| Making a mistake when completing your passport | | | | need to submit a long-form birth certificate |
| application can lead to long delays, which can be | | | | instead, so make sure that you submit the |
| frustrating if you need your passport in a rush. | | | | correct information. You will always get your birth |
| Here are the five most common errors that are | | | | certificate returned, so you don't have to worry |
| made on passport applications, so take extra care | | | | about losing it. |
| with these to ensure that you don't have to wait | | | | 3. Incorrect Check |
| longer to receive your new or renewed passport. | | | | It is amazing how many applications are delayed |
| 1. Signing the Application Form at the Wrong Time | | | | because the applicant failed to fill out the check |
| Depending on the type of passport you want to | | | | properly. When you fill out your check for the |
| apply for, you will have to sign the application | | | | passport fee, make sure that it is signed in the |
| form differently. With the DS-11 form, which is | | | | correct place, and that it is for the right amount. |
| used for a new passport, you are required to sign | | | | This is a really easy way to prevent delays when |
| the form in front of an agent. Whereas with the | | | | applying for your passport. |
| DS-82 form, which is used for a passport | | | | 4. Failure to Check Everything Carefully |
| renewal, you should sign the form at the same | | | | With something as important as your passport |
| time that you print it out. Do this wrong or don't | | | | application, make sure that all the details are |
| sign the application at all and you will face | | | | accurate before sending it in. It is easy to do and |
| unnecessary holdups. | | | | a few minutes of checking can save you so much |
| 2. Inadequate Proof of Citizenship | | | | time, which is important if you need your |
| Providing proof of citizenship is an important part | | | | passport in a hurry. |
| of any passport application process, and | | | | 5. Invalid Photographs |
| unfortunately one that many people get wrong. | | | | Make sure that your photo is admissible before |
| You are required to submit a genuine birth | | | | you send in your application. Don't just send in any |
| certificate in order to receive your passport. An | | | | photo-make sure that it fits the requirements. |
| official birth certificate will usually have a raised or | | | | There are a number of regulations that you must |
| color seal on it from the issuing authority. A | | | | comply with, including the size, how recently it |
| photocopy is not good enough: it has to be the | | | | was taken, and many others. Check the full |
| actual copy. | | | | details on passport photographs on our site to |
| If you were born in Texas or California you will | | | | avoid sending in the wrong type of photo. |