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Applying for a United States Passport is a fairly simple process, but it does take up to six weeks to receive a passport once all of the appropriate forms have been submitted.  The following link from the Web site of the U.S. Department of State, gives access to printable application forms:

http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Once completed, applicants bring forms and photos to a designated U.S. Postal Office. 

Your passport is your only valid form of identification while you are overseas. Each participant must have a valid passport that will not expire for at least 6 months after the end of the study program. You will need to board the plane in the United States and go through customs when you arrive overseas. Police and other authority figures have the right to ask for your passport at anytime, so you will need to keep a photocopy with you even as you go about your day-to-day routine. It is recommended that you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

If you have not already done so, you will need to apply for your passport. First time applicants will need to apply in person at the nearest passport acceptance facility. (See list below.) The quickest way to begin this process is to go online and download an application. From the State Department website, you will be able to research everything you need to know about the application process.

For general information call the Passport Information Number, 1-800-ASK-USPS (275-8777). Passport applicants should appear in person at one of the locations listed above and present the following items:

• If you are a natural-born citizen, a birth certificate which is certified with the State or County seal and indicates your name and where and when you were born or a previous passport. (Note: Registration of birth from hospital is not acceptable.)
• If you are a naturalized citizen, your original naturalization documentation or a previous passport.
• Two identical passport photos that are 2" by 2" with a light background.
• An official identification document with your picture, description and signature, i.e. valid driver's license, school, job or State ID or previous passport. Your social security number must be written on the application.
• Cash, money order or check made out to Passport Services in the amount of $85.00
• Allow four to eight weeks for processing.
• Renewals for adult passports are required every 10 years and cost $55.00. The renewal form and information can be picked up at a post office. (Note: It is possible to renew adult passports through the mail. Information and forms can be picked up at the post office.)

If your departure date is sooner than 4 weeks away, and you have not yet begun the application process, you should consider an expedited service.

Expediting Your Passport

Call (312) 341-6020 and listen for the Expediting prompt. Make sure you write down the confirmation number and time of appointment. The phone number listed above is automated! They automatically set the appointment for you. You must appear at the time stated, otherwise you loose your spot.

You must go the Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 18th Floor, Chicago, IL  60604 for the appointment!

You must bring the following:

• 2 Identical Passport Photos
• Driver’s License—Must be valid!
• State Certified Birth Certificate (This cannot be a hospital certificate. It must have an embossed seal-original)
• $85.00 for the passport & $60.00 for the expediting fees=$145.00 total. Personal checks are accepted, although cash is preferred.
• Bring something, preferably your social security card, along for additional identification and/or reference of your social security number
• Proof of travel—itinerary or airline ticket
• Make sure you have all pertinent information. Failure to provide proper identification could hold up the process.