http://www.thereareplaces.com/infgdes/docs/pasport.htm ): A passport is an official government document that certifies one's identity and citizenship. The issuance of a passport permits the citizen, to whom the passport is granted, the ability to travel outside of, and return to, his or her own country.
For U.S. citizens, the best place to find passport information is at the official Web site for the Department of State
What Does a U.S. Passport cost?
The fee for U.S. passport is $55 for persons older than age 16 and $40 for those that are younger. In addition, there is an execution fee of $30 for all first time passport applications.
The fee for renewing a U.S. passport is $55.00. A passport can be renewed by mail if you were 16 or older when it was issued; it was issued in the last 15 years; or it is not damaged; and, your current passport is submitted with your application.
Where Do You Apply for a Passport?
Passports can be applied for at over 4,500 Passport Acceptance Facilities nationwide (including courts, post offices and some libraries).
You should apply for a passport several months in advance of your travel. The process usually takes six weeks, although it can be expedited with the additional payment of an "Expedite Fee" of $60.00. Anyone may request expedited handling. If you apply by mail, clearly mark “expedited” on the envelope. In addition, it is suggested that you send your materials by "overnight delivery" and include a self addressed, pre-paid overnight-delivery envelope for the return of your passport.
There are 13 Federal Passport Agency Locations designed to serve only those who need a passport for travel that will occur within two weeks or less (urgent, unplanned travel). Appointments at these locations must be scheduled in advance. A form that will allow you to search for the location nearest you is available at http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ . If you do not live close to one of these centers, use the mail based "expedite" instructions provided above. Also, always check http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html for the atest updates on passport information.
Finally, if you do not have the time to shepherd your passport renewal application through the system, you can always use a "passport runner": a business that, for an additional fee, will assist in the expedited processing for you. Passport runners usually charge from $50 to $150 plus regular passport fees for this service.
What Else Should I Know About Passports?
Official Passport Application forms can be found at passport acceptance facilities, downloaded from the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/passport/download_applications.html or obtained by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778).
For TDD/TTY users, the number is 1-888-874-7793. Live operators are now available on weekdays from 8:00am to 8:00pm, Eastern Time. Twenty-four hour, 7-day access to automated information continues to be available.
When applying for your first passport, you must apply in person. To enhance the accurate identification of passport applicants and aid in the prevention of international child abduction and trafficking, the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs has begun requiring the personal appearance of all minors applying for U.S. passports.
This applies to all regular, official, and diplomatic passports for children under the age of 14, even if the child has previously been issued a passport. Prior to the introduction of this requirement, parents were not routinely required to bring a child under the age of 14 with them when they applied on the child's behalf.
Now, when applying for a passport on behalf of a minor under the age of 14, parents are required to have their child present and submit documentation of parental relationship and consent, as well as comply with all other documentation requirements for the issuance of a passportThe application for a passport must be accompanied by proof of citizenship (previous U.S. Passport or certified birth certificate), proof of identity (for example, current valid driver's license, government ID, Military ID, or Naturalization Certificate), two 2" x 2" passport photos (identical) taken within the last six months that show your current appearance (vending machine photos are generally not accepted). Photos should be full face, front view, with a plain white or off-white background.
Passport Agencies accept payment by credit card, debit card, and check. Passport Acceptance facilities usually accept checks, money orders and cash in payment for the passport fees. Credit cards are not accepted at some facilities
Passport processing usually takes at least six weeks, so plan ahead unless you want to spend the sixty bucks to expedite the processing. Our advice is to apply early.
Passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issue for those 16 or older, and for only 5 years for those younger than 16.
Some governments will not allow visitors to enter their country unless the visitor’s passport is valid for six months beyond the date of entry. Always determine whether the countries that you are visiting enforce this rule. If your passport will expire before the six-month date, renew your passport before departing the United States.