US Passport Requirements

In order to meet the passport requirements set forth by the governing bodies, an individual needs to know what is required. Armed with the proper paperwork, the process will go much easier than if a person does not have it. Due to the state of world affairs in modern times, the necessity of having proper documentation when traveling abroad is more important than it has ever been before.

Birth Certificate

A US birth certificate is the most important piece of documentation required for this process. If the certificate is not available, previously issued,undamaged passports are also accepted. If the person is not born in the US, an original certificate of citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization issued from the department of Immigration can be used.

Letter Of Record

Should a person not have access to any previously used passports or their birth certificate, they can obtain a letter of record. The letter is issued by the state where the individual resides in and needs to be filled out completely. Along with the letter, information such as baptismal records, school records and any additional public recordings will be required.

DS-10 Form

It is important to gather documentation from the first five years of childhood to help prove citizenship. The documents must state the place of birth along with the date of the birth in order to provide adequate proof. If a person cannot produce any of this documentation, they can have an older relative with knowledge of the birth fill out a DS-10 form and have it notarized prior to submitting it.

If Born Outside US

Another scenario involves the individual being born outside of the US to one parent who has US citizenship. In this situation, a document supplied by a hospital in the state where the individual resides will need to be obtained. Within the form, the individual will add their name and date of birth along with recorded information pertaining the years that were searched for the birth certificate by the hospital.

The parent must also provide an affidavit which contains their place of residence in the US and overseas for the time prior to the birth. The same affidavit is required in the case of both parents being US citizens and having the child overseas. Along with the affidavit, a foreign birth certificate and a marriage license must also be provided at the same time.

Adopted Children

Children who are adopted and are below the age of 18 years will need to have one parent present, whether the birth parent or the adopted parent. Either one will be fine. The child must be a current US resident and the adult must also be a legal citizen and have legal and physical custody. Additionally, the adoption must be final and proof of this will be required as well when applying for a child.

The United States passport requirements are somewhat strict; however, it is for the good of the person who is applying. When traveling abroad, it is important to have the proper documentation so the person can return home safely. Taking the time to collect the proper paperwork will make the USA passport application process go much smoother.