Are you planning to travel to a different country? Is it your first time to go overseas? If you answer yes to these questions, then the first thing that you have to consider is getting a passport.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that is required in order to verify your nationality and identity when you enter and leave a foreign country. This is applied for in person and is granted, issued, and verified by the US Department of State.

If you are a first time passport applicant, you are required to apply in person, fill in the application form, and present important documents such as your certified birth certificate as proof of US citizenship, proof of identity such as your driver's license and government ID, and two passport photos. After presenting these items, you will pay all applicable fees including passport application fee and execution fee. However, if you want to get your passport quickly, you have to pay an expedite fee in addition to the regular application fee.

If there are minors who will be traveling with you, they are also required to have passports. For a child who is under age 14, he or she shall appear in person with the parent or legal guardian's consent. Minors aged 14 to 17 are also required to appear in person and will be requested to present a parental consent form.

Passport application is a very easy process if you know where to start and what documents are required for presentation. There are around 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States that can process your passport applications. All you have to do is visit the one nearest you.