Passports: The Different Types and How to Obtain One

 Citizens of the United States of America have the opportunity to have one of the most valuable documents in the world, and that’s a U.S. passport. A U.S. passport is your ticket to world travel, but first you must follow the specific process to obtain one. If you don’t know where to go or the documents you need, this process can be difficult. To make it easier on you, we’ve detailed a run-down of the process.Before you follow the steps of applying for a passport, you must first decide which type of passport you need. Each type of passport has a slightly different process and fees, so it’s important to distinguish the difference prior to entering a passport office.Passport Book or Passport CardIn the United States, you have two options when it comes to passports: a passport book or a passport card. Both allow you to travel outside the country, although a passport card is far more restrictive (but cheaper!)The standard passport book with a navy blue cover and plenty of pages is the passport option that opens the door to world travel. If you’re 16 or under, these books expire after five years. After that, they expire every 10 years. Expect to pay $110 for one of these along with possible associated fees. A passport book is used for international travel and a way of proving your identity and citizenship.Passport cards were first introduced in the United States in 2008 and have been growing rapidly in popularity since their conception. A passport card is identical in size to your credit cards or driver’s license, so this option is the premier choice for convenience. Although, a passport card won’t grant you access to every country. Passport cards restrict you to traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Unlike the passport book, the passport card cannot be used for intentional air travel. The price of a passport card is $30 plus possible additional fees.Applying Online or In-PersonIf you’re obtaining a passport for the first time, you must visit a registered passport office near you. A portion of the passport application process can be done online, but must be completed with a Passport Acceptance Agent. The DS-11 form can be completed online, and the remaining documentation can be found at the passport office. Do a quick online search, but your local Post Office is likely the most convenient place to apply for a passport.Renewing a passport if you’re over 16 doesn’t require a visit to the passport office. The whole process can be completed online.Required DocumentationBecause the United States Passport is such an important and coveted piece of documentation, the law requires certain proof of citizenship and specific documents. A proof of citizenship, typically a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, is the first necessary document. You must fill out a new passport application form, known as DS-11. Along with the birth certificate and DS-11, come prepared with a state-issued license or ID card, passport photo (taken at your local CVS or Walgreens) and the passport application fee.  The passport application might be tedious, but it’s not difficult. Once you have a checklist, it’s simple to gather the necessary documentation and visit the right websites/locations. Once you make a decision between a passport book and a passport card, you can quickly begin the designated process. Be sure to apply for a passport well in advance of your trip, because it can take over a month to receive the passport in the mail. We hope you find the process easy and enjoy the trip you must be planning!