US Passport Requirements

Knowing the US passport requirements will help you cross the border without creating a great story to tell your family when you return home.

What You Need to Be Legal

When you’re ready to flee the country for greener pastures and better cheese, you need to get a US passport. This documentation will help you to cross the border and it will help the State Department find you at a hotel in case of an emergency.

Here’s what you need to get a US passport:

• Proof you’re a US citizen – Yes, you will need to ask your mom for your birth certificate.
• Another form of ID – This might be your driver’s license, a social security card, etc.
• An appointment – Most of the time you will go to the local post office to get your passport, so you will need to make an appointment ahead of time to ensure you get a place in line.
• The form – You can get a passport form to fill out online. Fill this out ahead of time. There might be questions you need to ask your parents about.
• Money – Passports aren’t cheap, even when you’re not bribing the person at the counter. Bring a check or your debit card.
• Pictures – Most of the passport offices will take your photo too, but if not, go to a place that knows what size photos to take. And bring at least two copies of the photo with you.
• Time – Yes, getting a passport can take weeks once the paperwork is filed. If you’re in a rush, you’ll need to go to a passport agency.