{"id":98899568,"date":"2019-03-28T16:48:11","date_gmt":"2019-03-28T20:48:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/?p=98899568"},"modified":"2021-01-04T16:01:25","modified_gmt":"2021-01-04T21:01:25","slug":"steps-for-us-passport-application-renewal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onetravel.com\/going-places\/steps-for-us-passport-application-renewal\/","title":{"rendered":"The Simple Steps for US Passport Application and Renewal"},"content":{"rendered":"

With a US passport, the world is your oyster.<\/p>\n

But, for many Americans, this fact is still not motivation enough to use their US passport to travel far and wide. According to Forbes <\/a>only about 42% of American held passports during 2017. The same report added that, even though this figure has been improving over the decades, it was still behind passport-holder numbers in the UK (76% of the population held passports) and Canada (66%) the previous year. While a problematic work-life balance and measly vacation days (in comparison to those of most European countries) could be factors in not encouraging most Americans to venture out with their passports, there’s still no excuse: every American should have one!<\/p>\n

Another aspect that may be holding back passport-holding Americans is the fact that they may have forgotten to renew their passport. This is crucial, as some countries that do require visas for US travelers will not grant one if the passport doesn’t have enough months of validity on it. Some countries would even require you have months of validity AFTER your departure date from their shores!<\/p>\n

If you’re one of those who hasn’t\u00a0browsed for cheap international flights because your passport is non-existent or you just haven’t mustered the motivation to get your\u00a0passport renewed, then this post is for you. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, and assuming you’re a US citizen, you’ll be reassured to know how quick and easy the process is once you start ticking off all the boxes!<\/p>\n

Applying for a Passport<\/h2>\n

\"Hand<\/p>\n

Are you getting\u00a0excited already? You should!\u00a0Owning a passport will open up a whole new world to you — like, literally a world of about 185 countries and territories without a travel visa, or with a visa on arrival.\u00a0Now that’s a good reason as any to start the application process ASAP! So here we go:<\/p>\n

Step 1:\u00a0 Fill out form\u00a0DS-11<\/h3>\n

This form<\/a>\u00a0is for first-time applicants, those under the age of 16, as well as those aged 16-17.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Gather your supporting documentation<\/h3>\n

If you’re born in the US and over the age of 18 — easy-peasy — you’ll just need:<\/p>\n