Getting new US passports is an important part of your travel preparations. The US Department of State has just come out with new travel arrangement rules that will probably make you start on your passport applications now. As of October 2007, you will need to have a passport with you if you're traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda by plane. If you're going to drive to those destinations or you're planning to take a cruise, you won't need your passport yet but it's expected that the same requirement will apply in a couple more months.
Getting started
You will want to start applying for new US passports for you and your family as early as now if you're planning on a holiday vacation in the winter. According to most travel experts, you will want to have your passport expedited if you intend to travel in less than 120 days but you'll be charged $157 for the extra service.
Application requirements
To apply for new US passports you need to be ready with your proof of citizenship, valid proof of identification, two passport-sized photos, a properly filled out application form and your payment. You need to accomplish the Form DS-11 which can be downloaded from the State Department website or from passport agency sites.
For first-time applicants or those who got their old passports more than fifteen years ago, you will need to process your application in person. The same rule applies to applicants whose old passports were issued when they were under sixteen years old. If you don't have the time to personally go to a passport acceptance facility, you can have someone else does this for you, but you need to give him a letter of authorization for the task.
Where to go
You can submit your applications for new US passports at the US Department of State or any passport acceptance facility in your area. These facilities can come in the form of post offices, public libraries and municipal offices. Another alternative is to have a passport agency do most of the work for you.
US Passport Express offers a special four-day service for new US passports and first-time applications. Free next-day shipping is included in their competitive rates. Other services include report and replacement for lost passports, amendments, extra pages, and visa applications to various countries. Why wait in long lines at passport acceptance facilities when you can have someone else do the work for you? Call US Passport Express at 1-877-SUS-PASS today.
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