Going Abroad For Fun? Make Sure Your U.S. Passport Application Is Complete In Time

Performing any passport-related transaction requires you to fill in a particular form. There are different types of forms for different types of transactions. While you don’t have to memorize all of them, it will be helpful to be familiar with some of the most basic and most important forms you’re going to need to deal with. Fortunately, they are number-coded so you can easily distinguish them. Now read on for everything you need to know about new passport application forms.

Let’s start with the most common type of form, the DS-11. It is arguably the best recognized form as this is the form used by practically everyone who has applied for a passport for the first time. However, the use of this form isn’t just exclusive to first-time passport applicants. The DS-11 is also used by other types of applicants such as those whose last passport was issued when they were under 16 years old, or those whose passports were issued more than 15 years ago.

The DS-11 is the type of form you need to submit in person. This is unlike other passport forms that you can simply submit by mail. Just don’t forget to skip signing the form until you are told to so when you finally submit it at the passport office.

In case you are not required to submit your US passport application form in person, you have the option of sending your application by mail. This option is of course more convenient than having to go to your nearest passport office to apply. In instances where you need to send your application by mail, you’ll have to accomplish the DS-82 form. So if you’re after the convenience of submitting your form through the mail, you’ll need the DS-82. However, some circumstances may restrict you from sending your application by mail, so contact your local passport office first, just to be sure.

In case you lose your passport, the US Department of State requires you to report its loss immediately. To do this, you’ll need to fill in the Form DS-64, otherwise known as the Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. This form will then contain your statement regarding the loss or theft of your passport and will help in shedding light about the issue.

However, if sending the DS-64 by mail is not an option, you can always submit it in person. You can do this if you are already planning of applying for a new passport in place of the one you lost. What you need to do is simply to pay the passport office a visit, and then submit Forms DS-64 and DS-11.

Sending your DS-64 by mail is fine if you are not planning on applying for a passport anytime soon. However, if you need to have one as soon as possible, then submit the form by hand with your DS-11. Doing this will let you hit two birds with one stone.

Keep in mind there are other passport forms for different passport-related transactions. The ones we discussed here are by far the most commonly used by a lot of people. Now you know everything you need to know about passport application forms.