5 Things Not to Do While Applying For a New Passport

A new passport application takes longer and more time than other passport services like renewal or name change. Additionally, there are higher processing costs for new passport applications. Therefore, you want to take every precaution to prevent delays or, maybe, having your application rejected because getting a new passport requires additional time and financial commitment. The five things listed below should be avoided to ensure that your application is handled quickly and that you receive your new travel document without any issues.

Avoid making errors on the application.

Although it may seem obvious, it is simple to make mistakes on a passport application. You've likely heard the proverb, "To err is human." Most of the information sought on the passport application is personal information, including complete name, address, date of birth, place of birth, phone number, social security number, email address, etc. This is one reason why mistakes are so simple to make. Without giving it a second thought, writing the information is very simple. But you should act in that manner. Fill out the application gradually. Verify your responses. Check the data. Make sure it is perfect before submitting it to prevent unneeded issues. Expedited Passport

Never sign the application before being prompted to.

An official passport application acceptance agent must receive new passport applications. Applications are accepted in several post offices and county clerk's offices. Your application will be signed in front of the agent. Because of this, an additional execution charge for new passports must be paid in addition to the application fee. You will need to fill out a new application if you sign it before giving it to the agent.

Do not transmit copies of your citizenship documentation.

Providing proof of citizenship in the United States is one of the prerequisites for obtaining a new passport. A previously issued U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Certificate of Citizenship are the primary papers that may be used to demonstrate citizenship. You can only submit an original or a certified copy of the document. Photocopies are not permitted. A certified birth certificate, for instance, must be filed with the registrar's office within a year of your birth and include the registrar's raised, embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal, as well as the registrar's signature. You will get your paper back.

Remember to sign your check payable to Passport Services.

Surprisingly, some applicants correctly fill out the application, gather the necessary paperwork, purchase new passport photos, bring everything to an acceptance facility, have an agent witness their signature, pay the execution fee, place everything in an envelope, and send it without having signed the check for the application fee.

Do not put off applying until the last minute.

Processing a regular passport can take up to 4 weeks. The amount of time it takes to process an application might dramatically rise during times of increased travel demand or when passport regulations change. Not only will waiting until the last minute to apply for a new passport cost you more money, but it will also probably take up more of your time and cause you stress. The cost of expedited services is $60. The processing period is reduced to two or three weeks. If you need a passport more rapidly, you'll need to either go to a local passport agency or hire a private expediter. Depending on how far you have to travel, a visit to the local passport office will set you back a day or more. Depending on how quickly you require your passport, hiring a passport expediter may cost an additional $50 to $300. You should submit your passport renewal application at least three months before the departure date of your anticipated trip.