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1
What is an Emergency Passport Slot (EPS) and why do I need to reserve it?
An Emergency Passport Slot (EPS) is a guaranteed reserved application submission. The U.S. Passport Agency has a limited number of Emergency Processing Slots (EPS). If your departure date is in 5 business days or less, you must call Passport Visas Express.com immediately at (888) 596-6028 to reserve an Emergency Passport Slot. If you do not reserve an EPS there is no guarantee we will be able to honor your request for Emergency Passport Processing.
2
I submitted my application to the passport agency directly. Can you help me?
Unfortunately, if you have submitted an application directly to the US Passport Agency, we are unable to assist you. You must call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
3
What is a passport?
A passport is an officially recognized 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 re-enter the United States.
4
How long is a passport valid for?
A passport's validity is determined by the applicant's age: Age 16 and older- 10 year validity Age 15 and under- 5 year validity
5
When do I need a passport to travel?
The answer depends upon the country you are planning to visit. A passport is required by many countries in order to enter. 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. The United States State Department "recommends" a passport as evidence of citizenship in ALL cases.
6
Do I need to obtain a separate passport for my child?
Yes. All persons, including newborn infants, are required to obtain passports in their own names.
7
What do I do if my name has changed?
If you need to get a valid passport amended due to a name change, use Form DS-5504. You will need to submit the original court document indicating the name change along with the DS-5504 form and your current passport for amendment.
8
What else should I know about passports?
Before traveling abroad, make a copy of the identification page so it is easier to get a new passport, should it be necessary. It is also a good idea to carry two extra passport-size photos with you. You should also check to see if you have run out of visa pages. Please note the last few pages of your passport are for amendments only and cannot be used for adding visas to your passport.
9
Is there any reason my passport application would be denied?
The most common reason passport applications are denied is due to applicants not submitting the required information. For example; a photocopy of a birth certificate or passport photos that are on a dark background. The Passport Agency screens an applicant's background during the application process. Passports will be denied for the following reasons: 1. Outstanding child support 2. Outstanding Felony/Criminal Warrant (Not including Civil infractions or parking tickets) Prior Felony Conviction that prohibits international travel
10
What should I do if my passport Is lost or stolen?
If your valid passport is lost or stolen, you can report the loss when you apply for a new passport. In addition to Form DS-11, you will need to complete Form DS-64, "Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport." You may also call 202-955-0430 to report the loss or theft of your passport. It is further advisable to report the loss or theft to your local police department. If you are abroad, immediately report the loss to local police authorities and the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
11
My child is too young to sign the passport. 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 the Passport Agency knows who signed for the child.
12
I'm renewing my passport. Do I get the old one back?
Yes, we return the old, cancelled passport to you. It is a good idea to keep it in a safe place as it is considered proof of your U.S. citizenship.
13
Is the US Passport Office open on the weekends? Holidays?
No. The US Passport Office is also closed on weekends. The US Passport Office observes national holidays.
14
What is a Passport Acceptance Facility?
A Passport Acceptance Facility is a government agency, such as a Main Branch Post Office or a local Clerk of the Court, which has been given the authority by the Department of State to act on its behalf in assisting US citizens applying for passports. An agent at the Passport Acceptance Facility will check that your application is in proper order and prepare it for submission.
15
Why do I need to appear in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility?
You need to appear before the official in order to pledge an oath that you have faithfully and truthfully completed the application for a US passport. You will be asked to sign the application after having sworn to the oath. Your signature will attest to your having done so. The official will check your state issued ID to verify your signature and physical description.
16
Is my proof of citizenship returned?
Yes. Your proof of citizenship is returned along with your newly issued passport. Any documentation used to show proof of name change will also be returned to you.
17
Why are the documents placed in an envelope and sealed by the Acceptance Agent?
This procedure ensures the Department of State that no one has tampered with your application prior to submission. Do not open the envelope! Breaking the seal will invalidate the procedure and the application will be cancelled regardless of your travel circumstance. The sealed envelope must be submitted for processing within 5 business days or the execution becomes invalid.
18
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 placed on one of the visa pages in your passport and is obtained from the country you are visiting.
19
What does Passport Visa Express.com do?
Passport Visa Express.com assists individuals, travel agents, and corporate travel departments, allowing them to meet travel deadlines without worry. We understand the passport process can be confusing, time-consuming, and extremely stressful when your trip is on the line. Passport Visa Express.com is not a government agency, but we work face-to-face with the US Passport Agency, the Department of State, and foreign Consulates, to get passports and visas processed and back to our customers in time for their trips.
20
Are documents submitted to you secure?
Passport Express is a passport-expediting service registered with offices of the US Passport Agency to act as an agent on behalf of US Citizens in need of a passport quickly. Our services also receive recommendation from several reputable organizations including The Washington Post, Budget Travel Magazine, travel agencies and was named the top rated Passport Service Provider by Top Consumer Reviews.com Our privacy policy explains more in depth the steps taken to insure the security of all information provided to Passport Visa Express.com by our clients and customers.
21
What should I do if my baby is born abroad?
The birth of a child abroad to parent(s) who are U.S. Citizen(s) should be reported as soon as possible to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to establish an official record of the child's claim to U.S. citizenship at birth. The official record is a Consular Report of Birth of a Citizen of the United States of America, or Form FS-240. This document, know as the Consular Report of Birth Abroad, is a basic United States citizenship document. An original FS-240 is furnished to the parents at the time the registration is approved. A Consular Report of Birth can be prepared only at a U.S. embassy or consulate. It cannot be prepared if the child has been brought back into the United States, or, if the person is 16 years of age or older at the time the application is made.
22
What do I do if I was born abroad and there is no birth record on file?
If you were born in a foreign country to a U.S. citizen parent or parents and your parent did NOT register your birth in the form of a Consular Report of Birth FS-240, you can apply to your local office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service for a Certificate of Citizenship to document your U.S. citizenship. If you submit satisfactory documentary proof that you acquired citizenship at birth, a Certificate of Citizenship will be issued in your name. For more information, you can contact your local office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. You may consult your local phone book for the telephone number listed under the U.S. Department of Justice. Note: a U.S. passport, even if expired, also serves as proof of U.S. citizenship.
23
How do I claim US Citizenship if my parents were naturalized?
If you claim US Citizenship through the Naturalization of your parent(s), submit the Certificate(s) of Naturalization of your parent(s), your foreign birth certificate, and proof of your admission to the United States for permanent residence.
24
I have run out a blank visa pages on my passport, what do I do?
If your current, valid passport is running out of visa pages AND will not expire for more than 1 year you can add additional visa pages to your passport. If your passport will expire within a year we highly recommend you renew your passport instead.
25
How do I complete the DS-11 Passport Application?
DS-11: Passport Application
Click on the link to access passport application form DS-11
You MUST fill out this form and then print 2 copies
1. Fill out all of the fields on the form.
2. Print at least TWO copies of the form.
3. Do not sign the form until you appear in front of your local passport Acceptance Agent.
Instructions for completing the passport application:
You may also view step by step instructions for completing your passport application using our Application Wizard
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