A U.S. passport is a travel document issued to citizens of the United States of America. Issued by the U.S. Department of State, this document contains vital information about a resident including their photograph, name, date of birth and the address of their United States residence.

Additionally, a passport will have numerous blank pages available for visa stamps. Currently, passports are available as a traditional passport book or a newer passport card.

If you’re looking to travel internationally, a U.S passport is the ticket that you need. Travelling to another country from the United States, whether it’s by land, air or sea, necessitates a passport.

While you are abroad, your passport will is essential to keep secured. Not only does a passport permit you to travel or temporarily reside in a foreign nation, you will also have access to U.S consular services and assistance while abroad. Once you are ready, your passport will be your key to re-entry into the United States.

Where to Get a Passport in Ohio

Getting a new passport in Ohio is a convenient task due to the fact that there are close to 400 passport acceptance facilities in the state. Applications for a new passport can be submitted to the various universities, post offices, libraries, municipal buildings and court houses that serve as passport offices.

Many of these facilities require scheduled appointments and have limited business hours, so make sure you call before visiting. The only applications that are accepted in person are requests for a new U.S. passport.

If you are applying for a passport replacement or renewal, you must submit your request to a National Passport Processing Center by mail. This method of application is convenient and generally takes the same amount of time to process. However, the accepted payment methods for mailed applications are limited.

Ohio Passport Books vs. Cards

The United States passport book has been around for decades, but the passport card was introduced in 2008. If you are wondering, “What is a passport book?” picture a pocket-sized navy blue booklet with a United States seal on the cover.

Passport books are the standard form of identification used for international travel. Additionally, most foreign nations require visas for entry and exit, and a passport book is the only travel document that can be stamped with a visa.

On the other hand, a passport card is plastic card that is about the same size as a driver’s license. The main difference is that passport cards are not accepted for international air travel.

Passport cards are solely used for land and sea border crossings between the United States, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. A passport card cost is cheaper than a passport book, so if meets your travel needs the more affordable price makes it a better option.

How to Get a Passport in Ohio

In order to get a U.S. passport in Ohio, you must be a citizen of the United States. When you are applying, you will be required to prove your citizenship or naturalization before you are approved.

There are no other requirements to be considered eligible, but your application methods may be limited depending on certain criteria. You must apply in person if any of the following apply to you:

• You are applying for your first passport.
• You have to replace a damaged, lost or stolen passport.
• You are under the age of 16.
• Your previous passport was issued when you were younger than 16.
• Your previous passport was issued over 15 years ago.

If none of the criteria above apply to you, you must renew your passport by mail.

Required Documents for a New Passport Application

Before you make the trip to submit a new passport application, it is essential that you gather all the necessary documents. When you visit your local passport acceptance facility, bring the following items:

• A completed application
• An original proof of citizenship document
• An acceptable photo ID, such as a driver’s license
• A color passport photo
• Payment for the S. passport fees

Note: If you are applying for a child’s passport (16 years or younger) you will also need to provide proof of relationship to the child and both parents must appear in person or submit a consent form signed by the absent parent.

U.S. Passport Renewals in Ohio

If you are looking to renew a U.S. passport in Ohio, you must submit your application by mail.

Furthermore, you can only renew your passport if it is undamaged, it was issued less than 15 years ago, you were 16 years old when you received it and it’s in your current name. The documents required for a passport renewal include:

• A passport renewal form (This is different than a new passport form. Make sure that you complete the correct one.
• Your current passport book.
• A color passport photo.
• Payment for the renewal fees.

How to Replace a Lost Passport in Ohio

Unlike if you have a damaged passport, when your passport gets lost or stolen you must take additional steps to protect your identity. The process to replace a lost passport is exactly the same as applying for a brand new passport.

You can replace your passport at your earliest convenience, but it is vital that you complete a lost passport form to file a report. Once you report that your passport has been lost or stolen, it will be ineligible for use during international travel. You can report your lost or stolen passport through the following methods:

• Online through the U.S. Department of State website.
• By mail after printing, completing and signing a lost passport form.
• Over the phone by calling the National Passport Information Center.

Note: The process to complete a passport replacement can only be performed at a passport acceptance facility.

How to Complete a Passport Update in Ohio

If you legally change your name due to a marriage or court order, you are mandated to complete a passport update. The process to update your name on a passport varies depending on your specific situation. The three main circumstances include:

• Your passport was issued less than one year ago.
  • You will not be required to pay an application fee.
• Your passport was issued more than one year ago.
  • You must submit proof of your name change when you apply in person.
• If you cannot legally document your name change.
  • You must have two people sign an affidavit and vouch for your name change.
  • You must provide three certified records using your new name in the last five years.

Ohio Expedited Passport Service

In some cases, you will need an expedited passport to travel soon, and the routine processing period takes far too long. Currently, there are three different tiers of expedited services available if you need a passport in a hurry.

• The standard expedited service can be requested by mail or at an acceptance facility for an expediting fee. Your passport will typically arrive in less than four to six weeks.
• For urgent international travel plans, you have the option to make an appointment to visit a regional passport agency or center. Using this method, your passport will typically in under two to three weeks.
• If you have a life-or-death emergency and need to travel outside the country within 72 hours, you can call the National Passport Information Center and schedule an appointment for their emergency passport service. You must provide proof of the emergency in addition to the usual passport application

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