If you want to travel overseas, then you need to have a valid US passport to do it. In order to get a US passport, you need to complete a passport application correctly and submit it to the passport issuing authority. The process may seem intimidating, but if done accurately, there is rarely a problem with receiving your passport.

The first thing to do when you want to get your US passport is to visit a post office for the application form or download it online. If you choose to print the form you must use black ink on white matte paper. The dimensions of the paper must be 8 1/2 X 11 inches.

In order to be awarded a passport, you will need to provide proof of US citizenship. Acceptable forms of proof according to US government regulations include a certified US birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or US citizenship certificate. You may also be requested to prove your identity with a US passport, driver’s license or some form of state or federal identification.

Along with your passport application you will also need to provide two acceptable passport photos that have been taken within the last six months. There are strict requirements about what is passable when it comes to these photos. You should not have any type of head covering; if you wear glasses, then you will need to remove them; civilian clothes only and the lighting and centering of the shot also need to be just right.

The passport issuing office in the United States works under a heavy load of applications and while they endeavor to have the passports issued quickly, there can be delays. For this reason it is best to apply for your passport with anticipation and the office suggests that you apply around 12 weeks prior to your travel arrangements. For an extra fee you can arrange to have your passport application assessed more quickly.

Once you have presented your passport application, you are able to track its progress online through the state department’s website. However, before handing in your application ensure that all facts, details, payments and photos are exactly right. If there are errors on the forms, then the application will be rejected. Once you have your passport, it is valid for ten years.

The fees for US passports are $100 for adults and $85 for children. If you want to have the passport application processed more quickly, then you will need to pay an additional fee of $60. For first time passport applicants you will need to fill out the DS-11 form and this cannot be sent through the mail, but needs to be submitted in person.

If you take the time to fill in the U.S. passport application carefully and submit any required paper work with the forms, then you are likely to have your passport quickly and with no fuss. It is estimated that around 10 percent of applications have inaccuracies that cause delays, so ensure that yours is correct. Applying for and getting your U.S. passport does not have to be a complex process.