A passport is an internationally accepted document that validates a person’s identity and legal right to cross borders. If you plan to travel outside the country, you must have a passport to board a plane or embark upon a ship. In the United States, only natural-born and naturalized US citizens can get an official US passport. Permanent residents holding a green card or individuals on work visas will be unable to obtain a US passport, but may request one from their “home” countries. Dual citizens may hold passports from more than one country.
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First-time passport applicants will need:
Form DS-11
Application and acceptance fees
A 2×2” color photo on a white background
A social security number
Evidence of citizenship like a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship
A valid driver’s license, government ID, military ID, or citizenship identification card
The process can take up to 12 weeks—or even longer if there are issues with your application, so it’s important that you complete the forms fully and accurately the first time around to avoid serious delays.
You may need a lawyer’s help with your passport if:
You were born by midwife instead of a doctor, and so your birth certificate is deemed “ineligible.”
You can’t find your letters of authorization, or copies of your documentation are illegible.
You’re not sure how much money to include with your application or where to sign.
Passport Renewals
Once you have a passport, you can have it restricted, revoked, or made ineligible for renewal if:
You were arrested or are subject to arrest on felony charges
You have been convicted of a felony, put on probation, or are due to appear in court
You owe a sizable amount of child support payments
You have committed fraud during the passport application process
You are declared psychologically unstable or incompetent
You are believed to have engaged in “harmful” or “treasonous” activities while outside the U.S.
An experienced lawyer can help with routine matters, translations, or overcoming more serious obstacles to getting your passport renewed. US citizens whose passports have been restricted or revoked may appeal the State Department’s decision within 60 days of receiving notice and request an administrative hearing. At this hearing, you’ll need proof that the decision was made in error—which a lawyer can help you obtain.
Click here to complete an intake form and send in a $50 consultation fee.
Let’s see if I can help you get a US Passport!