Chitika

Friday, August 26, 2011

Easy Methods To Replace A Lost Pasport

By Ben Pate


Losing a passport right before an international trip generates panic, in even the most seasoned traveler. According to the US Department of State, a stolen or lost online passport should be reported immediately to prevent identity theft. If a replacement is needed quickly, travelers may take certain steps to get their new document to ensure that their travel plans will not be interrupted.

Form DS-64

Form DS-64 is required for lost or stolen passports. The form requires people to supply personal identifying information, their passport book and card numbers and a narrative of when, where and how passports went missing. Also, the narrative should include what actions, if any, were taken to attempt to recover the passport. If the owners of stolen or lost passports are not applying for replacements, they can mail Form DS-64 to the State Department.

Form DS-11

Those applying for new passports should submit their DS-64, along with Form DS-11. Form DS-11 should be left unsigned and signed only in the presence of the acceptance agent. To provide proof of US citizenship, citizens will have to bring identification to the agency. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, government or military ID or a naturalization certificate. Certain secondary forms of ID may also be accepted including a social security card, an employee ID card or a letter from an identifying witness. Applicants should also be prepared to pay the accompanying fee.

Photocopies Of ID

Applicants must also provide photocopies of their identifying documents. Copies should contain images of the front and back of the identifying document,on only one side of a piece of 8 1/2 by 11-inch paper. Images may not be decreased in size, although they may be enlarged. Also, pages should have no extraneous images or markings.

Photograph

For replacement passports, the State Department will need a photograph. Each photograph must reflect an applicant's current physical appearance and must meet strict State Department guidelines. For most photos, the State Department recommends using a professional photo service.

In Person Or Online?

In-person application is required when replacing stolen or lost passports. When travel is scheduled in two weeks or fewer, applicants may schedule appointments with their regional office. Appointments are scheduled through an automated telephone process after which an applicant will receive the address of the office, the time of the appointment and the confirmation number. Applicants will pay the standard fee as well as the rush fee and should come to the office with all documentation, including travel itineraries or e-tickets.

Expedited Services

Travelers may use a private expediter to secure a lost pasport replacement. Before hiring any expediter, applicants should verify the company's telephone number in addition to asking for a thorough explanation of rates. Often, customers post helpful comments about their experiences with expediters online, which will help applicants with the screening process.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment