If you’re planning on leaving the country soon, most likely you’re going to need to a passport.  Many of us don’t even know where to start when it comes to applying for a passport.  I’ll show you the simple steps you need to take in order to get your passport in a timely manner.

1st Step -  The first thing you’re going to want to do is fill out the Form DS-11.  You can either download it here or you can pick it up from any passport facility such as the US postal service.

2nd Step – Next, you’re going to want to find your birth certificate.  If you don’t have a birth certificate, you’re going to need your proof of citizenship.

3rd Step – When you have your proof of citizenship, you’re also going to need to bring your driver’s license as well for another source of proving your identity.  If you don’t have a driver’s license, you’re going to need to bring either a military ID or state ID.

4th Step – In the fourth step you’re going to need to take is to get a photo of yourself.  My word of advice is to go to a post office where they can take your picture and accept the applications as well.  If you don’t do it at the post office, you’re going to have to go to a place that does passport photos such as a pharmacy, etc.

The requirements of a passport photo are –

• The photo can’t be older than 6 months.
• The photo must be 2×2 and in color.
• The photo must be a full face view and the background must be off-white.

5th Step – Once you follow these steps, you’re going to have to go to a local facility that will process all of your application paperwork and accept your photo.  To find a local passport facility, you can follow this link that will help you find a place near your zip code.

6th Step – Before you head to your local facility, make sure you know how much you’re going to have to pay.  Most of these places will accept a credit card but call ahead just to make sure.  To find out how much your passport is going to cost you, follow this link.

Passports generally take a few weeks to arrive in your mailbox depending on the demand.  If you need your passport within 14 days, there are places designed for this called a regional passport agency.  The only downfall regarding a regional building is that you’ll most likely have to travel further.  Remember though, if you’re travelling out of the country, you most likely will need a passport.