Speed Your Visit to the Passport Acceptance Agent

We don't know anyone who likes standing in line. Whether you're waiting in line for Hamilton tickets, or for pastriesat the trendiest new bakery, or trying to get a new passport, you'll want to get what you came for in as little time as possible! Arecord number of passport applications are expected this summer, and that means that the lines at Passport Acceptance Facilities are long and getting longer. Today, we'll bring out our best tips to make your visit to the Passport Acceptance Agent a quick and successful one. Everyone behind you in line will thank you, too!

Tip 1: Make an Appointment

There are two types of Passport Acceptance Facilities: those that require appointments, and those that take applications on a walk-in basis.

With so many people now applying for passports, you may think it would be easier to go to a walk-in facility. However, you might face a long line of other applicants! It's worth it to call around first to see if you can get a slot at an appointment-only facility. Having a reserved time to see a Passport Acceptance Agent will mean you'll be able to get in and out quickly.

If you do need to go to a walk-in facility, try to go early in the morning. You may even want to get there before they open, so you can be at the front of the line! Some facilities will even start turning people away before their closing time if they know they have more people in line than they will be able to service in one day.

Tip 2: Bring the Right People

Applying for a minor passport for your child?Make sure you have the right people with you when you go to the Passport Acceptance Facility!

Many people don't know that the child needs to appear in person in order to submit a passport application. Even if you are applying for a passport for a newborn, the child applicant must be present when the application is reviewed by the Passport Acceptance Agent.

Both parents also should be present when the passport application is submitted. It's mandatory that at least one parent must be there in person. If you aren't able to have both parents go with the child, the parent who isn't there must have signed and notarized Form DS-3053, the statement of consent. (Your family doesn't fit the traditional mold of mother, father, and kids? No problem. Check out our article on parental consent for different family situations.)

You don't want to wait in line to submit your child's passport application only to be turned away, so make sure you havethe right members of your family with you.

Tip 3: Fill Out Forms in Advance

One of the services that Passport Acceptance Facilities offer is that they give out free copies of US passport applications. But don't wait until you get there to fill out your application! You'll save time at the Acceptance Facility if you have already filled out your passport application before you get there. You can either download copies and fill them out by hand or fill them out online and print them.

You'll want to make sure that your passport application is filled out completely and correctly. If you make any mistakes on the application, you will have to fill out another one on the spot, while the line behind you keeps growing.

Justdon't sign your passport application until you are instructed to do so by the Passport Acceptance Agent. The agent needs to witness your signature.

Tip 4: Have Your Photos Ready

Many Passport Acceptance offices offer photo services on-site. This can be a convenient option for people who haven't had time to go and get their photos beforehand. Most facilities that offer this service charge between $10 to $15 for photos.
But if you're trying to get in and out of the passport office as fast as possible, you won't want to wait to get your photos there. Instead, get your passport photos in advance and bring them with you to the passport office. There are many places where you can get passport photos, so you're sure to find an option that works for you and your schedule.

The other advantage to getting your passport photo in advance is that you'll have more control over it. If you get your photo taken at the drugstore and you hate it, you can always go get another photo. But if you wait and have your photo taken at the Passport Acceptance Facility, you're going to be stuck with that photo for the next ten years, good or bad!

Tip 5: Make Your Own Photocopies

You probably already know that you need to bring photo ID with you when you visit the Passport Acceptance Agent. But did you know that you also need to submit a photocopy of your identification?

It makes sense — you can't send your actual driver's license in with your passport application. You are going to need it to drive home! Instead, the Passport Acceptance Agent will review your original ID and will seal a photocopy of it into the envelope with the rest of your passport application materials.

If you didn't bring your own photocopy of your ID, the agent will have to take extra time to photocopy it for you. You'll also likely be charged a few bucks to have photocopies made. It's faster and cheaper to make your own copies before you go to the passport office.

Your photocopy of your driver's license or other ID must show both the front and back of the ID.

Have you been to a Passport Acceptance Facility this spring? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Source: https://passportinfo.com/speed-your-visit-to-the-passport-acceptance-agent/

Passport News Roundup: Photo Update and More

Welcome to the latest PassportInfo.com Passport News Roundup! In today’s edition, we’ll be focusing on the new US State Department rule for passport photos. We’ll also be exploring your new options for applying for a new passport this November. There are new passport acceptance facilities that have opened in some places, and in others, passport fairs have been scheduled to let you apply for your new passport outside of standard business hours. Read on for the freshest passport news in town!

Starting Today, No Glasses in Passport Photos

Need to get a photo for your new passport? Put your glasses back in their case. Starting today, the State Department will not accept any passport photographs that include eyeglasses.

Six weeks ago, we brought you the news that the US State Department was changing their official requirements for US passport photos. Previously, passport applicants were allowed to wear glasses in their passport photos as long as they had clear lenses. Applicants also had to be careful to make sure that the camera flash did not cause any glare on the glasses that would make their eyes hard to see. Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for passport applications to be rejected is a photo that does not meet government standards. Many applicants have had to resubmit their passport applications because of photos that had glare on glasses or too-dark tinted lenses. The new rule that glasses can not be worn will prevent those problems.

If you have already received a passport that shows you wearing glasses, don’t worry - your passport remains completely valid. You’ll just need to take your glasses off when you get the photo done for your passport renewal!

Getting a Passport? Take Off Your Glasses!

In our recent article about the State Department’s #PicturePerfectPassport campaign, we let you know that the US government was about to change the rules about eyeglasses in passport photos. The US State Department has now confirmed that starting on November 1, 2016, passport applicants can not wear glasses in their passport photos.

Why No Glasses?

The United States is not the first country to ban eyeglasses in passport photos. Many other countries also do not allow glasses to be worn in photographs used for passports or visas. France and the United Kingdom are among the many countries that do not allow eyeglasses of any sort in passport photos.

Previously, the US State Department only forbade the wearing of sunglasses or glasses with tinted lenses, which make it hard to see the applicant’s eyes. The also had a rule that if the applicant wore glasses in the photo, there must be no glare on the lenses from the camera flash, as that would also hide the eyes. Glare on eyeglass lenses has been a persistent problem with passport photos, and is one of the top reasons that passport photos are rejected by the Passport Agency. The new rule against wearing glasses in passport photos will ensure that no one will have a problem with glare reflecting off of lenses in the photo.

Get a Picture Perfect Passport and Prevent Delays!

September is National Passport Awareness Month, and this year, the US State Department wants to make sure you get a Picture Perfect Passport. They are using the hashtag #pictureperfectpassport on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word about the importance of having a good passport photo.

Having a good passport photo isn’t just about looking your best. Problems with passport photos are the number one cause for passport applications to be rejected! Every year, approximately 200,000 US passport applications are denied because the photos don’t meet the official standards. Want to ensure that your photo will pass muster?

The US State Department tells us that these are the five most common problems with passport photos…

1. Incorrect Size
   Your passport photo must be 2”x2” square. If it’s been printed on a larger piece of photo paper, it will need to be cut to size. In the photo, your face must also be the right size. Break out the ruler and check: your face must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. If the photo has been zoomed in too much, or taken from too far away, your photo will be rejected
2. Lighting Problems
   Your photo needs to be well-lit, with even lighting that doesn’t cause shadows that hide your features. When your photo is printed, make sure it’s not too dark or too light. Photos that are overexposed or washed out will be rejected. Your photo needs to have a white background and must show your true skin color
3. Photos More Than 6 Months Old
   Your passport photo must be recent and reflect your current appearance. If your photo was taken more than six months ago, toss it and go get a new one!
4. Glare on Glasses
   Your eyes need to be clearly visible in your passport photo. If you wear glasses, you may want to take them off before you take your passport photo. Otherwise, if the camera flash causes glare on your glasses, your photo will not be acceptable. The State Department also tells us that soon they’ll be changing the photo requirements, and will no longer allow passport applicants to wear glasses in their passport photo
5. Poor Quality Image, Printing, or Photo Paper
   Your passport photo needs to be a crisp, clean image on good quality photo paper. Low-resolution, blurry, or pixilated photos will be rejected. You’ll also have your photo rejected if it’s printed on ordinary paper, or if there is any creasing or damage to the photo. It’s okay to staple the edge of the photo to the passport application, though.

Other Potential Passport Photo Problems

 

Beyond the five most common problems with passport photos, we’ve seen photos rejected for a number of other reasons, including:

• Objects in the background. The background of the photo must be plain white. At a professional photography lab, they’ll have a white backdrop to use for the photos, but if you take your own photo, you can stand against a plain white wall. Make sure there is nothing in the background – no door frames, wallpaper, furniture, or drapery. Even a heavily textured wall, like wood paneling or bricks painted white, is cause for a photo to be rejected
• Headgear. You probably already know that you’re not allowed to wear hats or scarves in your passport photo, unless it is religious headgear that you wear every day. But we’ve seen photos rejected because the applicant was wearing a cloth headband! To be safe, don’t wear anything in your hair larger than a bobby pin or thin ponytail holder
• Tinted glasses. Do you have those cool glasses that automatically darken when the light is bright? Take them off before you take your passport photo. The camera flash will cause your lenses to darken
• Uniforms. You need to wear normal street clothes in your passport photo. Uniforms are not allowed, and that means not just military uniforms but any sort of uniforms, including flight crew uniforms
• Wide grins. Your photo must show you with a neutral expression. Your photo will be rejected if you are smiling widely and showing your teeth! But you don’t need to frown or look stern. A small, natural smile with your mouth closed is allowed
• Black and white photos. Black and white photos are artistic and romantic, but they’ve got no place on a modern passport. Your photo must be printed in color
• Head turned to the side. Want to show the camera your good side? Sorry. Your passport photo must show you looking forward, with your head straight and not tilted
• Eyes closed. We know it’s hard to keep your eyes open when the flash goes off! But you must have both eyes open in your passport photo. (An exception is made for small babies.)

 

What Happens When a Photo is Rejected?

 

Passport photos may be rejected at two different stages of the passport issuance procedure. Photos can be rejected by the Passport Acceptance Agent, when you visit the Passport Acceptance Facility to submit your application for a new adult passport, minor passport, or replacement for a lost or damaged passport. The Passport Acceptance Agent will review your photo to make sure it meets all the US State Department photo guidelines. They’ll also check to make sure that the photo really looks like you! If your photo is rejected, you’ll need to get a new photo before your passport application can be accepted. Some Passport Acceptance Facilities have photo services on site, so you may be able to get a new photo immediately and submit your application without any further delay. But if your local facility doesn’t have photo services, you’ll need to make an appointment to come back another day with your new photo.

Passport photos can also be rejected by Passport Agency personnel while your passport is processing. If your photo is rejected, your application will be placed on hold, and you will be contacted (usually by mail) to provide a new photo. Processing won’t resume until they get your new photo. This can cause serious delays with your passport application!

Using a passport expediting service can help prevent delays due to unacceptable photos. Employees of passport services are all familiar with State Department regulations, and can do a preliminary review to make sure your photo looks good. If your photo does get rejected, they will be informed right away, and will be able to submit your new photo ASAP so your passport will be issued quickly.

Want more info on how to get a #pictureperfectpassport? Check out our Model’s Tips for a Great Passport Photo and our guide on how to take a passport photo of your baby!

Source: https://passportinfo.com/5-tips-for-perfect-passport-photo/