Posts Tagged ‘passport application’

How Do I Get a Passport? Rush Passport NYC: Passport Blog

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

get a passportHow do I get a passport?  That is a good question.  Such a good question, that if you go to Google and simply type “How do I get a” without the word ‘passport’ at the end, the word ‘passport’ automatically shows up.  As a matter of fact, there are over 14,000,000 results for the query “How do I get a passport?”  Why are so many people typing that phrase into Google?  That’s simple, they want to get a passport.  But, to some, getting a passport can seem like a difficult task.  Paperwork to fill out just right, proper forms of identification, passport photos, passport fees – everything must be done just right.

Now imagine trying to get a passport in an emergency.  Your mind is racing, you already paid for your flight, your passport is lost!  What do you do?  Or, there is a sick relative abroad or a family member’s funeral in another country.  How will you get there without a passport?

All of the details can be a blur, instead of getting stressed out – call a passport expeditor.  Contacting  Rush Passport™, Official US Passport Expeditors, registered with the US Department of State and foreign consulates is the ideal decision when you need an expedited passport.  At Rush Passport™ we can even get your passport on the same day!

In a passport emergency the last thing that you want to do is wait online all day at the passport agency.  Let Rush Passport™ take care of all of the details of getting your passport.  Using Rush Passport™ is a wise option.  You will get personalized passport service from an experienced and knowledgeable passport agent.  We also make sure that you avoid making errors in your passport application that could cause a delay in your passport being approved.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. 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, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

My Passport is Expired or My Passport is Expiring Soon. What Should I Do? : Rush Passport Blog

Sunday, May 29th, 2011

passport expiredDid you know that adult US Passports are valid for 10 years?  Child passports are good for 5 years.  Is your US passport getting close to the 10 year mark?  If so, it is a good idea to apply for a passport renewal before your passport expires.  If you have an expired passport, you can always get a new passport.  However, it is advisable to get a new passport before the passport expires.  Right now, if I were you, I would immediately stop reading this passport blog article.  Go get your passport, open your passport up and check your passport to see when your passport expires.  It is a good idea to have a valid passport at all times.  You never know when you might need to travel overseas. In the past a passport was not needed to travel to Canada or Mexico.  However, a passport is now required to travel back and forth from the US to all other countries including Mexico and Canada.  A valid US passport gives you the flexibility to travel whenever needed.

It is best to find your old passport (if possible) when attempting to renew an expired passport.  At the time of the passport renewal, it is a good idea to hand in the expired passport.  The old passport will be returned along with the new passport.

When applying for a passport renewal, you will also require new passport photos.  You will need two copies of the passport photograph to be attached to your passport application. At Rush Passport™ , we feature professional passport photo services on the premises. 

When renewing your passport, it is advisable to get a US passport card while you’re at it.  A passport card in addition to the passport book is of high value, especially to travelers planning to visit Canada, Mexico or the Bahamas.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. 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, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

Passport Security About to Get a Huge Boost: Israeli Passports Will Be Employing Biometric Technology

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

Passports in Israel are about to get a makeover.  After putting the passport revisions off for years, now Israel has decided to enter the biometric passport age.  In the next few months, Israeli citizens will be expected to exchange their old passports for newer ones.

passport israelPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is going to hold a special meeting to discuss biometric passports and the best way to implement them in Israel.

The goal is for the new Israeli passport to be the most secure passport in the world.  There will be many new security features.

The new passport is slated to be an e-passport complete with a wireless communications computer chip. The passport chip will hold secure data about the passport holder including a passport photo, fingerprints, birthdate and signature.  There will also be special features that prevent passport fraud.  As for the printing of the Israeli passport, that will be done in France.

The passport data will be printed directly onto the passport itself instead of being printed on a sticker.  The passport will also features data only visible under ultraviolet light.  It is said that the passport will include an image of a Star of David as well as letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

While over 100 countries have employed biometric passports, Israel feels that it is better late than never.  It is not surprising that the current Israeli passport is widely considered to be among the least secure passports across the globe.

It is good to see that Israel is on board with bringing passport security to the forefront of the new passport initiative.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. 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, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

Passport Frequently Asked Questions: Rush Passport

Friday, May 13th, 2011

passportFrequently Asked Passport Questions

Passport applicants have a lot of questions when it comes to getting a passport.  Here are some commonly asked questions that people have when it comes to getting a US passport.

At what age is a person considered an adult when applying for a US passport?
Passport applicants over the age of 16 years old are considered adults.

At what age can you apply for a passport?
Parents may apply for passports for their newborn babies.

Should I sign the passport application before arriving at the passport agency?
No, do not sign the passport application until you are instructed to do so by the passport agent.

Do I need to apply for a passport in person if this is my first US passport?
Yes, if you are applying for a first time US passport, you must apply in person.

Do I need to apply in person for a passport if my previous passport was lost or stolen?
Yes, if your passport has been lost or stolen, you will need to apply for the replacement passport in person.

My passport has been expired for quite some time, can I just mail in the old passport and receive a new one?
No, if your previous US passport was issued more than 15 years ago, then you will need to apply in person.

I heard that there is a new passport regulation that went into effect as of April 1, 2011 requiring the names of both parents to appear on the passport applicant’s birth certificate.  Is this correct?
Yes, as of April 1, 2011, all birth certificates must also include the full names of the passport applicant’s parents.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. 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, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport?:Rush Passport, Official Expediters of US Passports

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

ny passport officeNeed a passport?

How long does it take to get a passport?  The answer to this question “How long does it take to get a passport?” depends on various factors.  The amount of time that it takes to receive a passport depends on when, where and how you apply for the passport.

  1. When a Person Applies For a Passport.   In order to receive your passport quickly, you may want to consider the time of year that you choose to submit your passport application.  The busiest time of the year to submit a passport application is during the summer months.  It may be quicker to try getting a passport during off peak periods of the year.  However, if you need a passport right away, you can always opt for an expedited passportRush Passport™ can get you a same day passport if need be.
  2. Where a Person Applies for a Passport.  If you apply for a passport at the US passport office or through the United States Postal Service, it can take up to 3 months to receive your passport. However, if you need a passport right away, you can opt for visiting Rush Passport™, Official Expediters of US Passports.
  3. How a Person Applies for a Passport.  The traditional way of submitting a passport application through the United Postal Service of US passport office can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months.  However, if you have a passport emergency or if you need to get your passport quicker, you can use Rush Passport™ Passport Expediting Service and get your passport on the same day that you apply.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. 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, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

College Students Planning to Study Abroad Will Need a Passport and Maybe a Visa Too: Rush Passport Blog

Saturday, May 7th, 2011

student passport nyAre you a student thinking about getting a passport to study abroad?  If so, you are not alone.  70% of US citizens don’t have a passport.  However, lately college students have been getting passports in larger numbers.  Most college students who get passports are doing so for a study abroad program or to travel to destinations around the world during spring break and other vacation times.

Just in case you didn’t know, you need a passport to go almost anywhere outside of the United States – even Mexico and Canada.  Study abroad programs give students a way to learn about another culture while getting college credit.  The first step to any study abroad program is getting a passport.  Once students get a passport, they can decide what the destination will be.

Well, not exactly.  A passport doesn’t get you automatic entry to all countries around the world.  Cuba for example only lets a very small number of US citizens visit – even with a passport.  But did you know that most African countries require American visitors to have a visa?  Some African countries allow US citizens to get visas upon arrival, while some do not such as Cameroon, and the Cape Verde islands.  US passport holders can apply for a visa in the airport upon arriving in Madagascar.

China, India and Pakistan are also among the countries that require US passport holders to have visas.  In Europe, US citizens with passports must get visas to travel to Russia in advance and can get a visa for Turkey upon arrival.  Brazil is another country that requires US passport holders to apply in advance for a visa.

How to Apply for a Passport:

Getting a passport sounds easy, but sometimes can be complicated.  Those wishing to get a passport must fill out the passport application form.  They also must take 2 passport photosPassport applicants must be able to prove that they are US citizens.  Passport applicants must also pay the passport application fee and submit the passport application.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. 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, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

How to Get a Passport for a Minor: Rush Passport

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

passportA Greenville, South Carolina man was sentenced on Friday to 10 years in prison for illegally taking his child to Thailand.  The man, Samuel Lee Horton, forged his wife’s signature, applied for a child passport and took his daughter to Thailand.

The parents had been divorced and his ex-wife had custody of their 2 children.  Horton had visitation rights, but apparently he wasn’t satisfied.

Horton, admitted forging his ex-wife’s signature for the purpose of getting the passport for his 3 year old daughter.  He told his ex-wife that he was taking his daughter to Disney World, but got his daughter a passport and instead boarded a plane to Thailand.  The pair lived in Thailand for over a year where he told his daughter that her mother had died.

Horton pled guilty to falsifying a document for the purpose of getting a passport for his daughter. Not only has he been sentenced to 10 years in prison, his parental rights have been terminated and he still faces further charges regarding the violation of a custody order.

It is important to know that minors under the age of 16 must apply for a passport in person.  All minors, including newborns must have their own passport to travel abroad by air.  In order to get a passport for a minor, first the application for a US passport (DS-11) must be completed.  Remember not to sign the passport application until in the presence of a passport agent.  The passport form must then be presented in person by both parents and the minor for whom the passport application is being submitted.  Evidence of the child’s US citizenship must be presented with the passport application.  Acceptable forms of identification include a previously issued passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth or a Naturalization Certificate.

In addition, evidence of the relationship between the child and the parent(s) / guardian(s) must be provided.  The parents or guardians must also present and make copies of their identifications.  An important step is for the parents or guardians to provide consent.   Both parents must provide consent to apply for a passport for a minor under age 16.  There are specific scenarios in which both parents do not need to be present at the time the passport application is submitted.  One parent can appear in person with a notarized statement of consent from the other parent.  A parent with sole custody may appear without the other parent as long as the parent can provide proof of sole custody at the time of the passport application.  A third party may apply for a passport for a minor, but the third party must provide authorization from both parents.

The passport applicant must pay the passport application fee and submit one passport photo.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. 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, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

Passport Questionnaire Gets Somewhat Bizarre: Rush Passport Blog

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

passport nyThe US Department of State has created a new passport questionnaire in an effort to make the passport process more secure.  The new passport questionnaire has been getting a lot of buzz.  The 5 page passport questionnaire asks straightforward questions such as date of birth and current employer.  However, there are also some strange questions that are somewhat puzzling.

The passport questionnaire requires the passport applicant to complete some bizarre fields such as “Who was present when you were born?”  The passport applicant is also required to list every address that they have ever had, every place where they ever worked and whether or not they received pre-natal or post-natal medical care.

Does this seem like a lot of extraneous information to be on a passport application?  Well, that’s not all.  The passport applicant is also required to list personal details about siblings and parents.  The information on the passport application is “voluntary” but failure to provide the information may result in the passport application being denied.

This proposed passport questionnaire is supposed to be geared towards passport applicants who are unable to produce an original birth certificate.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. 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, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

Passport Application About to Get a Lot Tougher to Fill Out: Rush Passport Blog

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

passport nycAlmost 14 million US passports were issued in 2010.  That figure includes approximately 1.5 million passport cards. If you still haven’t applied for a US passport, the passport application process may soon become more difficult.  In an effort to make the US passport more secure, the US Department of State is proposing a new Biographical Questionnaire for new passport applicants.  The new passport form: DS-5513 requires the passport applicant to enter all addresses since birth, a comprehensive lifetime employment history (including employers’ and supervisors names, addresses, and telephone numbers), personal information about siblings, mother’s address one year prior to passport applicant’s birth, and any “religious ceremony” that took place around the time of birth.  Failure to complete the passport application may result in the passport application being denied.

This new passport form will not be required of all new passport applicants, and the criteria that will require a passport applicant to fill out this new form has yet to be released.  The US Department of State feels that these changes are necessary to keep the US passport as secure as possible.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. 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, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

Passport Office Having Trouble Keeping Up With Passport Applications: Passport Blog: Rush Passport

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

ny passportTired of waiting around for your passport to arrive?  The US Department of State generally processes passports within 4-6 weeks.  If that seems like a long time to wait for your passport, imagine if you lived in Pakistan.  Currently, over 50,000 passport applicants who applied for their passports over 2 months ago are still waiting for their passports to arrive.  The passport problems are being blamed on faulty passport printing machines and a shortage of passport lamination paper.  The passport lamination paper is used to cover the machine-readable passports.

It seems like this is a recurring problem as the passport printing has been delayed for the same reasons 3 times in the past 3 years.  The passport agency has not taken steps to correct these issues.  In the meantime, Pakistani passport officials say that they are awaiting the arrival of new passport printing machines from Germany.

Can you just imagine all of the people with expired passports, lost passports who have applied for a new passport and are still waiting?  What about all of the passport applicants applying for first time passports?  The problems have had an effect on all passport applications, whether adult passport or child passport

Some people are due to leave the county in the upcoming days and their passport has still not arrived.  People need passports to visit sick relatives and unfortunately some travelers do not get their passport in time to see their relatives before they pass away.  Other travelers have complained of corruption as passport officials are being bribed to get passport applicants expedited passports.

If you need a US passport or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. 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, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.