Many people, including minors, have passport books that they use to travel internationally. But have you ever given thought to the U.S. passport benefits? What privileges does a passport accord you? Let’s find out:
What Are the U.S. Passport Benefits?
Consider how you use your passport. Are there any glaring advantages of having it over using other WHTI-compliant documents? Of course, there are! Otherwise, people would forgo getting passports and would use their driver’s licenses on their trips.
So, what are the U.S. passport benefits?
- It is acceptable in international travel: International travel guidelines are strict to prevent fraud and other illegalities. As such, countries have adopted the passport as the standard acceptable travel document. With a passport, you can travel abroad if the document is in good condition, has enough blank pages, and meets the minimum validity. Moreover, a passport enables you to acquire visas. Other identification documents do not hold as much water and are thus limited in where you can use them.
- It is standard: The passport is the standard travel document, whether you are an adult or minor. It reduces travel paperwork by enabling all parties in a group to present the same document for entry.
- It is an identification document: You can use your U.S. passport as proof of identity. For example, you can use it abroad as your ID. And even domestically, your passport can replace other IDs like driver’s licenses.
These U.S. passport benefits make having a passport worthwhile. After all, it unlocks travel, business, and official opportunities.
How Can You Get a U.S. Passport?
The benefits of having a passport are motivation enough to start processing one immediately. But how should you go about it to ensure your application goes through?
1. New Passports: You qualify for this passport type if you meet the following criteria:
- You have never had a passport,
- You are under 16 years old,
- You have lost, altered, or damaged your passport,
- You have changed your legal name and don’t have sufficient supporting documents, or
- Your passport has been stolen.
In such cases, you must prepare a form DS-11, two passport photos, proof of citizenship, and identification. Those who have damaged, lost, or reported their passports stolen must sign extra paperwork. You should present the documents to an acceptance agent for verification, after which you can submit them to the state passport offices for processing. And in weeks, you will enjoy the benefits of a passport.
2. Passport Renewals: You can renew your passport and enjoy the U.S. passport benefits if you meet all these criteria:
- Your passport is in good condition,
- Your most recent passport is a full-validity passport,
- You are over 16 years old and got your last passport when you were at least 16 years old,
- You have not changed your legal name or have enough supporting documentation for the name change, and
- Your passport was not issued more than fifteen years ago.
Renewing your passport makes it easier to enjoy success during visa applications. You can start the process by providing a complete DS-82 form, two passport photos, and your most recent passport. And if everything checks out, you can start enjoying the U.S. passport benefits in a few weeks to months.
Expediting Passport Processes
While there are many benefits of having a passport, backlogs at the state offices can delay your access to these perks. Travel Visa Pro eases the passport application process by providing expedited services. You can get a new passport in just a few days, enabling you to fast-track your access to the U.S. passport benefits!
