Anyone who has travel on their calendar in the upcoming months is going to need to getting a U.S. passport . Recent changes to travel laws mean that even travel to the Caribbean or places like Mexico or Canada require passport documents. This has resulted in many travelers getting a passport for the first time.

Getting a passport for the first time requires the applicant to follow some specific steps. First time applicants must apply in person at a government sponsored application center. However, certain things must be taken care of prior to the in-person application.

First, keep in mind that rules and laws can change in a moment’s notice. Because of that, it is recommended that before actually heading out to the new U.S. passport office that the State Department’s website is checked for the materials that are needed and what types of travel require a passport. While we have a synopsis of it here, by the time you are reading it, it could very well be outdated.

The first thing that needs to be done is to get a passport photo. This can be done at a variety of places and some passport application centers also offer this service. The pictures are generally very cheap to get done and are usually returned on the spot in the right size to be submitted with the passport application.

Passport photos are supposed to be done in a very specific manner. For instance, no uniforms are permitted to be worn in the picture. The applicant should wear clothing that would be similar to what they would travel in to avoid any questions when the passport is used. If they wear glasses or any other devices, it is best to have them on in the picture to show the exact likeness that will be portrayed when traveling.

Next, it is important to acquire all of the relevant documentation. The applicant must bring one ID card to the application center. The following are valid forms of ID: a driver’s license, a military card, or any other government issued ID card. The applicant must also bring a copy of this ID card. Next, the applicant must provide a certificate of citizenship. This is normally a valid birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization. The applicant must also bring a photocopy of this document.

When all information is finally together, the trip to the application center can finally be made. The USPS is a common outlet for passport application centers, but not all post offices accept applications. It is best to go on their website and search under government services to see the post office that is located the closest that can perform this service.

Some time will definitely need to be set aside when obtaining a USA passport for the first time, but once the documents are secured, everything gets much easier. As long as the new US passport does not expire, getting it renewed is very easy and much less time consuming. Furthermore, once you have your new passport, you have a document that will stand up under any scrutiny and is literally your ticket to travel the world.