What Is An Online Passport Application Form?
A passport application form refers to an official document one fills in when applying for a passport. You can complete this form manually or through online agents/tools by following your State's set procedures.
A passport is considered a reliable identification document you can use to navigate various places and countries in the world. Most airlines, immigration officials, and authorities will use this document to confirm your nationality and identity when visiting a country.
All applicants should provide accurate information in their online passport application forms. Nonetheless, most states don't allow first-time passport applicants to submit their applications online.
What Steps Should You Follow When Filling An Online Passport Application Form?
Filing an online passport application form is a straightforward and fast procedure that anyone can follow effortlessly. You can do this process yourself as long as you have all the correct documents needed and follow the set procedure to the latter to avoid rejection.
Nonetheless, it's advisable to use a reliable and certified passport application website or agency for a smooth, quick, flawless, and transparent process.
You can find several agents near your location through google search. However, it's best to be highly cautious who you pick because there are many scammers and fraudulent websites nowadays.
Below are straightforward steps to follow when filling an online passport application form:
1. Find An Official Online Passport Application Website
Due to the many fraudulent websites and applications today, it's best to find a certified website offering these services. Luckily, most states and federal governments have specific web platforms and mobile apps available for Android and iOS users. If don’t have, then just use the application form on this page.
2. Open And Navigate The Website
After finding the most appropriate platform or app, visit their site. Go to the 'APPLY' section to start the application procedure. Existing users can quickly log in with their password and ID to apply. Also, new users must register and create new accounts to access the websites' services.
3. Select The Correct Online Passport Application Form
Several passport applications forms exist for different purposes. These forms include diplomatic/official passport forms and new/reissued passport documents.
4. Fill The Online Passport Application Form
Upon successful login or account creation, you can continue the application process by filling in the correct information in the official application form you select.
Any application with unfilled spaces usually gets rejected. Hence, it's advisable to indicate N/A on areas that don't apply to you. Giving false statements in your passport application form is an offense punishable by law; hence, you should only fill in the accurate information.
If you're unsure of specific details about yourself, it's best to confirm them first to avoid any issues. The upside part is that applicants can fill in the form partially and finish the application process at their own convenient time.
5. Upload The Filled Form
You should upload the filled form after completing the application for processing. However, it's best to recheck the information given before submission to ensure that all the information provided is correct.
What Are The Requirements For The Online Passport Application Form?
For a successful passport application, you'll need to require several approved documentation to verify your eligibility. These requirements include:
1. Citizenship Evidence
To apply, you need to prove that you're a legal citizen of the state/country. This evidence should be an official/original physical copy with a stamp or seal of the authorized authority.
Examples of these documents include:
- A valid, undamaged passport.
- A Consular Birth Report.
- Birth certificate.
- Citizenship or Naturalization certificate.
- Certification of birth.
2. Identification Documents
An identification document is another crucial necessity when applying for a passport. There are numerous identifications forms you can present for this purpose depending on your State and nature of citizenship.
Although some states issue digital IDs today, such documents aren't accepted during online passport applications. You are only required to upload the original photo ID and (or) its photocopy.
You will also need to give additional identification forms if your documents are out-of-state.
3. Passport Photo
Providing a passport photo is crucial when applying for a passport. For faster processing, this photo should meet all the set requirements, which include
i) It should be a Clear, unfiltered photo taken within the previous three months
ii) The photo should be clear without any filters
iii) The applicant shouldn't wear glasses unless written consent is provided by a medical
iv) The photo's background should be off-white/white.
4. Execution and application fees
Online passport application form fees usually vary with the type of application and age of the applicant. However, the acceptance(execution) fee is primarily constant in many states. Further services can also be charged separately, depending on your needs.
Who Can't Fill Out An Online Passport Application Form?
While the online passport application form is a fast and reliable way to get a passport, not everyone can access it. For instance, in the US, the following groups of people cannot use the online passport application form:
1. first-time passport applicants
2. Individuals below age 16
3. Someone who's lost or damaged their previous passport
4. People who took the passport over 15 years ago
5, Individuals who got their passports when under 16 years old.
Other exceptional circumstances under which you can't access an online passport application form include:
1. Individuals with child support arrears. For example, individuals with child support debts of over $2500 aren't eligible to get an online passport application form in the US.
2. Most applicants between 16-17 years must also apply for their passports in person.
Conclusion
An online passport form is a highly essential document. You can easily apply it online through various certified mobile apps and websites. Still, it would be best to be careful not to use fraudulent service providers.
After filling the online passport application form, you'll have to wait several weeks for your passport to be ready. Hence, it's best to make plans in advance to avoid delays or inconveniences.
