So you want to Travel the world ?

So if you are like me, you have aspirations to see the world while you are young.

For me that is soon becoming a reality since i will be visiting paris in March and Tokyo in 2017.

BUT you will need the golden ticket, in which case it is a Passport.

I thought getting a passport would be simple enough but i was super mistaken and i learned very quickly.

So i am going to share what you have to go through to get that golden ticket for first time travelers like myself.

First thing to know : you HAVE to apply in person to apply for a passport.
 You will have to complete a DS-11 form, which you can either print, fill out an bring with you or fill it out online, print then bring with you.

Application for U.S Passport to fill out online then print 
PDF for Application to print then complete 

DO NOT SIGN UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO
YOU MUST SIGN SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

Next: you must take your application to a passport agency, usually a United States Post Office closest to you, in which case you have to call and schedule an appointment beforehand.

Along with your DS-11 form you need to have evidence of U.S Citizenship.

Here are the list of documents accepted (Source from travel.state.gov)

• Previously issued, undamaged, and fully valid U.S. Passport (5 year for minors or 10 years for adults)
• Certified U.S. birth certificate (must meet all of the following requirements): 
  • Issued by the City, County, or State of birth
  • Lists bearer's full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists parent(s) full names
  • Has date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has registrar's signature
  • Has embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal of registrar
  • Photocopies and notarized copies are unacceptable
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Naturalization Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship

(for some reason my dad did not have my original copy of my birth certificate. In case this situation happens to you, you have to go to your state's dept of vital records building or website and go about receiving a certified copy of your birth certificate)

PHOTOCOPIES OF THESE DOCUMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED AS EVIDENCE

Then you have to present Identification

These are accepted (Source from Travel.state.gov)

Primary Identification (One of the following):

Previously-issued, undamaged U.S. passport Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship Fully-valid Driver's License Current Government Employee ID (city, state or federal) Current Military ID (military and dependents) If you have none of these, see SECONDARY ID This next part is what made me feel a bit overwhelmed. You have to present photocopies of all Identification documents and there are very specific restrictions  Photocopy must be on plain white, 8 1/2 x 11" standard paper stock, showing the front and the back of your ID. Photocopy must contain images on only one-side of each page submitted. If copies cannot be made on the same side of one page, you may present two separate pages; one displaying the front of the ID and the second displaying the back of the ID. The paper should be free of other images and/or markings. The 8 1/2 x 11" paper size cannot be substituted with a larger or smaller size paper, even if the alternative folds down to the 8 1/2 x 11" size. You may enlarge the image of your ID on the 8 1/2 x 11" page, but you may not decrease the size of the image. Of course nothing in the world is free so you gotta cough up the dough. Make a note that only a Check or Money Order will be accepted as payment List of Passport Fees You must have a Passport photo as well when submitting everything although some U.S postal agencies provide the service for $15. However it is cheaper to go to a store such as Rite-Aid, Walgreen's, Wal-Mart or CVS and have it done. Requirements for Passport Photo Things to Note: Processing Times Routine 6 Weeks Expedited 3 Weeks Expedited at Agency 8 Business Days* *Based on need, restrictions apply Also, there is a $25 processing fee fro the agency added to your total. For a First time applicant you are going to be spending about $135 but if you want a more accurate estimate for yourself personally, go HERE