A passport is an official government document that certifies one’s identity and citizenship and permits a citizen to travel abroad. (In the case of a U.S. passport, permits citizen to return to the United States.)
When do I need a Passport?
The answer depends upon which country you are planning to visit. A passport is required by many countries upon entry to their country. However, as indicated, many countries require a Visa to gain entry to their country and the United States State Department recommends a passport as evidence of citizenship in ALL cases.
What is the difference between a passport and a visa?
A passport is an official government document that certifies one’s identity and citizenship. The passport serves two purposes: to regain entry to the country of citizenship (i.e., the United States) and is a requirement by many countries to gain entry to the country you are visiting. A visa is an official government document that temporarily authorizes you to be in the country you are visiting. Many countries require a visa to gain entry. The visa usually is in the form of a stamp placed IN the passport and is obtained from the country you are visiting.
Why do I need to obtain the services of Caring Hands?
If your passport application is mailed to the Passport Agency directly, it can take up to SIX MONTHS to process your passport. Caring Hands can reduce this time frame tremendously, usually within ONE WEEK.
Why does the government take so long to process a passport application?
The United States Passport Service, which is part of the State Department, processes over SEVEN MILLION passports each year. This number has been increasing at an annual rate of 10% per year. There are fifteen national offices around the country which process the seven million passport applications. This volume alone does not allow the passport Service to process the applications quickly, let alone within a week or so, which many of our customers require or demand.
Does a child require a passport?
Yes. Anyone traveling to a country that requires a passport must have their own passport no matter what age they are. If you child needs a passport (age 16 or under), Caring Hands can help you. The process is laid out step by step above.
How do I renew my passport?
Once you send us your completed documents and expired passport, we will process the passport and return the new and old passports to you. It is recommended to keep your old expired passport as it is considered a proof of citizenship.
I have never had a U.S. passport or my passport was lost or stolen. How do I get a new passport?
You will need to complete a new application, gather documentation. These documents can be forwarded to us in order to process your Passport.
My child is too young to sign his/her own passport. How do I sign my child’s passport?
In the space provided for the signature on the passport, the legal Mother or legal Father must print the child’s name and sign their own name to the passport. Then, in parenthesis by the parent’s name, write the word “Mother” or “Father”.
How long is a passport valid?
Age 16 and older – passport is valid for 10 years. Age 15 and younger – passport is valid for 5 years.
Can I fax you my completed Passport application?
No. Governments require an original signature on the completed Passport application before they can issue a Passport.
Why do I need the services of Caring Hands versus mailing in my application via regular mail?
The State Department can take over six weeks to process your passport. Even the Government’s “expedited service” can take over four weeks to process your passport. Caring Hands can assist travelers who are traveling within these timeframes to ensure that they receive their passport in a timely and efficient manner.
What does the Government take so long to process passport applications?
The U.S. Passport Service, which is part of the State Department, processes over seven million passports per year.