With the number of cases of COVID on the decline worldwide, many countries have lifted some restrictions on travel. Restrictions on being tested for the virus and quarantined have also been relaxed in some countries. Finally, Israel, Australia, Morocco, New Zealand, countries that banned international travel altogether, have dropped travel bans or are in the process of dropping them.
With many bans being lifted, many Americans will either renew or apply for their passports, keeping a few factors in mind. According to an article appearing in the online publication Afar.com, the US Passport office has reduced wait times to 18 weeks. For expedited service, a person can pay a fee to get the passport between eight and 11 weeks or between five and seven weeks.
Regardless of the time suspense, those looking to apply or renew their passports should avoid a few of the mistakes that can delay receiving them. One common but avoidable mistake is related to typos, which happen when filling out the application too quickly. Ultimately, avoiding minor mistakes can be done by double-checking the application before submitting it.
The passport picture is another opportunity for error. Because the photo is placed on a legal document, getting the picture right is non-negotiable. For this reason, using one’s phone can result in a low-quality image. Wrong background color and incorrect proportion of head size with the background are two other issues that arise when taking the picture oneself. The best way to solve turning in unsuitable photos to the passport office is to go to the local Walgreens or CVS to take a passport-appropriate photo.
When applying for a passport, applicants should also turn in a certified or an original copy of a birth certificate. However, one of the most common mistakes many make in applying is submitting it with a digital copy or photocopy, which is not acceptable either.
The passport office also only accepts the long form of the certificate that contains the person’s parents’ full names. Hospital certificates do not count, so if submitted, the application will likely be rejected.
Paying by an incorrect payment method is another instance when the passport might be rejected. Proper payment methods include money orders, cashier’s checks, certified checks, and checks (no starter checks). In the case of checks, they must have the person’s name pre-printed on them. The passport office does not take cash payments or payments by credit or debit cards.
Then, signing the passport is also an opportunity to make a mistake. The colors red, blue, and black are acceptable can be used when signing a passport application. Use any color outside of these three and risk having the application rejected. Additionally, avoid signing the passport using a nickname. Because the passport is a legal document, the signature should match the name on the application.
Outside of these common blunders, other factors can prevent an adult from obtaining a passport. For instance, certain felony drug convictions can prevent a person from getting a passport, and a person who is facing incarceration or is in trouble with the law can be denied a passport.
Another thing that can prevent a person from getting a passport is having unpaid child support totaling at least $2,500. The rule is instituted to prevent parents who owe an ex-spouse or partner money from using the money to travel.
