Check on the status of my passport?

How to Apply for a Passport & Check Your Passport Status

• Answer:

  In June 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative went into effect. This law is designed to strengthen homeland security at U.S. ports, while facilitating foreign travel to America. According to the legislation, anyone entering the United States, including U.S. citizens, must show a passport or other State Department approved document. This includes air, land and sea travel. In other words. if you wish to go from Buffalo, N.Y. to Niagara Falls, Ontario, you will need a passport (or similar document) to return across the border. Difficulty: Moderate Things You'll Need Valid birth certificate Social Security number Government issued I.D. with your picture and current address (i.e. state driver's license) One recent color photographs (approximately 2-by-2 inches) Form DS-11 Application fee Instructions Obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate or the original version. This will be used as proof of citizenship when you present your application. Naturalized citizens will need to bring proof of citizenship, such s a naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship. Applicants should note that as of April 2011, the requirements for a valid birth certificate have been tightened. Get two color pictures of yourself. The photos must be 2 inches square with the height of your head taking up between 1 and 1 3/8 inches of the picture. Digital pictures are allowed, along with regular film prints. Bring a valid, government-issued, picture I.D. Driver's licenses are the most common form of identification, but a current military I.D., a current government I.D. or a naturalization certificate also are acceptable. Acquire a copy of form DS-11. This form is available online or from any passport office, many of which are located at Post Office branches. You may fill out the form at home, but the application cannot be signed until you are in the presence of a passport officer. Visit your nearest passport office to complete and sign form DS-11. You will also be required to show proof of citizenship, a valid government-issued I.D. and place one color photo on the application. If you are overseas, you can visit the nearest U.S. embassy. Pay the fee. For first time applicants over the age of 18, the fee is $110 dollars plus another $25 execution fee. Track your passport application on the State Department's website. Tips & Warnings Tip: Allow at least six weeks for an application to be approved and the passport to be mailed. Tip: Other State Department documents, such as the passport card or NEXUS card, are available for foreign travel within the Western Hemisphere. Tip: Processing time for passports can be expedited by paying an additional fee. Tip: Passport renewals cost $85 and may be completed by mail using Form DS-82. Tip: There are special requirements for applicants younger than 18. Warning: Fraud during the application process is a punishable offense. Warning: According to the State Department, first-time applicants must appear in person at a certified passport office such as a Post Office or an embassy.