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Step 1: Passport Card vs Passport Book
You first need to decide whether you will be needing a passport book or a passport card. A passport book will get you across oceans to see various different countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. A passport card will get you to Canada and Mexico. These are border countries, which require less for you to pass through, since you can drive there.
Step 2: Proof of Citizenship
This one should be easiest to get. You simply need to prove you are an American citizen using your birth certificate. If you are from another country, you must have your Visa ready. If you are undocumented you must become a citizen in order to receive a passport. You will need both the original and a copy for them to process your information.
Step 3: Get a Valid ID
My parents are not residents of the same state, and neither one of them are here in Iowa. Being from Chicago, my state ID (expired) and driver’s permit (also expired) are both only valid in Illinois. I got my state ID and permit on my own, but because I couldn’t afford a driving school, I never got my license. I attend college in this state, meaning I reside in this state. I just need to prove it.
You see, one of the requirements for a US passport is valid identification. A State ID, driver’s license, or expired passport is needed. You will also need a copy of whichever method you choose, so the can process your information. NEVER GIVE SOMEONE THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT. This is your proof that you were born in this country, and if anyone else gets a hold of it, they can pretend to be you. But, identity theft is a topic for another day.
Crystal Triplett took me to Linn County last semester so I could take the permit test, but I didn’t study beforehand and needed to be updated on IOWA’s rules (not the same as Illinois). Next time will be different. I’ve read the rules and have finally been behind the wheel, though only in a parking lot. Once the weather is warmer, and not snowing or hailing, I can go back to Linn county to retake the test, and hopefully get a permit. If not, I can still get an ID, and use that to apply for a passport.
Step 5: Find the Funds and Forms Needed
In order to apply for a passport, you must have the money to pay for it. $110 is the national price for the book, and $30 is for the card. There’s also the acceptance fee which will be $35 for each of them, so make sure you save up for them. You’ll also need to download the DS-11 and fill it out before you got to a state facility.
My parents are not residents of the same state, and neither one of them are here in Iowa. Being from Chicago, my state ID (expired) and driver’s permit (also expired) are both only valid in Illinois. I got my state ID and permit on my own, but because I couldn’t afford a driving school, I never got my license. I attend college in this state, meaning I reside in this state. I just need to prove it.
You see, one of the requirements for a US passport is valid identification. A State ID, driver’s license, or expired passport is needed. You will also need a copy of whichever method you choose, so the can process your information. NEVER GIVE SOMEONE THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT. This is your proof that you were born in this country, and if anyone else gets a hold of it, they can pretend to be you. But, identity theft is a topic for another day.
Crystal Triplett took me to Linn County last semester so I could take the permit test, but I didn’t study beforehand and needed to be updated on IOWA’s rules (not the same as Illinois). Next time will be different. I’ve read the rules and have finally been behind the wheel, though only in a parking lot. Once the weather is warmer, and not snowing or hailing, I can go back to Linn county to retake the test, and hopefully get a permit. If not, I can still get an ID, and use that to apply for a passport.
Step 4: Take a selfie
Your new passport book or card will need a photo so you can be recognized. They photo must meet the requirements set by the facility, though. Just like when you got your driver's license or state ID. You can also have your photo taken at the facility for $10.
In order to apply for a passport, you must have the money to pay for it. $110 is the national price for the book, and $30 is for the card. There’s also the acceptance fee which will be $35 for each of them, so make sure you save up for them. You’ll also need to download the DS-11 and fill it out before you got to a state facility.
Step 6: Find a Passport Facility
This is most likely your local post office or DMV. Wherever matters of the state are handled, go there. But, here’s the link to know the exact address.
That’s really all there is to getting a passport. Hopefully this helps you make your plans to leave this country. Leave a comment down below with your travel plans! I can’t wait to write a post about mine.
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