Ease the Headache
Passport applications are—to put it mildly—a pain in the behind. If you’ve recently changed your name, given birth to a child, or even live alone, the paperwork involved is often a nightmare. That’s not counting the heavy fees associated with passport renewals or the agonizing wait times. The thing is, everyone’s in a hurry to get it over with, and in their haste, make careless mistakes that only prolong the process. Don’t worry, we’re here to speed things along!
1. Incorrect Photos
The first common mistake is submitting incorrect photos. Passport photos require a whole slew of rules, and forgetting even the smallest thing could result in delays. Remember: it’s one thing to have them done in a pharmacy, but it’s another to walk away with an actually compliant photo.
2. Forgetting New Documents For Name Changes
Hey, you just got married! It’s exciting to change your name and make things official—but it’s another to fill out all the paperwork. Name changes come with their own set of regulations, and passport renewals are just another drop in the bucket. The name on your documents has to match what’s on your ID; anything else is unacceptable.
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3. Bringing the Wrong Identification
Speaking of ID, a lot of people don’t read the rulebook before hopping in line. Health cards won’t cut it. Neither will one piece of identification. If you lost your birth certificate, you have dozens of alternative options. Either way, don’t just pop in with subpar ID ‘cause employees will turn you away!
4. Not Scheduling an Appointment
Is there anything worse than having to wait in line for a passport? Believe it or not, there is: not scheduling an appointment! How long your application takes is another story, but you at least mitigate some waiting by scheduling ahead of time.
5. Forgetting to Mail Your Old Passport
Unfortunately, you can’t keep old passports. To receive your new one, you’re required to send your old one along with any documents. It’s pretty common to forget this step—which is why it’s common to experience delays.
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6. Not Paying Your Fees
There’s no way around passport fees. You won’t do yourself any favors by delaying payment or forgoing the fine print. Your exact total is available during the application process, so make sure you pay attention, and make sure you pay in full!
7. Skipping Important Parts of the Paperwork
We know they’re tedious, but applicants need to fill in every line. You can’t skimp on the details either; include your name in full, write out your whole Social Security number, and double-check any contact information.
8. Assuming Employees Will “Let Things Slide”
Hey, if cops can let tickets go, government employees can let a signature go…right? Yeah, it doesn’t really work like that, and anyone who’s dealt with passport employees knows they’re sticklers for the rules. Don’t bank on their kindness; count on your diligence.
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9. Waiting Until the Last Minute
It’s easy to assume you won’t go anywhere in the next year, but you never know what will pop up. It’s better to renew your passport now than to wait and worry later. Last-minute panic is a one-way ticket to mistakes, too.
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10. Not Tracking Your Status
Once you mail that application, pay attention to your timeline! You’ll receive a tracking number with your order, allowing you to keep a close watch on next steps. You don’t want to be a worrywart, but you also don’t want to assume everything will just land in your hands.
Alright, now that we’ve gone over what not to do, let’s streamline the process with some simple tips!
1. Use the Correct Form
You need one form. Your child needs another. Are you applying for a new passport or just renewing? Have you changed your name recently? All these and more dictate which form to fill out! Get your ducks in a row, make a list of what you need, and ensure you grab the right stuff.
2. Triple-Check Which Documents You Need
It’s not enough to grab the right passport form—you also need the right supporting documents. Depending on your process, you might need anything from proof of citizenship to references, all the way to identification (which can be a pain if you only have certain documents). Spare yourself the headache and make sure you have the right papers before booking an appointment.
3. Schedule an Appointment
Remember how we talked about skipping the line? Here’s your reminder! Online services often let you book well in advance, which gives you the time to book an hour off work. You can also slink to the front and ask to speak with someone directly.
4. Keep Tabs on Postal Services
Not all postal services are made equally; some take far longer than priority mail. Depending on how quickly you need your stuff, keep an eye on what’s available. You’ll need to shell out more money, but springing for expedited delivery gets that passport even faster.
5. Get a Copy of Your Receipt
Government employees aren’t the only sticklers for paperwork! Any time you receive information, whether via email or a completed transaction, keep a paper trail. The last thing you want is to have a he-said, she-said moment.
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6. Take the Right Photo
Passport photos need to be a certain size. You can’t have a smile on your face. You can’t be in front of a brightly colored background. You can’t even wear white! It’s a pain to learn all the rules, but everything’s available online.
Ekaterina Belinskaya on Pexels
7. Pay Attention to Detail
Did you spell your name correctly? Did you enter the right date? Is your Social Security number correct? It sounds obvious, but those little details are a classic case of common sense, uncommon practice!
8. Handle Those Fees
You can ballpark fees before you even set foot into your appointment. Cost varies depending on your passport’s longevity, your age, and whether or not it’s just a renewal—and it can add up quick. Pay attention to what you owe and make sure you pay down to the last cent.
9. Consider Online Services
You don’t always need to schlep into a stuffy government office. Comb online services and see if you can streamline the service a little. If you’re eligible, you might be able to do your stuff online rather than an in-person appointment.
10. Keep a Photocopy on File
Keep a copy of any Visa applications or passport photos. You never know what could get lost in the mail, and the more you have on hand, the easier it is to hurdle any last-minute hiccups.
