
Performing any passport-related transaction requires you to fill in a particular form. There are different types of forms for different types of transactions. While you don’t have to memorize all of them, it will be helpful to be familiar with some of the most basic and most important forms you’re going to need to deal with. Fortunately, they are number-coded so you can easily distinguish them. Now read on for everything you need to know about US passport application forms.
The DS-11 is probably the most popular among these forms. The reason for this is that the Form DS-11 is the one that all first-time passport applicants use when obtaining a passport. But it’s not just the first-timers who’ll need to use the DS-11. Those who were under 16 when they were issued their first passport, or those with passports issued over 15 years ago will need to fill in the DS-11 for their passport application.
The DS-11 is the type of form you need to submit in person. This is unlike other passport forms that you can simply submit by mail. Just don’t forget to skip signing the form until you are told to so when you finally submit it at the passport office.
In case you are not required to submit your American passport application form in person, you have the option of sending your application by mail. This option is of course more convenient than having to go to your nearest passport office to apply. In instances where you need to send your application by mail, you’ll have to accomplish the DS-82 form. So if you’re after the convenience of submitting your form through the mail, you’ll need the DS-82. However, some circumstances may restrict you from sending your application by mail, so contact your local passport office first, just to be sure.
What if you lose your passport, or if it was stolen from you? Then you will need to submit another form altogether. You’ll need to fill in Form DS-64. When filling in this form, make sure that you submit this as soon as possible to the nearest passport office. Just like the DS-82, you can send this form by mail.
Although you can send the DS-64 by mail, you can also submit it in person at the passport office. Use this option if you are going to apply for a new passport at the same time. In this case, you’ll have to submit both the DS-11 and the DS-64 in person at your nearest passport office.
The great thing about submitting both forms at the same time is that you save yourself a lot of time when you do this. That way, you no longer have to submit one first, only to send in person the other one the next day. So if you can, submit both forms at the same time.
Keep in mind there are other passport forms for different passport-related transactions. The ones we discussed here are by far the most commonly used by a lot of people. Now you know everything you need to know about new passport application forms.
