5 Easy Steps to Get Your US Passport
This post is for people applying for a US Passport for the First Time. I did mine after getting my Naturalization Certificate. I’m not an agent or a passport agency, this is solely based on my experience acquiring my passport amidst the COVID pandemic situation. This is a step-by-step guide for First-time US Passport Applicants after Naturalization. Let's go!
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1. Fill out Form DS-11
You can find the form at travel.state.gov, after filling it out, print the form and do not sign the form yet.
2. Gather all the required documents for the application
Important Tip: Make sure to sign your Naturalization Certificate.
b. Provide an original and a photocopy of your identification ID
c. One 2x2 passport-size picture
Make sure you have the right 2x2 passport-size picture. There are specific dimensions for the face so go to a reliable photocenter. I simply went to Walmart as they know what they're doing. The good news is you can have your picture taken in their office too but take note not all offices offer this photo service.
Two 2x2 pictures for 15 USD, you get to keep the second picture as they only need one for the application.
If you're confident to do it on your own check out the Requirements for US passport photos.
d. DS-11 Form ( Do not sign the form)
Take note: If you were born outside the United States
e. Provide an original and a photocopy of your Birth Certificate Abroad (Translated into English)
The passport facility did not ask for my Birth Certificate or the photocopy. Just bring it with you in case they ask for it.
If you have acquired your Naturalization through your parents you will need more documents. Check out: travel.state.gov
3. Schedule a passport appointment with USPS
Visit the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler to make an appointment.
Make sure to complete all required fields in the form. You also have to appear in person at the passport facility.
Make an online appointment to avoid waiting in line. The appointment takes around 15-20 minutes.
4. Sign the DS-11 Form in front of the Passport officer
This is very important do not sign the form until you get to sit in front of the officer in charge.
5. Pay the passport fees
Application Fee: The total amount for a passport application is 165 USD ( 130 USD for the application fee and 35 USD processing fee )
Additional fee: 60 USD for expedited service
Fees may change refer to travel.state.gov/fees
Payment type: Personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's check
I brought my checkbook for the payment transactions. Write two checks in advance but leave the amount blank. The First one will be addressed to the "U.S. Department of State" and the second one to the "Postmaster."
Wait time: Passport processing takes around 4-6 weeks
My fees were 208.32 USD for the State and 63.95 USD for USPS. I also paid for expedited service to avoid any delays. My passport appointment was in the middle of Feb 2022, I received my passport via mail around the second week of March 2022. However, my Naturalization Certificate was sent late almost at the end of March.
The passport book was sent via mail and the citizenship evidence I brought to the appointment which was my Naturalization Certificate was mailed back to me in another separate mail.
Reminders: Make sure to sign the passport upon receiving it. I also make a photocopy just in case I need it and also as a backup copy when traveling.
Please do your research and visit travel.state.gov for more information about passport applications.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Other Passport Related Post: How to Apply for US Passport for Your Baby
Do you lose your Philippine Citizenship after becoming Naturalized in the USA?
Yes, when a Filipino citizen naturalize in the United States, they automatically forfeit their Filipino citizenship. However, natural-born Filipinos have the option to regain their citizenship by applying for Dual Citizenship.
For Filipino Nurses who want to apply for the NCLEX Exam in New York State.
Where am I going next?
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