Are you confused about the passport process? Are you wondering when you need to carry a passport? In essence, you need a passport for most foreign travel, however, there are few exceptions. Ever since 2009, United States passport law requires that all Americans carry US passports when traveling to Bermuda, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Travel by land or see to Bermuda, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean require either a US passport or a US passport card. Travel by air to any of the places mentioned above require a US passport card.
Children under the age of 16 years old who wish to travel to the above destinations by land or sea can also use their US birth certificates or another proof of citizenship to reenter the United States. In addition, US passport cards are acceptable for travelers of all ages who travel by land or sea.
When thinking about how much advance time you will need to apply for a passport, don’t wait for the last minute. If you notice that your passport is close to expiring, it is advisable to renew your passport as soon as possible. The reason why it is important to renew passports early is due to the fact that some countries actually require passports to be valid for six months after the passport holder’s entry or return date.
There are circumstances under which you may apply for a passport by mail. There are also times when a passport application must be submitted in person. You must apply for a passport in person if:
•It is your first time getting a passport.
•Your passport is lost, stolen or damaged.
•Your previous passport is expired and was issued longer than 15 years ago.
•Your previous passport was issued before you turned 16 years of age.
•Your name has been changed since being issued your last passport and you do not have documentation that reflects proof of the change.
•If you are 14 to 17 years of age you need to apply for a passport in person. In addition, a parent or legal guardian must be present if you do not have acceptable identification. Parental consent is required for all children 16 years of age or younger. Both parents must appear and present acceptable forms of ID and proof of relationship such as the child’s certified birth certificate with the parent’s names listed.
Just in case you were wondering, even newborns need a valid US passport and babies must be present at the time their parents apply for their passports.
If you are interested in getting a passport or visa, give us a call at (212) 643-9305. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
