REQUIREMENTS TO EXPEDITE A FIRST TIME U.S. PASSPORT

As of June 1, 2009, a passport will be required for all land and sea crossings, as per the US Department of State. This notice was announced on March 27, 2008. Currently, a passport is required for all air travel to and from Western Hemisphere countries.

The following instructions apply to you if you have never had a passport before, if you have had a passport before, if you had a passport but it was issued more than 15 years ago, or if you were under the age of 16 when your last passport was issued. If these requirements do not apply to you, please contact our office.

AS OF FEBRUARY 2008, FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16, BOTH PARENTS MUST BE PRESENT WITH VALID ID.  Birth Certificates are required to show the name of the parents.  In the event that one parent is unavailable, a Parental Consent form must be signed and completed by the absent parent and be accompanied by a copy of their valid ID.  As of June 1, 2003 all minor children, regardless of age, must be present at the time of application at a passport acceptance office.

• Completed application form, DS-11. PLUS ONE COPY!!!!Do not sign the application until asked to do so by a passport acceptance officer at the post office or county clerks office in your area.
• 2 passport type photos taken within the last 3 months.
• Original certified birth certificate, issued by the state or county where you were born. The birth certificate must have a raised seal, file number and file date. (Your expired passport will work in lieu of your birth certificate). For naturalized citizens, you will need your original citizenship certificate.
• Make your check or money order payable to the U.S. State Department for $135.00 plus $25.00 to the U.S. Postal service or county clerks office. Children under 16 years of age will be $75.00 payable to the U.S. State Department plus $25.00 to the U.S. postal service or county clerks office.
• Proof of identity: You must show the acceptance agent your valid drivers license.
• Proof of departure: PLUS ONE COPY!!!!!
• Copy of airline tickets or flight itinerary OR
• Company letter of expedite address to the U.S. State Department.
• Have full name of applicant
• Correct date of departure
• Country you are traveling to, and duration of stay.
• This letter must be on letterhead and signed by someone other than the applicant.
• A signed WITH BLUE INK release letter authorizing us to collect the passport on your behalf. The release letter must be originally signed and dated by the applicant. PLUS ONE COPY!!!!

Please Remember:

Sealed envelopes must be filed with the State Department within 5 days of application. Do Not Hold!!!! All original documents are to be taken to the Post office or County Clerk’s office where you apply. Photocopies are for our purposes and are to be given to IRATEX.

To avoid any delays in processing your passport, please call our offices before sending us your documents. This will insure a complete, and accurate packet.

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Application for a New U.S. Passport
Statement of Consent
IRATEX Release Form

Find a Passport Acceptance Office near you

Information and Fees are Subject to Change.
Revised 02-2008

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